Why You’re Seeing More Spiders in Your Home This Fall (and How to Stop Them)
You’ve just noticed more spiders inside lately — in the corners, the basement, maybe even near the windows. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every fall in the St. Louis area, homeowners experience a sudden spike in spider sightings.
But what’s really going on? And more importantly, how can you keep your home spider-free as the weather cools down?
No one should have to share their home with unwanted pests. You deserve to feel comfortable in your own space without worrying about what’s crawling in the corners. Here’s why spiders show up in the fall, which species to look for, and what you can do to stop them — for good.
Why Spiders Come Inside in the Fall
Fall is mating season for many spider species. As temperatures drop, spiders begin looking for warmer, sheltered places to lay eggs and survive the winter.
Most of the spiders you’re seeing right now didn’t just wander in from the cold — they’ve been living quietly in your home for months. The cooler weather simply makes them more active and visible.
Common reasons spiders move indoors include:
Temperature changes — cooler nights send them searching for warmth
Food supply — other insects also move indoors, giving spiders easy meals
Shelter — basements, attics, and storage areas offer ideal hiding places
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, species like the brown recluse, wolf spider, and cellar spider are especially common in St. Louis homes during this time of year (source).
Common Spiders Found in Missouri Homes
Understanding which spiders you’re seeing helps you know whether to be concerned and how to manage them safely.
1. Brown Recluse
Color: Light brown with a distinctive dark violin-shaped marking
Behavior: Shy, hides in dark, undisturbed areas like closets or basements
Risk: Venomous, though bites are rare. Avoid contact and call a professional if you suspect an infestation.
2. Wolf Spider
Color: Gray or brown, large and fast-moving
Behavior: Hunts instead of building webs; often seen on floors
Risk: Not aggressive; bites are rare and mild
3. Cellar Spider (a.k.a. Daddy Longlegs)
Color: Pale yellow or gray, long thin legs
Behavior: Builds messy webs in corners or basements
Risk: Harmless and actually eats other spiders
4. Common House Spider
Color: Yellowish brown with light markings
Behavior: Spinning webs near windows, lights, and ceilings
Risk: Harmless, but webs can become unsightly
Are Spiders Dangerous?
Most Missouri spiders are harmless, but a few — like the brown recluse or black widow — deserve extra caution. These spiders rarely bite unless provoked, but their venom can cause reactions that need medical attention.
If you notice multiple brown recluses or black widows, it’s important to Pure Pest + Lawn immediately. Attempting to treat a venomous spider infestation on your own can make the problem worse or put you at risk.
For more information on venomous spiders and first aid for bites, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Spider Bite Prevention page.
Why Spiders Love St. Louis Homes in Fall
St. Louis’s fall weather — cool nights, mild days, and increased moisture — creates the perfect mix for spiders. Homes built near wooded lots, lakes, or parks also tend to attract more spiders because of the abundant insect population nearby.
Even if your home is spotless, spiders can still find their way in. It’s not about cleanliness — it’s about access.
How Spiders Get Into Your Home
Spiders are patient and opportunistic. They sneak through tiny openings that often go unnoticed.
Common entry points include:
Gaps under doors and around windows
Cracks in foundations or siding
Vents, utility lines, and plumbing openings
Basement windows or garage doors left open
Once inside, spiders hide in quiet areas such as:
Basements
Attics
Closets
Behind furniture
Inside stored boxes
What Attracts Spiders to Your House
Most homeowners are surprised to learn that spiders don’t come inside for you — they come for other pests.
Here’s what keeps them hanging around:
Other insects: Flies, mosquitoes, and ants are a spider’s food source.
Clutter: Stacks of boxes or storage bins create dark hiding spots.
Outdoor lighting: Lights attract flying insects, which attract spiders.
Reducing these attractants is a big step toward spider prevention.
For additional home pest-proofing tips, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides helpful advice on Integrated Pest Management.
How to Keep Spiders Out This Fall
The good news is that a few small changes can dramatically reduce the number of spiders you see inside.
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or worn weatherstripping. Use caulk or door sweeps to close openings where spiders and other insects can enter.
2. Reduce Outdoor Lighting at Night
Consider switching to yellow or warm LED bulbs that attract fewer insects — and in turn, fewer spiders.
3. Declutter and Clean Regularly
Vacuum corners, basements, and storage areas often. Remove cobwebs as soon as they appear.
4. Manage Moisture
Use dehumidifiers in damp spaces like basements. Spiders and their prey both thrive in humid environments.
5. Keep Landscaping in Check
Trim back vegetation touching the house. Overgrown shrubs and mulch near the foundation provide shelter for insects and spiders.
6. Professional Treatment
When spiders keep coming back despite your best efforts, it’s time for professional help. Pure Pest + Lawn’s spider control services use targeted, people- and pet-friendly treatments that stop spiders at the source and prevent their return.
Pure Pest + Lawn’s 3-Step Spider Prevention Plan
Free Inspection – We identify species, entry points, and conducive conditions.
Custom Treatment Plan – Our licensed experts create a strategy tailored to your home.
Pure Protection Plan – Enjoy year-round defense with guaranteed results.
With over 70 years of experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews, we’re proud to be St. Louis’s trusted pest control experts.
Learn more about our Spider Control Services or explore our Pure Protection Plan for continuous coverage.
FAQs About Spiders in St. Louis Homes
Q: Are spiders more common in fall?
Yes. Fall is mating season, and cooler weather drives them indoors seeking warmth and food.
Q: Do spiders die in winter?
Most outdoor spiders survive winter in protected areas, but some seek shelter indoors to stay active.
Q: Should I kill spiders I find in my house?
Not necessarily. Harmless spiders help control other pests, but venomous or recurring infestations should be handled by professionals.
Q: How often should I schedule spider treatments?
Seasonal treatments (especially in spring and fall) are ideal for keeping populations under control year-round.
Final Thoughts
Seeing spiders this fall doesn’t mean your home is dirty — it means they found a comfortable spot. With a few preventive steps and expert help, you can keep your home spider-free and enjoy the season without surprises.
At Pure Pest + Lawn, we’re here to make that easy. Our people- and pet-friendly treatments stop spiders before they spread, giving you lasting peace of mind.
You don’t have to live with spiders, when you have a Pure Protection plan, your home is always pest free.
