If it seems like spiders are everywhere in the fall in Suffolk County & Nassau County, thereโs a good reason for it. As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, these small seasonal changes have a big impact on spider behavior. Many spiders die off due to the cold and reduced food sources, meaning there are actually fewer spiders overall.
So why does it feel like their numbers increase? The shift in weather and light triggers changes in how spiders act, forcing them to move indoors or become more noticeable, a survival tactic that helps them thrive in the warmer months. Suburban Exterminating can help keep spiders out of your home.
Fall Spider Activity Explained
As the seasons change and temperatures drop, many homeowners notice an increase in spider activity. While it may feel like there are more spiders around, the reality is a bit different.ย Here are the main reasons why spiders seem more noticeable in the fall:
- Fewer Spiders Overall:ย It may feel like spider numbers increase in the fall, but there are actually fewer spiders. Many die off as temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
- More Visible Spiders:ย Even with smaller populations, youโre more likely to notice spiders during the fall for several reasons.
- Seeking Shelter:ย Many spiders move indoors in search of warmth, and since you spend more time inside during cooler months, encounters become more frequent.
- Easy Entry Points:ย Spiders can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps in your exterior, making it easier for them to be seen inside.
Why Do We See More Spiders in Fall?
Overall, spider activity doesnโt change much with the seasons, yet they seem more noticeable in the fall.ย The reasons include:
- Spring: Small and Hard to Spot:ย Spiders are young and small in the spring, so even though theyโre active, theyโre much harder to notice.
- Summer: Plenty of Food:ย During the summer, food is abundant. Spiders donโt need to travel far to hunt, and web-building spiders have their webs at peak effectiveness.
- Autumn: Moving Indoors:ย In the fall, many spiders move inside to find shelter and reestablish habitats, making them more visible during this transitional period.
- Fall and Winter: Larger Spiders Stand Out:ย Larger spiders, which are easier to notice, typically survive longer into the fall and winter than smaller spiders.
- Web Hunters: Bigger, More Noticeable Webs:ย With fewer flying insects available in the fall and winter, web-building spiders create larger webs that are easier to spot.
What Do Spiders Do in the Fall?
The colder temperatures of fall bring many survival challenges for spiders and the insects they rely on for food. Many spiders die soon after the weather turns, though some manage to endure the change. Survival depends on both their adaptability and access to shelter.
Certain spiders can undergo โcold hardening,โ allowing them to adjust to dropping temperatures. Even so, they seek refuge in natural hiding spots like leaf piles, tree bark, or bushes, but a warm home often proves far more inviting. Spider behavior in colder months varies by species, with some laying eggs in the fall while others wait until spring. Eggs can freeze, yet spiderlings inside egg sacs are usually well protected.
Which Spiders Are Most Visible in Fall?
As the weather cools and spiders seek shelter, certain species become more noticeable inside homes and around properties.ย Here are some of the spiders youโre most likely to see in the fall:
- Giant House Spiderโจ
- Hobo Spider
- Common House Spiderโจ
- Cellar Spiderโจ
- Yellow Garden Spiderโจ
- Orb-Weaver Spider
What Are the Best Ways to Keep Spiders Out in Fall?
Spiders can find their way indoors through a variety of entry points. The best way to keep them out is to seal cracks and gaps in your homeโs exterior and reduce potential hiding spots near your foundation.ย Here are some key strategies to prevent spiders from entering:
- Windows and Screens:ย Seal any holes in your windows and storm door screens to prevent spiders from entering.
- Doors and Gaps:ย Close gaps around doors using proper fittings or a sturdy door sweep.
- Declutter:ย Remove clutter in and around your home to reduce potential hiding spots for spiders.
- Landscaping:ย Keep shrubs, bushes, and other landscaping near your home well-trimmed to limit spider harborage areas.
- Cleaning:ย Vacuum or brush corners, ceilings, and other surfaces to eliminate existing cobwebs.
- Professional Help:ย Work with a trainedย spider exterminatorย to identify infestations, apply targeted treatments, and prevent future spider problems.
Do Spiders Become More Dangerous in Fall and Winter?
No, spiders arenโt more dangerous in the fall and winter. Theyโre just more likely to be closer to you. Inside your home, they often settle in corners or under clutter near water sources. If left alone, spiders wonโt bother you. Theyโre generally not aggressive, but a bite can occur if theyโre startled or handled unexpectedly.
Outside, spiders are much less active during the colder months, usually remaining in the shelter theyโve found. They may emerge on warmer winter days, but for the most part, theyโre far less visible than during spring and summer.
Trust the Professional Spider Exterminators at Suburban Exterminating
Spiders are truly fascinating, displaying skills and behaviors that are remarkable in nature. That said, finding them inside your home or office can be stressful. In Suffolk County & Nassau County, environmental factors often drive them indoors, making encounters more common. We can handle these situations for you! Our team at Suburban Exterminating provides reliable, professional solutions to keep spiders under control and prevent future infestations.
For a trusted and thorough approach,ย call Suburban Exterminatingย to handle spider problems efficiently.
