Do Spiders Go Away When It’s Cold?
WouterIf you have been to a home or apartment that has been occupied by spiders, you might have wondered, “do spiders go away when it’s cold?” This question is a valid one, but the answer is not that simple. For one thing, there are many species of spiders that do not go away during cold winter months. In fact, some even re-emerge when temperatures warm up.
However, there are plenty of species that have evolved to survive freezing weather. In order to keep themselves from freezing to death, some spiders produce a chemical called glycol that keeps their tissues from freezing. The antifreeze is contained in the spider’s blood, and is designed to stop water from expanding in ice.
Some spiders also produce a polyhydroxy alcohol that helps prevent ice crystals from forming inside the spider. This makes them more resistant to freezing, but the benefits of a glycol compound may not be enough to save them from the cold.
There are also some species of spiders that are ectothermic, meaning they are able to control their own body temperature, depending on the situation. They can also stay under rocks or bask in the sun if they need to.
Most spiders are not ectothermic, though. They are still able to survive in the cold, but are generally less active than in warmer weather. They also require less food.
Some species of spiders produce a polyhydroxy alcohol that helps prevent the formation of ice crystals. This is similar to the antifreeze in your car engine, which is designed to help your engine run at low temperatures.
