Where Spiders Go in Winter
WouterDuring winter, some spiders hibernate, while others remain active. Not all species of spiders can survive a cold winter, however. Some will only survive if they stay indoors. There are also several species of spiders that prefer to stay outside.
Females start to lay eggs as the weather begins to cool. These are often hidden inside of a silk egg sac. Some species also produce a substance that acts as an antifreeze. This prevents ice crystals from forming in the spider’s body.
During the winter, mature adult spiders must find a new place to overwinter. They need to find enough food to sustain them through the cold months. If they cannot find a good source of food, they will die. During the hibernation stage, they will slow their metabolic rate and reduce their activity.
Some species, such as the brown recluse spider, migrate indoors to avoid freezing. They produce glycol compounds that allow their tissues to remain unfrozen in below-freezing temperatures. Some spiders also build web sacs in high-corners of buildings or roofing, which protect them from freezing.
Other species, such as the eastern parson spider, crawl beneath tree bark to protect themselves. They then spin a thin silk casing around themselves to keep themselves warm.
Some spiders hibernate in the fall and spring, and others seek shelter in leaves, rocks, and chimneys. Some of these species build pods in downspouts or storm drains, and some overwinter in caves.
Spiders can be a source of worry, however. Some species have been known to bite. There are several varieties of venomous species, and it is important to remove them from your property.
