You may think of spiders as more of a spring and summer pest problem, but this isn't necessarily the case. While they are definitely active during these seasons, you may also see spiders in your home during the wintertime. Since spiders are a year-round pest threat in our area, you need year-round pest control in Denver to protect your home from a spider infestation this winter and all year long!
Types Of Spiders You May Find In Your Home During The WinterÂ
Being able to tell spiders apart from one another can help you determine the exact spider species you're dealing with and which ones you should avoid. Here are the most common types of spiders in Colorado:
- Common House Spiders: These spiders vary in color but are typically yellowish-brown with dark rings on their legs. They range in size from 1/8 to 5/16 of an inch long. These spiders are not venomous.
- Wolf Spiders: These spiders have large, stocky bodies ranging from 1/4 to 1 3/8 inches long and are dark brown with lighter brown or yellowish colored markings. As their name suggests, wolf spiders are hairy and look quite intimidating, though they are pretty harmless.
- Yellow Sac Spiders: You would probably assume that these spiders are yellow from their name, but yellow sac spiders can actually be pale yellow, tan, or light brown and often have a greenish tint. They also have a faint vertical stripe on their back, and the tips of their legs are dark brown. These venomous spiders grow to between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch long.
- Black Widow Spiders: The most dangerous spider species on this list, black widows, are shiny dark brown or black, measure between 1 1/2 and 1 3/8 inches long, and have a distinct red hourglass marking on their rounded abdomens.
Why Spiders Want To Come Inside During Cold Weather
You may be wondering, "How do spiders survive the winter? Isn't it too cold for them?" Well, not exactly. Even outside, spiders won't die from the cold. Instead, they will enter a state called diapause, which is similar to hibernation. This doesn't mean that spiders will sleep for the entire winter but will become dormant and only emerge on warmer winter days to hunt for food. Since spiders can survive indoors and outdoors during the winter, you won't necessarily see them flocking to your home as the temperatures drop.
While other pests enter your home to flee the cold, spiders may follow the insects they eat indoors to reap the benefits. However, most of the spiders you see have already been living unnoticed in your home for quite some time. Yikes!
What Are Some Ways I Can Keep Spiders Out Of My Home?
The best way to keep spiders away is to be proactive, not just against spiders but also against the insects that spiders eat. Here are some helpful steps you can take to prevent winter spider infestations:
- Eliminate any cracks, crevices, holes, and gaps you find around the outside of your home or foundation by sealing these entry points with a silicone-based caulk.
- Repair or replace any damaged screens on your windows and doors.
- Move your woodpile at least 20 feet from your home or garage and remove excess clutter from your yard.
- Invest in ongoing pest control for your home that provides coverage for spiders and other common local pest pressures.
Beeline Pest Control Makes For The Best Spider Control All Winter
We don't blame you if you'd rather not share your home with spiders this winter! At Beeline Pest Control, we offer whole-house treatments for spiders to ensure we get rid of your spider problem. We also provide ongoing spider control services to protect your home from future spider invasions. To learn more about our Denver pest control options or to get started with fast and effective spider removal in Denver, call us today to get a free quote.