Every year, as the weather shifts and summer winds down, something starts creeping into Michigan homes: spiders.
Whether you’re in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, or Detroit, you’re likely to notice more webs and more legs scurrying across your floors and walls. That’s because spider season in Michigan typically ramps up in late summer and peaks in early fall.
Let’s take a closer look at why this time of year sees a spike in spider activity, what types of spiders you might run into, and how to keep them out of your home.
Key Takeaways
- Spider season in Michigan peaks between late summer and early fall, as male spiders roam in search of mates.
- Common indoor sightings include house spiders, wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and occasionally brown recluse or black widow spiders.
- Spiders prefer quiet, low-traffic areas, such as basements, attics, and garages.
- Sealing cracks, reducing clutter, and calling a local pest control expert can help keep infestations under control.
Why Spiders Show Up More This Time of Year
The spike in spider sightings during late summer and early fall isn’t just your imagination. This is mating season for many Michigan spiders. During this time, male spiders leave their hiding spots to look for females, which means more of them are on the move and inside your home.
They’re also responding to temperature changes. As nights get colder, spiders move indoors to stay warm. You’ll often find them in basements, garages, and around windows and doors. Homes provide ideal shelter, plus easy access to food sources, such as flies, wasps, or even bed bugs.
Common Spiders in Michigan Homes
Michigan has a wide range of spider species, but most of the ones you’ll see indoors aren’t dangerous. Still, knowing what you’re dealing with can help you react appropriately.
Common House Spider
These are the ones you see in corners, behind furniture, and spinning webs around your basement. They’re harmless and generally shy, but they reproduce quickly.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are fast and prefer to chase down prey instead of building webs. You might see them darting across the floor or hanging out near baseboards. While they look intimidating, their bite is not medically serious for most people.
Jumping Spiders
Known for their jerky movements and excellent vision, jumping spiders can be startling, but they aren’t harmful. They often show up on window sills or walls during daylight hours.
Sac Spiders
Small and pale, sac spiders build silk sacs in corners and crevices. Some species have been linked to mild skin reactions, though bites are rare.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse is rare in Michigan, but it occasionally appears indoors. Look for a violin-shaped marking on the back of the instrument. Their bite can require medical attention, so any suspected sighting should be taken seriously.
Black Widow Spider
Also uncommon in Michigan, the black widow spider is recognizable by its shiny black body and red hourglass shape. Bites are rare but can be serious and do require immediate medical attention.
Orb Weavers
These colorful spiders are more commonly found outdoors, often building large, circular webs. They’re beneficial and not aggressive, but their webs can pop up unexpectedly on porches or under eaves.
Where Spiders Hide in Your Home
Spiders don’t usually wander out in the open. They prefer undisturbed places like:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Closets and storage boxes
- Attics and eaves
- Behind furniture or appliances
Reducing clutter and keeping these spaces clean will make them less appealing.
How to Prepare for Spider Season
Seal Entry Points
Check around doors, windows, and your foundation for cracks or gaps. Caulking these areas keeps spiders and other pests out.
Reduce Attractants
Outdoor lighting draws insects, which in turn attract spiders. Use yellow “bug lights” and keep shrubs trimmed away from the house.
Clean Up Webs
Regularly sweep away spider webs around your home, especially near ceilings, vents, and corners of the basement. This disrupts their habitat and discourages them from establishing a home.
Manage Other Pests
Spiders go where the food is. If you’re also dealing with ants, flies, or bed bugs, you’re more likely to attract spiders. Addressing other pest problems can also reduce spider populations.
Call for Pest Control
When spider sightings increase or you’re concerned about venomous spiders like black widows or brown recluses, a professional pest control plan can make all the difference.
Pest Pros of Michigan offers local, seasonal services in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids that focus on the prevention and safe removal of unwanted arachnids.
Final Thoughts
Spider season in Michigan doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Knowing when and why spiders show up, and taking a few preventive steps, can help you avoid unwanted encounters.
If you’re seeing too many legs around your home, just give us a call, as the team at Pest Pros of Michigan can help you make your space less welcoming to arachnids.
FAQs About Spider Season in Michigan
When does spider season start in Michigan?
Spider season typically starts in late summer and runs through early fall, when male spiders search for mates.
Are there venomous spiders in Michigan?
Yes, but rarely. Brown recluse and black widow spiders are occasionally found indoors. Bites are uncommon but should be treated seriously.
Why are there more spiders in my basement?
Basements offer dark, quiet, and humid environments that spiders love. They also provide access to other pests that serve as prey for them.
Do I need pest control for spiders?
If you see an increase in activity, especially from wolf spiders, or if you’re concerned about venomous species, a pest control company can help reduce the population and prevent further issues.
