Legs For Days…How To Get Rid of Spiders

There are over 4,000 species of spiders in North America. All spiders feed only on insects and other small arthropods. Therefore, where there are spiders, there are other insects. But when is the prime time to be concerned about these leggy pests and how do you get rid of them?

Movement of spiders into and around homes greatly accelerates after the cooler weather arrives in the fall. Many spiders like the Hobo and Jumping Spiders wait until after the first frost and then move into warmer areas like attics, basements, garages, window wells, or under tree bark to “over-winter,” which is a mild form of hibernation.

Spiders can survive for months without food and most spiders can survive sub-freezing temperatures, but very typically will relocate to warmer surroundings after temperatures drop below freezing to over-winter. In several species, young spiderlings hatch out, then remain in a communal webbed egg sac through the winter. Spiders that over-winter or hibernate often are not deeply asleep, and periodically may crawl about in search of insect food. Although rare, some North American spider bites can be fatal. If you suspect a Black Widow, Hobo Spider, or Brown Recluse spider bite, seek immediate medical attention.