Are House Spiders More Common In The Winter? - Terminix

Content Updated: September 15, 2025

As the weather turns cold and winter approaches, those spiders you've seen around the house might disappear. Yet, they probably haven't truly left! So, where do spiders go in the winter, and why are they inside your cozy home? It's a common question, and understanding their habits is key if you're looking to get rid of spiders.

Where do spiders go in the winter?

Common house spiders, including the American house spider and the long-bodied cellar spider, typically have a lifespan of about one to two years. As it gets cooler, they seek warmth and shelter, often finding their way into our homes through small cracks, gaps around windows and doors. Once inside, they hide in quiet, undisturbed areas like basements, attics, or behind furniture, where they can reproduce.

While no one enjoys an abundance of spiders, spiders in the winter and year-round can actually be beneficial. They're natural pest controllers, diligently munching on unwanted insects like flies and mosquitoes that might try to sneak into your space.

How spiders survive cold temperatures

As the seasons shift and temperatures plummet below 50°F, most spiders become significantly less active, entering a survival mode to cope with the cold. While spiders don't hibernate, many enter a dormant state called diapause, or overwintering, where their metabolism slows to conserve energy.

Some spider species, like certain wolf spiders, even produce natural antifreeze compounds through cold-hardening, allowing them to survive surprisingly low temperatures, sometimes even below freezing. However, not all spiders are so tough; many outdoor species, like some orb weavers, die with the cold and leave behind eggs to hatch in the spring. So, while some spiders die in the winter, not all species do.

A dangerous exception: The brown recluse spider

The brown recluse spider, known for its violin-shaped mark, is quite resilient. Unlike some species, these spiders survive the winter by finding sheltered spots inside your home, like basements, attics, cluttered closets, or even stored boxes. They can enter diapause and potentially remain active in your home all winter. If you think a brown recluse has bitten you, consult a medical professional. While severe reactions are rare, their venom can sometimes cause a lesion needing attention.

Whatever the time of year, if you’re dealing with a spider infestation and need spider control, let Terminix help!