They’re creepy and they’re crawly and altogether spooky. That’s why spiders are associated with Halloween. Have you ever noticed this time of the year spider webs become more prevalent?
In fact, check any doorway outside and you’ll likely run into a web. I opened the door to let Boomer, the dog, out and inadvertently destroyed a web created by a spider. Several hours later, the web was repaired and intact.
Spider facts
The lifecycle of the arachnid begins in the spring with hatching. Spiders that survive into adulthood are big enough to spin webs by the fall.
Webs are not only created to catch food but also for females to lay eggs. The spiders we typically see spinning those geometric webs in the fall are females.
Some spider species are solo creatures and often travel alone, unless during mating. If you see two spiders grouped together, the larger of the two is the female.
Male spiders provide the genetic material and once mating is complete, female spiders typically consume them.
Warmer temperatures means larger spiders
Some species of spiders die when the temperatures drop below freezing. However, if it’s a warm fall, these spiders have more time to eat and grow, leading to bigger spiders.
Other spiders have evolved to survive the colder temperatures, either by seeking shelter indoors or in a pile of leaves or rocks. Once they find this spot, they will go into a state of diapause, slowing down or suspending their body processes into dormancy.
Brown recluse
A venomous spider commonly found in the Midwest and South-Central U.S. is called the Brown Recluse spider. The name “recluse” is fitting, as these spiders are often found hiding in unused drawers, basements, closets, garages or attics.
Before wearing garments found in these locations, including shoes and boots, be sure to inspect them and shake them out to rid of the arachnids. This spider species is quite social, meaning there could be more hiding nearby.
The females lay their eggs in their untidy webs, but spend little of their time in them.
These spiders are identified by the violin shape of their heads and are usually observed running or walking around.
If you think you have a Brown Recluse spider problem in your home, it is best to call in the professionals with a licensed exterminator.
Wolf spiders
This type of spider does not behave like a typical spider. In fact, it got its name because of its ability to run down its prey like a wolf and its large appearance. They don’t spin webs to catch their food.
The female wolf spider attaches her egg sac to herself and carries it around on the bottom of her abdomen. After the eggs hatch, she will then carry her babies on her back.
Wolf spiders will only bite if provoked, but their bites are harmless to humans. They are common all over the United States, including Hawaii, and are found in all different habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, as well as coastal forests and even alpine meadows. They like to find warm places to hibernate so don't be surprised to find them hiding under furniture or in the basement.
Tips to keep spiders away
Like any insect, these arachnids will find their way into your home by any means necessary, but this will offer you the best way to keep the majority at bay.
- Seal any cracks or small holes
- Seal all entryways
- Remove webs as soon as they appear
- Keep a clean kitchen free of food and crumbs
- Turn off exterior lights as much as possible because lights attract bugs and bugs will attract spiders
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
-
