Why Spiders Seem Busier in the Fall
If you’ve noticed more spiders popping up around your home as soon as September and October roll in, you’re not imagining things. There are two main reasons for this seasonal surge:
The temperature drops
Even though many spiders live outdoors all year long, chilly nights push them to look for a warmer spot to spend the winter. A garage, basement, attic, or even a quiet corner of a living room is far more appealing than a damp woodpile or a cold shrub. Indoor spaces can also provide a steady food source if other bugs have made their way inside.
Fall is mating season for many species
This is the big one. Male spiders spend their summer growing, and once fall hits, they start wandering in search of females to mate with. That’s why you suddenly see them scurrying across the floor or hanging out near windows and doorways. They’re not targeting you; they’re just looking for love.
Common Spiders That Show Up in Northern California Homes
There are many types of spiders in our area, but only a handful are likely to end up inside your home. Based on years of helping local families with spider problems, here are the ones you’re most likely to come across in the fall:
House spiders
Small, brown, and not particularly flashy, these spiders weave messy, tangled webs in corners, storage rooms, and other quiet spots. Their activity picks up in the fall as males leave their webs to search for mates.
Wolf spiders
Large and fast, wolf spiders don’t spin webs. Instead, they stalk or hunt their prey. They sometimes wander indoors while chasing insects or looking for shelter. While they look scary, wolf spiders aren’t aggressive and will usually try to run from you.
Orb-weaver spiders
These are the artists of the spider world, known for their beautiful, wheel-shaped webs. In the fall, you’ll often notice them around windows, porches, or under eaves. They’re generally outdoor spiders, but they can wander inside, especially if lights are drawing in insects that they feed on.
Black widow spiders
Easily recognized by their shiny black bodies and red hourglass markings, black widows prefer outdoor hiding spots like woodpiles, sheds, and cluttered corners of garages. They’re less commonly found indoors, but if you do see one around your property, it’s best to be careful since their venom is potent.
Brown recluse spiders
This venomous species is less common but still worth mentioning. Brown recluse spiders like dark, undisturbed areas such as attics, basements, or closets filled with boxes. Fall activity increases as they move around more frequently. Because a brown recluse bite can be serious, it’s best to treat any sighting cautiously.
How Spiders Sneak Inside
Spiders don’t need much of an invitation to come indoors. Tiny cracks around windows, doors, foundations, or utility lines are all the openings they need to squeeze through. They can also walk right in through an open garage door, or even hitch a ride inside on firewood, boxes, or yard equipment. Once they find a spot that feels safe and provides access to food, they’re happy to stay.
Simple Steps to Keep Spiders Out This Fall
The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to make your home less appealing to spiders:
Seal and Secure Your Home
- Use caulk and weatherstripping to close up gaps around windows and doors
- Install or repair screens
- Add door sweeps to exterior doors
- Cover vents and chimneys with proper screens or caps
Clean and Declutter Indoors
- Vacuum regularly, especially in corners, under furniture, and in storage areas
- Swap cardboard boxes for sealed plastic containers to reduce hiding spots
- Keep clutter under control so spiders don’t have endless places to tuck themselves away
Reduce Their Food Supply
- Wipe down counters, clean up crumbs, and store food in sealed containers
- Empty and secure garbage bins
- Reduce outdoor lighting at night (or switch to yellow bug lights) to avoid drawing in insects, which in turn draw in spiders
Tidy Up Outdoors
- Trim back shrubs and branches that touch your house.
- Keep firewood stacked away from the exterior walls.
- Clear out yard debris, piles of leaves, and cluttered corners where spiders might hide.
- Clean out gutters so they don’t become damp bug magnets.
When It’s Time to Call Big Time for Spider Control
It’s normal to see the occasional spider in your house—especially in the fall when they’re more active. But if it starts to feel like you’re spotting them in every room, or you’ve run across species you’re not comfortable dealing with (like black widows or even a suspected recluse), that’s when it’s a good idea to bring in some backup.
At Big Time Pest Control, we don’t just treat the spiders you see; we get to the root of the problem. Our home pest control services are designed to target both spiders and the insects they feed on. That way, we’re not only removing the spiders that make you uneasy, but also cutting off the food supply that keeps them coming back.
Because we live and work in Northern California, we know exactly which pests are active in our area and how to stop them. With same-day service and effective treatments, we’ll make sure your home feels comfortable again, without the surprise of eight-legged guests.
Don’t Let Spiders Take Over Your Fall
Spiders may be part of the Halloween vibe, but you don’t want the real thing making your home their haunted house. By following prevention steps and partnering with Big Time Pest Control, you can enjoy the season without worrying about webs in your corners or creepy crawlies in your closets.
Contact us today to schedule your fall inspection and let our local team help you keep spiders where they belong, outside.
