Fall Spider Outlook
Fall is one of the most active times for spiders. We often have pest control calls about spiders during summer when the males are out looking for mates. That is especially true of wolf spiders. However, fall is a prime spider pest alert month. That is because the summer spiders who have made their way into your home have not begun to hatch babies. Small spiders go unnoticed, and suddenly there is an infestation. That situation involves many types of spiders, but especially the long-legged cellar spider.
Fall 2019 Is Ramping up to Be a Big Spider Year
The mild spring started it off, and spiders were able to emerge from overwintering early. That is in thanks to the early jump insects had on growing their populations: the more food, the more spiders. During the fall months, when the cold starts to set in, the insect population takes a huge hit. Colder weather for spiders means finding shelter and homes and businesses are a prime target for overwinter habitation. Houses and businesses are warmed, and insects and spiders can sense that warmth. In short, your cozy abode is attracting pests that need a place out of the cold.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders can be large or small. They usually do not spin webs, though some may make a web-lined burrow in which they live. These are ground-hunting spiders, which means they roam about looking for food. In the spring the males are everywhere searching for mates. In the fall, the spiders are hunting for food and a place to overwinter. Because these are ground-hunting spiders, they are very fast and very agile. Some species chase down their prey while others launch themselves out of their burrow onto their prey: either way, few people like them in their home.
Long-Legged Cellar Spiders
In complete contrast to wolf spiders, the long-legged cellar spider is a web spinner. These long-legged, small-bodied spiders suddenly appear in every corner of the house. When their egg sacs hatch, small, nearly invisible spiders emerge everywhere. Are they dangerous? No, not at all. Even if they bite you, which is rare, there is very little danger. In fact, you might consider leaving a few as they are excellent at catching mosquitoes that get into your home.
If spiders have overrun your home, reach out to our team. We provide comprehensive pest control that is safe and efficient throughout the Bryan and College Station Communities.
