Where do spiders go in the winter?
Grass spiders like this one usually die in the winter and leave behind a sac of eggs which will hatch in the spring. Other spiders like the black widow, hobo and brown recluse hibernate in warm cracks and crevices. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent).
They’re creepy and they’re crawly and, aside from plastic replicas set out as a Halloween decoration, they are not wanted in the house. They are spiders and as the weather starts to cool, they scurry to warm places including homes.
Species like the grass, or funnel, spider die in the winter leaving behind a sac full of eggs which will hatch next spring. But other species actually hibernate in the winter. Some, like jumping spiders, weave a warm web where they are insulated from the cold. While others, like the barn, black widow, hobo and brown recluse spiders hunker down in boxes, cracks and crevices of garages, sheds, attics or in homes. As well as in rock piles, leaves or the bark of a wood pile according to the International Society of Arachnology.
These three, black widow, hobo and brown recluse are venomous and pack a nasty bite. If they crawl into a shoe or jacket sleeve they will bite in self-defense. Otherwise, they slow down and remain relatively dormant during the winter months.
Minimizing clutter in and around the home and sealing boxes is good way to reduce spiders from invading personal space. Also, seal gaps and crevices around the house to keep them from getting in. As well as, vacuum, sweep and don’t leave food lying around. This attracts other pests which in turn will attract spiders.
If they do happen to get into the home, bug sprays do not work because most spiders have long hairs on the bottom of their feet that enable them to walk across treated surfaces without getting a lethal dose. Rather use sticky traps where they may be traveling. Some natural remedies include placing chestnuts (which are broken open), walnuts, vinegar, lemon juice, citrus oils, and peppermint spray in corners and crevices to repel spiders. Also, place dryer sheets, or cotton balls soaked in peppermint or vinegar in boxes, shoes, or other places they may try to hide will keep them out.
Most spider bites are relatively harmless. They may cause itching, a rash, pain around the bite area, or a blister. Application of an ice pack on the area may reduce swelling, take an antihistamine and apply antibiotic ointment according to the Mayo Clinic. However, bites from a brown recluse, black widow or hobo should be treated by a doctor. These can cause muscle cramping, pain and burning at the puncture site, headache, high blood pressure, increased saliva and sweating, nausea and vomiting, numbness and restlessness. If possible, take the spider with the patient in order to properly diagnose it.