As we enjoy the last weeks of summer, you might be noticing more of a particular type of unwanted guest in and around your home: spiders. It can be unsettling to see them seemingly appear out of nowhere, scurrying across the floor or building a new web in a doorway. This late-summer surge in spider activity is a normal seasonal event, but it’s one that most homeowners would rather not experience.
This increase isn’t necessarily a sign of a new infestation. It’s often driven by the spiders’ natural life cycle. At North Point Pest Solutions, we want to explain why you’re seeing more of them and what you can do to keep your home from becoming a spider sanctuary.
What’s Behind the Late-Summer Spider Surge?
There are two primary reasons for the noticeable increase in spider populations as we approach the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
- Mating Season: For many common spider species, late summer is peak mating season. Male spiders, which typically live reclusively, will leave their webs and hiding spots to actively wander in search of a mate. This increased movement makes them far more visible than at other times of the year. They are often seen trekking across walls, floors, and ceilings on their quest.
- Abundant Food Supply: The spiderlings that hatched in the spring have had the entire summer to grow. By August, they are reaching their full adult size, making them much more noticeable. Their growth has been fueled by a summer-long buffet of other insects like flies, ants, and mosquitoes. In essence, a healthy population of other pests in your yard leads to a healthy population of spiders.
Common Spiders You’ll See in Your Home
While most spiders are harmless and beneficial predators, there are a few you should be able to identify.
- Common House Spiders: These build the classic tangled webs in corners and windows. They are nuisance pests but pose no threat.
- Wolf Spiders: These large, hairy spiders are hunters and don’t build webs to catch prey. They can be alarming due to their size but are generally timid and their bite is rare.
- Black Widows: The most concerning find. As discussed previously, these glossy black spiders with the red hourglass marking on their underside are venomous. They prefer dark, cluttered areas like garages, woodpiles, and crawl spaces.
Your Spider-Proofing Strategy
You can make your home less attractive to both spiders and their insect prey with a few key actions:
- Control the Food Source: The most effective way to reduce spiders is to reduce the insects they feed on. Keep your kitchen clean, secure your trash, and address any ant or fly issues promptly.
- Seal the Entrances: Spiders will enter through any gap they can find. Inspect your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and tears in screens. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal these entry points.
- Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lights attract a wide variety of insects, which in turn attract spiders looking for an easy meal. Switch to yellow “bug-repellent” bulbs or use motion-sensor lights to minimize this effect.
- Clear Harborage: Keep your home’s perimeter clear of debris. Move firewood piles away from the foundation, trim back shrubs and vegetation that touch the house, and regularly knock down any visible webs with a broom or vacuum.
When Professional Help is Needed
If you are dealing with a large number of spiders, or if you’ve identified a dangerous species like a black widow, it’s time to call for professional help. The experts at North Point Pest Solutions can provide a comprehensive solution. We don’t just treat for the spiders; we address the underlying insect populations that are attracting them in the first place, creating a long-term solution for a pest-free home.
Don’t let the late-summer spider parade take over your home. Take action and enjoy the rest of the season in comfort.
Seeing more spiders than you’re comfortable with? Contact North Point Pest Solutions today for a complete inspection and a customized pest control plan.
About North Point Pest Solutions:
North Point Pest Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive pest control services. We are dedicated to providing our customers with effective, environmentally responsible solutions to their pest problems. Our team of experienced and certified technicians is committed to delivering exceptional service and lasting results.
