Beware of Spooky Spiders this Fall Season

If you’ve noticed more spiders in your home recently, you’re not alone! Fall is peak season for many spider species found throughout parts of the U.S. so more frequent sightings are common this time of year and can give quite a scare if you find them in your home. To help homeowners avoid encounters with these spooky pests, Cowleys is sharing key information about spider habits and prevention tips. 

"Just like us humans, spiders like warm environments where they can be sheltered from cold weather” said Bill Cowley, CoOwner at Cowleys. “Unfortunately, homes provide the perfect harborage site for these creepy crawlers to hide out during the cool fall and winter months, which can lead to increased spider encounters and even a large infestation.”

While some spiders bite if disturbed, most species are not harmful to humans. However, there are two species with particularly potent bites that can lead to severe symptoms such as pain and swelling or an open sore at the bite site, redness, cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, tremors, sweating, and more. 

Black widow spiders are black and shiny with a telltale red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. This spider tends to seek out dry and dark locations. Female black widow spiders are known to be aggressive and bite in defense, especially when guarding eggs. In rare cases, black widow spider bites can be fatal.

Brown recluse spiders are light to dark brown, with a characteristic dark brown violin marking on their back. The brown recluse spider also bites in defense when disturbed and prefers closets, attics, and crawlspaces as they provide warm, dry, and dark environments. Severe bite wounds from brown recluse spiders may take longer to heal and can result in scarring.

The best way to keep spiders out of your home is to remove potential harborage sites. Be sure to keep garages, attics, and basements clean and clutter-free and seal up cracks or crevices around the home.