As pumpkins light up porches and skeletons rattle in the breeze, autumn transforms our neighborhoods into spooky wonderlands. But amidst the Halloween festivities, there’s one real-life creepy crawler that isn’t part of the decorations: spiders. If you’ve ever wondered why spiders love fall, you’re not alone. This Halloween season, let’s uncover the eerie reasons behind this spooky surge and learn how to keep these eight-legged invaders out of your home and business in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
Why Spiders Love Fall
Spiders are a common sight throughout the year in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan, but their presence seems to intensify during the fall. While we have reviewed before the most common house spiders and what the poisonous spiders of our region are, here’s why spiders love fall, making it their prime season for activity:
- Mating Season: Much like a haunted love story, fall is the time when many spider species reach maturity and start searching for mates. Male spiders become more active as they wander in search of females, leading to an increase in sightings.
- Temperature Changes: As the chilly air starts to creep in, spiders seek warmer environments. Your cozy home or business becomes an inviting haunted haven, providing shelter from the cold.
- Food Sources: Autumn is also a time of plenty for spiders. The abundance of insects, which they feed on, makes this season particularly attractive. The lights in your home or business attract insects, which in turn attract spiders, creating a frightening feast for these predators.
- Lack of Predators: During fall, many of the predators that typically keep spider populations in check become less active or move to other areas, giving spiders more freedom to roam and reproduce. This eerie lack of balance contributes to their increased activity.
Preventing Spider Infestations
Understanding why spiders love fall is the first step in preventing them from invading your space. Here are some effective strategies to keep spiders at bay:
- Seal Entry Points: Spiders can enter through the tiniest of cracks and crevices. Inspect your home or business for any gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these openings and prevent spiders from sneaking in, much like keeping vampires out with garlic.
- Reduce Clutter: Spiders thrive in cluttered environments. Clear out piles of leaves, wood, and debris around your property. Inside, keep storage areas tidy and organized to minimize hiding spots.
- Use Screens: Ensure all windows and doors are equipped with screens that are in good condition. Repair any holes or tears to keep spiders and other insects out.
- Outdoor Lighting: Since insects are attracted to light, consider using yellow or sodium vapor lights for outdoor lighting. These types of lights are less attractive to insects, which means fewer spiders will be drawn to your property.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your home or business clean and free of cobwebs. Regularly dust and vacuum to remove spider eggs and webs. Pay special attention to corners, ceilings, and other less-frequented areas. The only spider webs that should be around your property during this time of the year, are the fake ones that are used as decoration.
- Natural Repellents: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus, are known to repel spiders. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz around windows, doors, and other entry points. Consider it your own witch’s brew to ward off unwelcome guests.
Enjoy a Spider-Free Fall and Halloween
While these tips can help reduce spider activity, sometimes professional intervention is necessary to ensure your home or business remains spider-free. At Delving Pest Control, we understand why spiders love fall and have the expertise to tackle any spider infestation. Our team uses safe and effective methods to eliminate spiders and prevent future invasions.
This Halloween season, don’t let creepy crawlers give you a fright. Contact Delving Pest Control for all your pest control needs in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Whether it’s a residential property or a commercial space, we’re here to help you enjoy a pest-free environment all year round.
