Baby, it’s cold outside! And the pests know it! As the temperatures drop, humans aren’t the only ones cozying up indoors to keep warm. You may find more frequent pest infestations in your home if rodents, insects, and other invaders find your home satisfactory for accessing food and shelter. And one of the biggest offenders in Kansas City homes in the fall and winter? Spiders!
Let’s talk about why you may be seeing more spiders than usual around your home this cold season, and how you can up your spider management game for fall prevention.
Seasonal Spider Behavior: What Happens to Spiders in Winter?
The common belief is that spiders migrate indoors in the colder months to stay warm and survive, but these cold-blooded creatures are much more resilient than that! Spiders have a few different biological defenses against freezing temperatures. Their bodies produce compounds that have a similar effect to the anti-freeze you might spray on your car, lowering the freezing point of their cells to help them withstand icy temperatures.
Spiders may still seek shelter in the winter, of course, but not at a significantly higher rate than any other time of year. Here’s the main difference: When spiders find shelter in colder months, they may enter a state called “diapause,” which is similar to hibernation. They move more slowly and spend longer periods dormant, coming out of this state to hunt on warmer days. Yes, spiders are more likely to come indoors during the fall and winter . . . but it’s not because they need the warmth. Keep reading to see why!
Indoor Spider Management Tips
If you’re seeing an uptick in spider activity in your home, here are a few things you should know to improve your spider management and fall prevention skills:
Identifying Spiders
Before you go about trying to deal with spiders on your own, take the time to learn about different spider species in Kansas City and which ones you should avoid trying to capture or eliminate without professional help. Brown recluses, for instance, will keep to themselves unless threatened, and their bite is not a pleasant one!
Address Underlying Insect Infestations
If you notice increased spider activity in your home this winter, it’s probably not because they’re seeking a warm space. Spiders are likely visiting your home to search for their own prey! Many species of insects head indoors in the colder months, making this an essential time of year for pest control.
One of the biggest draws for spiders seeking shelter is finding a location with easy access to prey. If your home has other insects, spiders will think they’ve hit the jackpot!
So if you see more spiders, it’s a clue: you may have other pests hiding in your home! It’s time to call for professional help.
Do Natural Remedies Work for Spider Management?
Here’s the short answer: No! Nothing is as effective as seeking professional spider control support. If you need help with spider management, it’s best to call the pros.
If you don’t have any spiders in your home and want to prevent them from visiting, one smart strategy is to seal up any cracks. Check your windows, doors, and siding for any possible entry points and make those repairs.
Keeping a clean home (both inside and outside!) is a great way to prevent pests of all kinds. Reduce clutter to minimize the chances of spiders finding cozy corners to build their webs. Keep up with landscaping, trimming shrubs and trees back from the side of your home. Clean and vacuum your home frequently, especially around potential spider hiding spots. And store valuable items in sealed plastic containers so they’re protected if any pests do get into your home.
When to Seek Help from Professional Pest Control
If you see spiders in your home, you should seek professional help removing them rather than trying to do it yourself. Pests multiply quickly, so don’t wait to call. Our team at Advantage Termite & Pest Control knows the safest methods for eliminating all manner of pests, so leave it to us.
It’s always smart to call the professionals. Spider control can be a tricky business, and we’ll eliminate the pests in a way that’s safe for both your family and your pets.
Gain the Upper Hand on Arachnid Invasions
As your go-to spider control experts, we can also help you deal with any other insect infestations that may be contributing to spider activity in your home. Sign up for one of our pest control programs and we’ll help maintain an infestation-free home that won’t attract predators like arachnids! Call us at first sight – we do it right!