How Long Do Spiders Hibernate?

Hibernation is a natural way for spiders to survive cold weather. Some species of spiders will hibernate throughout the winter, but others remain active for months without food.

The majority of spiders stay dormant during the winter. They build insulating nests or cocoons to keep themselves warm. Some spiders also produce antifreeze compounds, which help to keep them from freezing. Others will burrow underground to protect themselves from cold weather.

Some species of house spiders will build web sacs in high places or on sturdy shelters. These spiders will prey on insects to survive.

House spiders also make a special chemical that serves as an antifreeze. If the weather gets warmer, they may wake up and start hunting for food. When the temperature drops again, they will return to their web sacs. This allows them to keep their egg sacs from freezing.

Hibernating spiders will survive for three to four months. Their metabolism will slow down, and their bodies will produce chemicals to slow down their digestion. During this time, they will store food they have collected. In spring, they will produce eggs.

Some species of spiders will not hibernate at all. They will stay active, but will not need as much food as they would in the summer. Other spiders will enter a state of diapause, where their metabolism is slowed down, and they will not eat as much as they usually do.

Some spiders will only hunt on mild days. However, some will continue to prey on other animals in their environment.