Spiders in October: What’s Creeping Into North Carolina Homes This Fall?
As autumn brings cooler temperatures to North Carolina, many homeowners notice an increase in spiders indoors. The seasonal shift prompts spiders to seek shelter and food inside homes. Understanding why this happens and which species are common can help keep your home comfortable and pest-free. This guide covers the fall spiders you’re most likely to see in October, why they become more prevalent with cooler weather, and simple prevention strategies.
Why Spiders Are More Noticeable in the Fall
Spider sightings rise in autumn mainly due to mating season and the search for shelter. Males wander in late summer and early fall seeking mates, making them more visible indoors. Cooler temperatures also drive spiders and their prey inside, where warmth and food are available.
Common Fall Spiders in North Carolina Homes
House Spiders
Small and typically brown or gray, house spiders build tangled webs in corners, basements, and closets. Their presence often signals other insects are nearby.
Wolf Spiders
Large, hairy, and fast-moving, wolf spiders hunt prey on the ground rather than using webs. They enter homes through gaps under doors, basements, and garages.
Black Widow Spiders
Black widows have a red hourglass on their abdomen and prefer dark, undisturbed spots like sheds, woodpiles, and cluttered garages. They are venomous but not aggressive.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Brown recluses are shy and identifiable by a violin-shaped marking on their back. They dwell in low-traffic areas such as attics, behind furniture, or inside storage boxes. Bites are rare but should be treated seriously.
How to Prevent Spiders from Entering Your Home
A proactive approach is the most effective way to manage fall spiders. By making your home less accessible and attractive to them, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
1. Seal Entry Points
Thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes that spiders could use to get inside.
- Use caulk to seal cracks in the foundation and around windows and doors.
- Install weather stripping on doors and repair any torn window screens.
- Cover vents and utility openings with fine-gauge mesh.
2. Reduce Outdoor Attractants
Your home’s immediate surroundings can either attract or deter spiders.
- Keep firewood, leaf piles, and other debris away from the foundation.
- Trim back shrubs, trees, and other vegetation that touches the house.
- Switch to exterior lighting with yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, which are less attractive to the insects that spiders prey on.
3. Maintain Indoor Cleanliness
A clean home offers fewer hiding spots and less food for spiders and their prey.
- Regularly dust and vacuum, paying close attention to corners, under furniture, and other undisturbed areas.
- Store items in sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes, especially in basements and attics.
- Control other indoor pests, as an abundant food source will draw more spiders.
If you’re noticing an unusual number of fall spiders in your home this fall, don’t wait to get help. Contact a local pest control professional today to schedule an inspection and keep your home protected and comfortable for your family this season.