As fall decorations appear and a “spooky” atmosphere fills the air in Orlando, you might notice some uninvited guests spinning their own festive decor: spiders. An increase in spider sightings is common during this time of year, as their life cycles and the changing weather make them more visible. While most of these eight-legged arachnids are harmless, an unexpected encounter can be startling. Understanding why you are seeing more spiders and how to manage them is key to keeping your home comfortable this season. This guide will help you identify common Orlando spiders, explain their autumn behavior, and provide practical tips for preventing them from moving into your home.
Why Spiders Seem More Common in the Fall
The apparent boom in the spider population during autumn is less about an invasion and more about timing. Several factors contribute to their increased visibility.
Mating Season
Late summer and early fall are the primary mating seasons for many spider species. Male spiders, which typically live more secluded lives, will leave their webs and wander widely in search of a mate. This increased movement makes them much more likely to be seen crossing floors, walls, and patios.
Peak Size and Mature Webs
Spiders that hatched in the spring have spent the entire summer growing. By fall, they have reached their full adult size, making them and their elaborate webs much more noticeable. The cool, dewy mornings of autumn can also highlight these webs, making them stand in stark relief across your lawn and on your porch.
Seeking Shelter
While Orlando’s climate remains mild, the subtle shifts in temperature and weather patterns can encourage spiders to seek shelter. They may find their way indoors through cracks, gaps, and open windows, looking for a protected place to spend the cooler months or lay their eggs.
Common Spiders You Might Encounter in Orlando
Florida is home to a diverse range of spider species. While most are beneficial predators that control insect populations, it is important to distinguish between the harmless and the potentially hazardous.
- Harmless but Unsettling: Species like the Golden Orb-Weaver, known for its huge, intricate webs, and various Wolf Spiders, which hunt on the ground instead of building webs, are common. You may also see Jumping Spiders on sunny walls or windowsills. These spiders are not aggressive and pose no threat to people.
- Venomous Spiders: Orlando is home to two medically significant spider species: the Black Widow and the Brown Widow.
- Black Widows are identifiable by their shiny black bodies and the distinct red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, sheds, and cluttered garages.
- Brown Widows have egg sacs with a spiky, spiny appearance that helps distinguish them from black widows.
Due to the presence of these venomous species, treating any unidentified spider with caution is always the best practice.
How to Keep Spiders from Haunting Your Home
The most effective way to reduce spider encounters is to make your property less inviting to them and their insect prey.
Maintain Your Home’s Exterior
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s foundation, siding, and windows for any cracks or gaps. Use caulk to seal these openings and install weather stripping on doors to block access.
- Manage Lighting: Outdoor lights attract the insects that spiders prey on. Consider switching to yellow-tinted “bug light” bulbs, which are less attractive to insects, or use motion-sensor lights to limit the time they are on.
- Clear Debris: Remove woodpiles, leaf litter, and other debris from around your foundation. Keep landscaping trimmed back from the house to eliminate spider hiding spots.
Keep the Interior Clean
- Declutter Regularly: Spiders love to hide in clutter. Keeping storage areas like basements, attics, and closets organized will give them fewer places to build webs.
- Vacuum Consistently: Regularly vacuuming corners, under furniture, and along baseboards can remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs.
While these preventative measures can significantly decrease spider sightings, some situations require professional assistance. If you believe you have a venomous spider in your home or are dealing with a persistent infestation of common Orlando spiders, do not attempt to handle the situation yourself.
Contact a certified pest management professional for a thorough inspection. An expert can identify the species, locate nesting areas, and implement a targeted treatment plan to ensure your home is free of unwanted arachnids.
