Why Are Spiders So Bad in the Fall?

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, it is not uncommon to notice more spiders in and around your home or building. While this may be alarming at first, you can have some peace of mind that most spiders are not dangerous, and the ones that pose a threat prefer to stay safely hidden.

So, why are there so many spiders in the fall, and what can you do to keep spiders and their webs away from your house?

Spiders in the Fall

If you’re noticing more spiders in the fall, it’s because spider breeding season is wrapping up, and the spiders are preparing for the cold winter months. Spiders are cold-blooded; like many creatures, some spiders go dormant when temperatures drop.

The cold prompts the spiders to seek somewhere quiet and dark to ride out the cold. Often, our homes and structures are the ideal places for them. Are you seeing more spiders around your home this fall? What should you do?

The internet will provide no shortage of natural remedies for spiders, but many of these are a myth. Read on to determine how to avoid wasting time and money on spider control that doesn’t work.

Spray for Spiders

One of the most common online searches regarding spiders is “spider spray” or “how to spray the house for spiders.” Spiders can become a real nuisance for homeowners. Understandably, people want a simple and easy way to take care of them pronto. Just know that spider control isn’t that simple.

When it comes to over-the-counter treatments for spiders, these are far more effective when directly applied as a spot treatment rather than a general application around the home to repel spiders. Most spiders aren’t repelled by much.

Professional quality pesticides are a different story, but these are not always the best option for spider control. Chemical treatment shouldn’t be the only control method a professional pest company uses. If you are interested in consulting with experienced pest professionals in Utah regarding spider sprays and other spider control methods, contact us at Thorn Pest Solutions.

SOME QUICK ADVICE FROM Thorn: A commonly spread “fact” is that lemon and peppermint essential oils are a cure-all for spider issues. This Is not true. While studies have shown that peppermint oil will repel a specific species of spiders, this does not cover all spider species, and lemon was shown to be ineffective against all spiders.

How to Keep Spiders Out of Your House This Fall

Effective spider control starts with understanding the biology of the spider.

Know that spiders are a vital part of the ecosystem; without them, the planet would be overrun by insects. While spiders may be creepy, they help keep the environmental balance. The goals should be:

• Minimize their presence
• Keep them outside where they belong

If you’re seeing more spiders around your home headed into autumn, this is probably because spider breeding season is in early fall. They’re out busy looking for a mate. Spiders are also getting ready for winter, meaning they’re looking for safe spots to settle in and prepare for the cold.

You’ll need to think like a spider to keep spiders outside where they belong. Not only will this reduce their presence in the fall, but it will also help get ahead of spring population booms.

3 Ways to Keep Spiders Out of Your House Year Round

Since treatments aren’t generally the best way to deal with spiders, there are several simple, all-natural control methods you can implement to keep spiders at bay. If spider management is your goal, these methods should be implemented whether you have a professional spider control company or not.

Turn Lights Off

It’s no secret that spiders love to eat flies and other insects. This means they will be especially attracted to areas where small, flying insects congregate, where they can build a web nearby and easily catch meal after meal.

If you have porch lights, exterior string lights, or even interior lights that you leave on at night, these can attract flying insects that are attracted to light, including:

• Various flies
• Moths
• Beetles

Spiders would love to trap any one of these flying pests. If you want to avoid spiders hanging out on your porch or leaving cobwebs around your exterior lights, turn them off when they’re not in use, especially at night.

Trim Back Vegetation

To reduce the presence of spiders in and around your home, keep shrubs and trees around your house trimmed back and away from the foundation.

Spiders can access your house through the natural cracks and crevices around your home, such as around door and window trim, gaps under the siding, crawlspace and attic vents, and soffits. If spiders are hiding out in the vegetation around your home, they’ll be happy to use it to access your home if the opportunity is there.

Spiders will also build webs that connect from the side of your home to a nearby shrub or tree. Ideally, leave at least 18” around your home’s foundation and keep your landscape well-maintained. By maintaining plants around your house trimmed back, spiders won’t be able to set up camp.

Spider Sweep

This is where a professional pest control company can be helpful, especially if you are not fond of spiders.

Spider sweeping is a method of physical removal used to remove spiders, egg sacs, and webs, and it is one of the most effective long-term solutions for spiders. Not only does it remove the spiders you see, but it also disturbs and removes egg sacs that would later hatch into more spiders.

The only thing about spider sweeping? It needs to be done on a recurring basis to be effective. Spiders will continue to multiply if left undisturbed, and regular removal of egg sacs significantly reduces the number of spiders present over time.

Many recurring pest control services (such as Thorn's HomeGuard residential pest service) include reducing spider populations through regular spider sweeping. Are you interested in a consultation? Give us a call or drop us a message so you can discuss your spider issue with one of our pest specialists.

Keep Fall Spiders Away From Your Utah Home

Can’t seem to keep the spiders away from your Utah home this fall? You’re not alone!

Thorn Pest Solutions helps thousands of Utah residents (and business owners) keep spiders away year-round. If you live in Utah and need regular spider control, we’ll clear your home of egg sacs and webs regularly, so spiders are less likely to call your house ‘home’.