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Why do spiders become more visible in the fall?

October 3rd, 2024

In the fall in the Outaouais region, you might have noticed that spiders suddenly seem to appear everywhere inside your home. This phenomenon isn’t a coincidence but rather a natural consequence of the spiders’ life cycles and seasonal behaviour. Understanding why they become more visible during this time of year can help you better manage them and, most importantly, keep them outside your home.

The spider life cycle

The main reason you see more spiders in the fall is related to their reproduction cycle. During the summer, spiders typically remain hidden, staying in gardens, woodlands, or dark corners of the house. They spend this period feeding on insects, building webs, and growing. When fall arrives, male spiders reach sexual maturity and begin actively searching for females to mate with.

This quest often leads them out of their hiding spots and into more visible areas, including inside homes. This is why you frequently spot them in wall corners, near windows, or under furniture. Female spiders, on the other hand, tend to be less mobile but attract males through pheromones—chemical signals indicating their readiness to mate.

Climate changes and spiders

The cooling temperatures are another reason why spiders seem to invade our homes in the fall. As the weather becomes cooler, they seek warm, sheltered places for protection, and our homes provide just that. They are drawn to warmth, humidity, and the many hiding spots houses offer. Cracks in walls, poorly sealed windows, and open doors are entry points for these small creatures.

Additionally, as temperatures drop, the insects that spiders feed on become scarcer outside, pushing them to search for new food sources inside homes.

BW Nature Control tips for keeping spiders out of your house in Gatineau and Ottawa

While spiders are fascinating and useful for controlling insect populations, it’s understandable that many people prefer to keep them out of their homes. Here are some tips to prevent them from settling in during the fall:

  1. Seal entry points: Inspect your house for cracks, holes, or poorly insulated window joints. Use caulking or specific products to fill these openings, preventing spiders from entering.
  2. Regular cleaning: Vacuum regularly in corners, under furniture, and in places where spiders like to weave their webs. Keeping your home clean and dust-free reduces their hiding spots and their ability to feed on insects.
  3. Outdoor lighting: Insects are attracted to light, and spiders are attracted to insects. By reducing outdoor lighting or using insect-repellent lights, you’ll also decrease the presence of spiders near your home.
  4. Use natural repellents: Spiders dislike certain scents, such as peppermint, lavender, or citronella essential oils. You can make your own repellent sprays by mixing a few drops of these oils with water and spraying it around windows, doors, and other entry points.
  5. Reduce outdoor clutter: Wood piles, dead leaves, and other debris around your home are prime locations for spiders. By keeping these areas clean and tidy, you reduce their habitat and their presence near your house.

Spiders become more visible in the fall due to their reproductive cycle and the need to find warm places to shield themselves from the cold. By taking a few preventive measures, you can limit their presence inside your home. Keep in mind that despite their sometimes-frightening appearance, spiders are valuable allies in controlling insect populations. By following the advice of BW Nature Control in Gatineau and Ottawa, you can enjoy a spider free fall while respecting their role in the ecosystem.

 

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