Do Spiders Come Inside for Winter?
When the weather cools and the leaves start to fall, it’s not just people who start heading indoors for warmth and comfort. Many homeowners notice an uptick in spider sightings once temperatures drop — but are these eight-legged guests really coming in from the cold, or have they been there all along?
Let’s take a closer look at what happens to spiders in winter, why they seem more noticeable inside this time of year, and how you can keep your home spider-free as the seasons change.
Do Spiders Actually Come Inside During Winter?
Contrary to popular belief, most spiders don’t actually migrate indoors when it gets cold. The majority of spiders that you see inside your home were likely born there. These are species that have adapted to living in human environments year-round — often in quiet, undisturbed places like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and closets.
Outdoor spiders, on the other hand, have their own strategies for surviving winter. Many species enter a dormant state similar to hibernation called diapause. They find shelter under tree bark, leaf litter, rocks, or even inside woodpiles and sheds, where they can stay protected from freezing temperatures.
So, if you’re suddenly spotting more spiders inside as fall turns to winter, it’s not that they’re rushing in for warmth — it’s that you’re noticing them more as they become active or move around your home looking for food and mates.
Why Spiders Are More Noticeable Indoors in the Cold Months
While spiders aren’t actively seeking warmth indoors, several factors make them more visible during the colder season:
- Less outdoor activity: As insects outside become less active in winter, spiders inside homes may move around more to find food.
- More time indoors: Homeowners naturally spend more time inside during fall and winter, increasing the likelihood of noticing cobwebs or the occasional spider skittering across the floor.
- Seasonal cleaning and decorating: Pulling out holiday decorations or reorganizing storage areas often disturbs long-hidden spider hideouts.
Essentially, the spiders have always been there — you’re just crossing paths more often.
Common House Spiders You Might See in Winter
Some of the most common spiders found indoors year-round include:
- Cellar spiders (a.k.a. “daddy longlegs”) – Often found in basements and corners, these harmless spiders help reduce other insect populations.
- House spiders – Small, web-building spiders that tend to stay put once they’ve found a good food source.
- Wolf spiders – Unlike web-builders, wolf spiders hunt on foot and may wander into living spaces while looking for prey.
- Brown recluse (in certain regions) – These spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas like attics or closets. While bites are rare, they can be serious and require professional attention.
Recognizing the type of spider you’re seeing can help determine whether it’s simply a harmless house spider or a pest that requires control.
How Spiders Survive the Winter
Spiders are remarkably resilient. Outdoor species prepare for cold weather by producing a natural antifreeze-like substance in their bodies that prevents their internal fluids from freezing. Many also lay eggs in protected sacs before winter arrives, ensuring the next generation will hatch when conditions warm up.
Indoor spiders, on the other hand, don’t need to adapt as much. Since the inside of your home stays warm and dry, they can remain active year-round — which is why you might see them even in the middle of winter.
Preventing Spiders from Taking Over Your Home
Even if most indoor spiders are harmless, few homeowners enjoy sharing their space with them. The good news? You can reduce spider activity (and their food sources) with a few simple steps:
1. Eliminate Other Pests
Spiders go where the food is — and their food is other insects. Reducing flies, ants, and other bugs naturally makes your home less attractive to spiders. Specter Pest Control offers comprehensive pest management plans that address all types of pest problems, not just spiders.
2. Seal Entry Points
Inspect doors, windows, vents, and foundation cracks. Even small gaps can allow insects (and sometimes spiders) to enter. Use weather stripping, caulk, and door sweeps to close potential openings.
3. Reduce Clutter
Cardboard boxes, old clothing, and cluttered corners are ideal spider hiding spots. Store items in plastic bins and keep storage areas organized to reduce potential nesting sites.
4. Maintain a Clean Environment
Regular dusting and vacuuming — especially in corners, under furniture, and behind appliances — can help remove webs, eggs, and small insects that spiders feed on.
5. Use Proper Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Opt for yellow “bug lights” or motion-activated lighting to minimize this effect.
If spiders are becoming a constant nuisance, professional treatment can provide lasting relief. Specter Pest Control uses safe, modern pest control methods designed to eliminate spiders without harming your family or pets.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re seeing more spiders than usual, especially venomous species like the brown recluse or black widow, it’s best to bring in a licensed pest control expert. Professional technicians can identify the source of the problem, eliminate infestations, and create a customized prevention plan to keep spiders out long-term.
Specter Pest Control’s team specializes in identifying hidden pest pressures that attract spiders — addressing the root cause, not just the symptom. That’s how we help homeowners enjoy peace of mind all year long.
Keep Spiders Outside Where They Belong
While most spiders prefer to stay out of sight, your home should be a place of comfort — not surprise encounters. Whether you’re dealing with a few webs or a recurring spider problem, a proactive approach goes a long way.
Specter Pest Control can help you reclaim your space with safe, reliable spider control services tailored to your home.
Schedule your free home inspection today and keep your home pest-free this winter and beyond.
