As the weather shifts and temperatures many homeowners and businesses notice a surge in unwanted visitors—spiders. While these eight-legged creatures play a valuable role in controlling other pests, their presence indoors can be unsettling for residents, employees, and customers alike.
So, why does spider activity increase during this time of year—and what can you do to keep them out?
Why Are You Seeing More Spiders Right Now?
1. It’s Mating Season
Late summer and early fall mark mating season for many spider species. Males start actively roaming in search of females, often making their way indoors in the process.
2. Changing Weather
As the temperatures cool down, spiders (like many pests) seek warmth and shelter—often inside homes, garages, basements, and commercial buildings.
3. Abundant Food Sources
If you’re seeing more spiders, it might be because your space also has a healthy population of insects—flies, mosquitoes, or ants—which are ideal spider prey. Spiders tend to settle where food is plentiful.
4. Gaps and Cracks
Spiders can squeeze through very small openings. Gaps under doors, cracks around windows, and poorly sealed vents offer easy entry points, especially during seasonal transitions.
Where Spiders Like to Hide
- Corners of rooms and ceilings
- Behind furniture and appliances
- Basements and garages
- Closets and storage bins
- Window sills and door frames
- Outdoor areas like sheds, porches, and woodpiles
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home or Business
1. Seal Entry Points
Use caulk to close gaps around windows, baseboards, and pipes. Install door sweeps and weather stripping where needed. Don’t forget to inspect vents and utility lines.
2. Reduce Clutter
Spiders love quiet, undisturbed places. Keep storage areas clean and organized, and avoid leaving piles of boxes or papers sitting untouched.
3. Eliminate Their Food Source
Preventing other pests (like flies and ants) can reduce the spider population. Use proper waste management and keep lights off when not needed, especially at night (to avoid attracting flying insects).
4. Vacuum Frequently
Regular vacuuming of corners, window sills, and under furniture can eliminate webs, eggs, and even live spiders.
5. Turn Off Outdoor Lights at Night
Or switch to yellow “bug lights.” Standard lights attract insects, which in turn attract hungry spiders.
6. Trim Landscaping
Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from buildings. Remove debris and woodpiles near the structure, which can harbor spiders and other pests.
7. Call a Professional
If spider activity is frequent or you’re seeing dangerous species (like black widows or brown recluses), it’s best to call a pest control professional. They can safely treat your property and offer ongoing prevention services.
Spiders may be helpful outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you want them inside. By understanding their behavior and taking a few proactive steps, you can keep your space comfortable, safe, and spider-free this season.