Why You’re Seeing More Spiders in the Winter
As you walk down your chilly neighborhood sidewalk in the winter, you may notice there’s hardly a bug in sight—no bees buzzing by the bushes, no flies overhead, and nothing but frost or snow on the ground. When you get back home, however, don’t be surprised to find some pests have moved indoors to escape the frigid weather.
Pest control is just as crucial in the wintertime as it is throughout the year. Spiders, in particular, are a common and unwelcome winter pest. With Brooks Pest Solutions, you can shield your home year-round from spiders and other pests before they make themselves comfortable.
What Makes Spiders Special?
While many insects are pests, not all pests are insects. Spiders, for example, are arachnids because they have eight legs and a hard external skeleton. Their unique bodies make them quick and nimble—perfect for hunting.
Their diet also drives their behavior. As hunters, spiders use two main strategies: some actively chase their prey, while others build webs and wait for their next meal to get caught. But what happens when they bite people?
Identifying Spider Bites
Though most spider species are harmless, some can pose severe risks. To identify the signs of a spider bite, look for symptoms that range from mild irritation to severe reactions, depending on the spider species and individual sensitivities. Fortunately, unlike bites from some other pests, spider bites are relatively rare and often occur only as a defensive measure.
Where Do Spiders Go in the Winter?
Like other pests, spiders need warmth, shelter, and food during the winter. However, because spiders feed exclusively on bugs, their migration indoors is often tied to the presence of prey. When flies, ants, roaches, and other pests move inside, spiders follow close behind. With their prey concentrated in smaller areas, it’s easy to see why spiders prefer to come indoors during the colder months.
Types of House Spiders
Contrary to popular belief, the term “house spider” is a broad label that applies to many different species. Here are some of the most common spiders that fall into this category:
- Common house spider. Brownish-yellow with an elongated abdomen and often builds webs in corners.
- Cellar spider. Long, thin legs and small bodies, these spiders tend to be found in basements and crawl spaces.
- Wolf spider. Larger, hairy spiders that hunt actively rather than spinning webs.
- Black widow. Easily identified via their shiny black body and red hourglass marking and known for venomous bites.
- Brown recluse. Light brown with a violin-shaped marking on its back. They are also venomous but shy compared to the black widow.
Signs of a Spider Infestation
The most obvious sign of a spider infestation is the presence of webs. Spiders use these remarkably strong structures to trap prey, but it’s important to note that many species spin new webs daily. This means you may not see the same spider in the same spot twice, as they often relocate.
Not all spiders build webs, though. Many prefer to ambush their prey from hidden locations, such as corners, under appliances, or behind furniture. Another sign of spiders in your home is any egg sacs they leave behind, which are typically small, round, and silken in appearance.
As a good rule of thumb, if you’ve spotted other pests in your home, spiders are likely nearby as well.
Call Brooks Pest Solutions for Winter Spider Control
The only bug hunters you should want in your home are the qualified pest control specialists from Brooks, not spiders. With years of spider control experience and the best tools and techniques in the business, we’ll help you shield your home from wintertime spider infestations and all the other pests that draw them indoors.
Request your free pest control quote from Brooks Pest Solutions today!