As the fall temperatures start to dip, spiders are on the move. While fake spider decorations may be fun this time of year, real ones lurking in your basement or garage are not. Many homeowners notice more spider activity around late October, and that is no coincidence.
As the weather cools, spiders begin searching for warmth and shelter. If your home offers easy access, they are more than happy to come inside. Understanding why spiders are more active this season, how to prevent them, and when to worry can help you feel more in control and less creeped out this fall.
Why Spiders Are So Active in October
Spiders are present throughout the year, but you tend to see more of them during the fall. This increase in activity is not because there are more spiders. It is because they are relocating.
Cooler nights and shorter days signal to spiders that it’s time to find warmer hiding spots. That often means your garage, basement, crawlspace, or even the corners of your living room. Many spiders are also in their mating season during this time, which means more movement and more visibility.
In the Omaha, Lincoln, and Des Moines regions, spiders typically begin moving indoors in mid-to-late October. They are drawn to places with steady warmth, low foot traffic, and easy access to other insects they can feed on.
Which Spiders Should You Worry About?
Most spiders are harmless, and many are even helpful since they eat flies, mosquitoes, and other unwanted bugs. That said, not all spiders are welcome houseguests.
You should be more cautious if you notice:
- Large, fast-moving spiders appearing frequently
- Webs or egg sacs clustered in the corners of rooms, attics, or garages
- Spiders with distinct markings like the brown recluse or black widow
The brown recluse does live in parts of Nebraska and Iowa. While bites are rare, they can cause severe skin reactions if left untreated. Brown recluse spiders tend to hide in undisturbed areas such as storage boxes, closets, or behind furniture.
If you are unsure about the type of spider, it is best to stay cautious and call in a pest control professional to identify and address the problem.
How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home This Fall
Taking action now can help reduce the chance of spiders settling into your home before winter. Here are a few simple but effective prevention steps:
Seal Up Entry Points
Walk around your home and check for small gaps near windows, doors, siding, and foundation lines. Even the tiniest crack can be enough for a spider to crawl in. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close these openings.
Clean Up Storage Areas
Garages, sheds, and basements filled with boxes or unused items create the perfect hiding spots for spiders. Organize and declutter these spaces, and store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard.
Reduce Outdoor Lighting
Porch lights attract flying insects, which in turn attract spiders seeking a meal. Use yellow-tinted bug lights or motion-activated lighting to reduce the number of insects near your doors and windows.
Keep the House Clean
Vacuum regularly, especially in corners, along baseboards, and behind furniture. Remove webs and egg sacs as soon as you find them. This not only discourages spiders but also eliminates their food sources.
Trim Vegetation Near the House
Bushes, trees, and shrubs touching your home provide an easy path for spiders to travel from the yard to the inside. Keep plants trimmed back and remove any leaves or mulch piled up near your foundation.
What Makes Spider Control in Omaha, Lincoln, and Des Moines Unique?
In the Midwest, fall weather changes quickly. One day might be sunny and warm, and the next might feel like winter is around the corner. This rapid shift encourages pests like spiders to seek out stable, warm environments fast.
In Omaha, new neighborhoods often experience spider activity in garages and around exterior lighting. Lincoln homes, especially older ones with basements, may notice spiders in utility rooms or cold storage areas. Des Moines homes near wooded areas or older foundations may see more spiders coming in through floor vents or gaps in siding.
Because of these regional patterns, homeowners in these areas benefit from fall-specific pest control treatments that are tailored to local housing styles and seasonal conditions.
When to Call a Professional
If you are seeing multiple spiders each week or are noticing egg sacs in corners or storage areas, it is time to consider professional spider control. While a few spiders here and there is normal, consistent activity is usually a sign that they have found a place they like—and plan to stay.
At Genuine Pest Control, we offer customized fall spider treatments designed for homes in Omaha, Lincoln, and Des Moines. We treat both the interior and the exterior of your home to help reduce existing spiders and prevent new ones from coming in.
Enjoy the Season Without the Spiders
Spiders may be on theme for Halloween, but they do not belong in your bathroom, basement, or closet. Fall is the perfect time to take control of pest problems before they settle in for winter.
By sealing entry points, keeping things tidy, and scheduling a seasonal treatment, you can stay ahead of the problem and keep your home spider-free. Whether you have already seen spiders or just want peace of mind, Genuine Pest Control is here to help.
Need help keeping spiders out this season?
Book your fall spider control service today with Genuine Pest Control. Serving Omaha, Lincoln, and Des Moines with trusted, local expertise.
