Eight legged insects haunt the dreams of many people. The reality of arachnophobia is all too real for many people. But the truth is, these insect hunters are very important to our ecosystem. They hunt and kill many pests that plague our homes, gardens and yards. Do spiders die in the winter? Some spiders do, leaving behind their young to overwinter. But spiders use many different techniques to survive multiple winter cycles.
Arachnids form a large family of insects. Spiders are one leg of this humungous family tree. In it are as many species of spider as one could imagine. This being the case, different spider species find different ways of coping with winter weather. There are even species of spiders that thrive in the Arctic! These insect predators are wonders of the natural world, even though I don’t want them near me!
ARACHNIDS LIFE CYCLE
Most spiders employ an incomplete life cycle. This means that these insects start hatching from eggs as a nymph. Nymphs are smaller versions of the adult spider, usually known as spiderlings. These spiderlings will grow until reaching full sexual maturity, only to mate and produce eggs themselves.
This is a very general overview of spider’s life cycle. Again, there are many different species of spider, and therefore some variations. For instance, some spider females will find a suitable crack or crevice to put the egg sack into and then leave her young to fend for themselves. Other female spider species will carry the egg sack until after the first or second molt. Some even keep their egg sack on their web, or in a den until maturity.
SPIDERS AND COLD WEATHER TECHNIQUES
There are many ways that spiders survive the cold winter months. Some spiders only survive a year, and die in the winter months. These spiders will leave an egg sack in the fall. These eggs will hatch before the winter and the spiderlings will find a place to overwinter after hatching. Other spiders will find places under rocks or under ground to hibernate. Contact your Oklahoma exterminator for more information.
Some spiders will build up a level of antifreeze in their bodies as the weather gets colder. They will become dormant and survive the winter without freezing. The spring warmth will “thaw” them out. Many spiders are indoor spiders and will use a symbiotic relationship with us to survive. Spiders in snowy regions will hibernate in the air gap between the ground and the snow. This gap of air is actually warmer than the above snow air.
ARE THERE MORE SPIDERS IN THE FALL?
Many people falsely make this assumption. In the fall, many species of spider are gathering enough prey for themselves or their young to survive the winter. The result is many more spider webs. The fall is mating season for many spider species. This means that males are more likely to be seen as they hunt for females to mate with. Also, many spider species will find our homes a good place to overwinter, putting them right in our line of sight.
Our homes make great shelters for many spider species. Gaps under our homes can shelter these insects from the elements and random predators that are looking for a quick winter snack. Attics and out of the way storage places make good spots to hide. Even garages can hold a gold mine of hibernation spots that a random spider can take advantage of. Spiders are great for our ecosystem, but when they enter our homes, they can quickly become pests. Call your experienced Oklahoma pest control company for help.
OKLAHOMA’S POISONOUS SPIDERS
As many experienced Oklahoma residents know, there are two poisonous spiders in Oklahoma. They are the black widow and the brown recluse spider. So what does a black widow do to overwinter? These spiders will come indoors if they can find a suitable place to get in and set up shop. Outdoors, they can find shelter and survive as an adult or nymph. In cold environments, they will stop developing. But if they find a good place in your home, they will continue to lay eggs and the young develop.
The brown recluse spider is found indoors and out. These spiders keep very much to themselves and do their best not to be found by humans. In the wild, they will search out a warm spot under a rock or in a hole in at tree to hibernate in. But if they can find their way into your home, you can find them in your attic, basement, storage areas, and everywhere in between. It’s important that if you believe that you have an infestation of either of these spiders, that you contact your Tulsa exterminator to get rid of these insects.
FREEING YOUR HOME FROM SPIDERS
Spiders are not welcome in your homes. They don’t belong in places where they can have dangerous contact with humans. That being the case, it is important to remember that they are also an ecological asset in your yard and garden. You really shouldn’t seek to eliminate them from the outdoors. But when they find a way inside, it’s time to act. Contact an experienced Tulsa pest control company as soon as you find a problem. Here at TermMax Pest Control, we can get your home back in shape for any season of the year. Spiders are no problem for our technicians. We service the greater Tulsa area, including Bixby, Jenks, Broken Arrow, Coweta, Catoosa, Claremore, Owasso, Sand Springs, Pratville, Sapulpa, Turley and more. Call us today for a free quote. We are here to help!