Pest Control Tips · Vista, CA
Why You See More Spiders in Fall in North County
If it feels like spiders are suddenly everywhere in late summer and fall, you are not imagining it. Across Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos and the rest of North County, September through November is when many spiders are at their largest, their webs are easiest to see, and males leave their hiding spots to look for mates. Here is what is going on, which spiders are worth paying attention to, and how to cut down the number that end up inside.
Why Spiders Are More Noticeable in Fall
- They are full grown. Many spiders hatch in spring and spend the summer growing. By fall they are adults, so they and their webs are much easier to spot.
- Males are on the move. Adult males wander in search of females, which is why you find them crossing floors, in sinks and in bathtubs.
- Prey is drawn to your lights. Porch and window lights pull in moths and other insects on warm fall nights, and spiders set up webs where the food is.
- Cooler nights. As nights get cooler, some spiders move into garages, sheds and wall voids where it stays warmer.
Common Fall Spiders in North County
- Orb weavers: build large, round webs across walkways, between shrubs and under eaves. They are harmless to people and help control insects.
- House spiders: leave tangled cobwebs in corners, closets and garages.
- Wolf spiders: hairy, fast hunters that do not build webs. They often wander in under doors.
- Black widows and brown widows: found in garages, under patio furniture, in block walls, meter boxes and around outdoor toys.
How to Recognize Widow Spiders
Black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass under the abdomen. Brown widows are tan to brown with an orange hourglass and are now very common around Southern California homes. Their egg sacs are a giveaway: brown widow sacs look spiky, like little burrs, while black widow sacs are smooth and round. Both build messy webs low to the ground in sheltered spots. Bites are uncommon, since widows are shy, but wear gloves when you reach into dark spaces and seek medical care if someone is bitten and has severe pain or cramping.
How to Keep Spiders Out This Fall
- Brush down webs and egg sacs from eaves, window frames and patio corners every few weeks.
- Switch porch lights to yellow or warm LED bulbs that attract fewer insects, and turn off lights you do not need.
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, vents and pipes, and replace worn door sweeps.
- Clear clutter, cardboard boxes and stacked pots from the garage and side yards, and shake out gloves and shoes stored outside.
- Keep plants, firewood and stored items a little away from the walls of the house.
When to Call a Pro
A few orb weavers in the garden are nothing to worry about. Call for help if you are finding widow spiders or egg sacs around play areas, seeing spiders inside every day, or dealing with a lot of webs on second-story eaves you cannot safely reach. A professional treatment around the exterior, combined with web removal and sealing, cuts spider numbers by also reducing the insects they feed on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fall really spider season in San Diego County?
Yes. Many common spiders reach adulthood in late summer and fall, and males wander to find mates, so people see far more spiders and webs from about September to November.
Are brown widows dangerous?
Brown widow venom is generally considered less harmful to people than black widow venom, and bites are rare because they are shy. Still, avoid handling them, and get medical advice if a bite causes strong pain or other symptoms.
Should I kill orb weaver spiders?
You do not need to. Orb weavers are harmless to people and eat flying insects. If a web is in the way, you can gently relocate it or brush it down.
Will spraying inside get rid of spiders?
Indoor spraying alone rarely helps for long. Removing webs, sealing entry points, reducing outdoor lighting and treating the exterior where spiders and their prey live works much better.
Seeing widow spiders around your home? Call today for a spider and web treatment around your house and garage.
