Are Spiders More Active In The Fall?

Spiders in South Carolina tend to catch your eye more in the fall, but does that mean they're more active? Let's clear up what's really happening with these eight-legged creepy crawlies as the weather cools. In this blog, we'll look at four reasons homeowners in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and throughout the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas start seeing more spiders in the fall—and tell you how to keep them out. As always, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company is here to answer questions and help property owners eliminate spiders and other pests, no matter the season.

Four reasons why it seems like there are more spiders around in the fall

Spiders have spent all summer growing
By the time fall arrives, spiders have had the entire summer to grow and mature. The baby spiders you didn’t notice earlier in the year have become full-grown adults, making them more visible.

More spider webs are hanging around
With a growing population of adult spiders, you’ll likely see more spider webs in and around your home in the fall. These webs are signs of increased spider activity.

Fall is mating season for many spiders
In the fall, spiders are not only larger, but they are also looking for mates. This means you’ll likely see male spiders searching for partners around your home or yard.

Dropping temps send spiders indoors
As the days get shorter and the cooler temperatures arrive, spiders and the insects they feed on head indoors, seeking warmth and shelter. This can give the impression that there are suddenly more spiders when they’re just looking for a nice place to hide and build webs.

Simple & practical spider prevention tips

At the end of summer and heading into fall, you can reduce spider activity near your home and deter these pests from entering. Let's look at each of these steps one at a time.

• Check your exterior for webs and remove them. If you find a paper-like sac, crush it underfoot. Doing so will destroy the eggs and prevent hundreds of new spiders from emerging.
• Remove spider webs in your garage, sheds, storage lockers, and other indoor spaces.
• Stay on top of the clutter. Spiders and insects love to hide in cluttered spaces. Keep areas like the garage, attic, and closets tidy by reducing piles of boxes, clothes, and other odds and ends that get tossed in. We also recommend using durable plastic storage containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent pests from getting into them.
• Clean your gutters to reduce perimeter dampness that attracts moisture pests. Spiders eat those pests, too, and many spider species are also attracted to humid conditions.
• Keep lights off at night where it is not a security concern. Many insects are attracted to light, and once again, spiders come to eat those insects.
• Make sure spiders can’t get inside by fixing gaps around pipes and other utilities, sealing gaps around windows and doors, replacing torn or damaged screens, installing door sweeps, replacing weatherstripping, covering vents with pest-proof material, sealing the crawl space door, and fixing cracks in the foundation.

These methods will help you reduce the number of spiders near your home and block their entry into your home. Now, let's focus on pest management and look at ways Harris Pest Control can help you keep spiders out.

Professional spider control for Pee Dee & Grand Strand residents

If it’s too late and you’ve already noticed spiders and their unsightly webs in or around your home, contact Harris Pest Control for help. Since 1973, we’ve been providing home pest control services that not only exterminate spiders but also target the insects that attract them. What’s more, we offer a few plans to choose from, allowing you to select the level of coverage that suits your needs and budget. Check out our plans and pricing below, and keep in mind they all include spider control!