Why You’re Seeing More Spiders Indoors This December in Central VA
If you’ve been noticing more spiders inside your home as winter approaches, you’re not imagining it. December is one of the most active months for indoor spider activity in Central Virginia. As temperatures drop, spiders begin making their way into homes, garages, and crawl spaces in search of warmth and shelter they can’t find outdoors. At PestNow Central Virginia, we see this seasonal shift every winter. To learn more about what’s driving spider activity and how to prevent it, visit PestNowCVA.com.
The truth is, spiders don’t come inside to cause trouble. They’re simply following their natural instincts—looking for stable temperatures, dark spaces, moisture, and most importantly, a steady food source. Because many insects also move indoors during winter, spiders follow them right inside. Understanding this behavior makes it easier to prevent spiders and minimize their activity throughout the colder months.
Why Spiders Come Indoors in Winter
Spiders aren’t interested in your holiday gatherings or decorations—they’re just trying to survive. As the weather gets colder and outdoor insect activity declines, homes provide everything spiders need to stay active through winter. December offers:
- Stable, warm temperatures that make survival easier
- Moisture from crawl spaces, basements, and bathrooms
- Dark, undisturbed areas perfect for hiding
- A reliable food source, thanks to insects that have also moved indoors
Spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages are especially appealing because they offer shelter and access to other pests. Once spiders find a comfortable environment, they tend to stay throughout winter.
Common Winter Spiders in Central VA
Central Virginia is home to several spider species that remain active—or even become more noticeable—during winter. Most are harmless, but some can deliver painful bites if threatened. Common winter species include:
- House spiders
- Wolf spiders
- Cellar spiders (daddy longlegs)
- Jumping spiders
- Black widows, which are present in Virginia year-round
While wolf spiders and jumping spiders may wander into living spaces while hunting, house spiders and cellar spiders usually stay in quiet corners. Black widows prefer crawl spaces, garages, and wood piles and rarely move into heavily trafficked areas unless disturbed.
Where Spiders Hide During Winter
Spiders don’t want to be seen. During winter, they gravitate toward areas that offer protection, temperature stability, and good hunting opportunities. Some of their favorite hiding spots include:
- Corners of rooms and ceilings
- Storage boxes
- Behind furniture
- Closets
- Unfinished basements
- Crawl spaces and utility areas
Holiday decorations stored in attics, sheds, or garages are also common hiding spots. When homeowners unpack seasonal décor in December, spiders often come along for the ride.
How to Reduce Indoor Spider Activity This Winter
The key to reducing spiders indoors is controlling both spiders and the insects they feed on. Targeting only spiders won’t solve the root of the problem. Here are simple steps homeowners can take:
- Vacuum corners, ceiling edges, and baseboards regularly
- Reduce clutter in basements, closets, and storage areas
- Seal cracks and gaps in baseboards, around windows, and near utility lines
- Use airtight storage containers for decorations and off-season items
- Address moisture problems, especially in crawl spaces and basements
- Limit exterior lighting, which attracts insects and draws spiders closer to your home
Even small changes—like storing cardboard boxes off the floor or fixing a moisture leak—can significantly lower spider activity.
Professional Winter Spider Control from Pest Now of Central VA
While DIY steps can help reduce spider sightings, spiders often hide deep within crawl spaces, insulation, and wall voids where most homeowners never see them. At PestNow Central Virginia, our winter spider treatments focus on both spiders and the insects they rely on for food, providing more effective long-term control.
With professional treatments and ongoing protection, you can enjoy the winter months without unexpected spider activity inside your home. To schedule winter spider control or speak with our team, visit PestNowCVA.com or call us at (804) 589-1009.
