If you’ve been spotting more spiders in your home lately, you’re not alone. Here in the Big Horn Basin and Billings, July is peak season for spider activity.
While most house spiders mind their own business, this time of year sees a rise in movement, mating, and nesting. That uptick can easily lead to a spider infestation if conditions are just right.
In this guide, we’ll break down why spider activity increases in the summer months, what species are most common in our region, and how you can keep your home spider-free.
Key Takeaways
- Spider activity peaks in July due to warmer temperatures and the onset of the mating season.
- Common hiding spots include basements, garages, and cluttered areas.
- Preventing infestations starts with sealing entry points and reducing food sources.
- If spiders keep coming back, professional pest control may be your best option.
Why Spiders Show Up More in July
Spider activity increases in July for a few key reasons.
First, it’s mating season. Male spiders are on the move, searching for females, which means more spiders are likely to wander into living spaces. Second, food sources like flies, mosquitoes, and other small insects are abundant in summer, drawing spiders out of hiding.
The warmer weather also speeds up their development. Eggs hatch faster, and young spiders reach maturity quicker. That means more movement, more webs, and more chances for you to notice them.
In the Big Horn Basin and Billings, common spider species this time of year include wolf spiders, orb weavers, and black widow spiders. While not all are dangerous, some, like the brown recluse, can cause medical issues if bitten. It’s best not to take chances when you start seeing them regularly indoors.
Where Spiders Tend to Hide
Spiders seek out dark, quiet areas with access to a food source. In homes, that often means garages, basements, attics, or cluttered storage rooms.
They’re especially fond of crevices, stacked boxes, and other undisturbed spots. If you’ve got a pile of firewood against the house or an unsealed crawlspace, you’re likely giving spiders a welcome mat.
Common indoor hiding spots include:
- Under furniture or behind appliances
- Inside shoes, laundry baskets, or storage bins
- Around windows, door frames, and vents
You’re more likely to find egg sacs during July and into late summer. These white, silk bundles can hatch dozens of young spiders, kicking off a cycle that continues year-round unless you interrupt it.
How to Prevent a Spider Infestation
Preventing a spider problem starts with making your home less inviting. Here’s how you can reduce the risk.
Seal Up Entry Points
Check your windows, doors, and vents for gaps. Add weatherstripping and use caulk to seal cracks around frames and along the foundation. Look especially closely at utility entry points, like where your AC or plumbing enters the wall.
Eliminate Food Sources
Spiders feed on other bugs, so controlling the population in your home goes a long way. Regular vacuuming helps, as does cleaning up crumbs, spills, and standing water that might attract other pests.
If you’ve had issues with flies, gnats, or even bed bugs, that may be why spiders are sticking around. Keep outdoor lights to a minimum at night, since they attract the insects that spiders like to eat.
Declutter and Deep Clean
Eliminate hiding spots by clearing cluttered areas. That includes stacks of cardboard, old shoes, and dusty boxes, especially in basements, closets, and garages. Store items in sealed plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes.
Dust and vacuum regularly to remove webs, egg sacs, and small insects. Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and the backs of closets or pantries.
Use Natural Repellents
Some homeowners in Wyoming and Montana swear by peppermint oil as a spider repellent. While it won’t eliminate an infestation, it may help deter new ones. A few drops mixed with water and sprayed along windows and door frames can provide an extra layer of protection.
When to Call in a Professional
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, spiders keep showing up. That’s especially true with species like brown recluse spiders, which are known to hide in deep, hard-to-reach spaces.
Suppose you’re seeing an uptick in spider activity despite cleaning and sealing, or you’re finding multiple egg sacs or venomous spider species. In that case, it’s time to bring in a professional pest control company.
At Kodiak Pest Control, we offer year-round service plans that help keep spiders and other pests out before they become a problem.
Our technicians inspect entry points, basements, and crawlspaces, then apply treatments designed to reduce harborage areas and eliminate food sources. We don’t just spray the base of your home; we go out into the yard where pests live.
Don’t Let Spiders Take Over Your Summer
It’s normal to see more spiders in July, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with webs in every corner.
A few simple steps, such as sealing entry points and clearing clutter, can make a significant difference. But if spiders are still showing up or you’re concerned about venomous species, Kodiak Pest Control is here to help.
We treat homes across the Big Horn Basin and Billings, and we know how to keep spiders away without turning your home into a battleground. Just reach out for a free quote and let us handle the creepy crawlies so you can enjoy your summer.
FAQs
Why are there so many spiders in July?
Because it’s mating season, and males are searching for females. Warm weather also speeds up spider development and activity.
Do spiders come inside to escape the heat?
Not usually. Most spiders come inside in search of food or nesting areas, not to escape temperature changes.
Are all the spiders I see indoors dangerous?
No. Most house spiders are harmless. However, brown recluse and black widow spiders found in this region can pose health risks.
How much does professional spider control cost?
Spider control is included in Kodiak’s standard service plan, which starts around $100 per bi-monthly visit, depending on the size of your home.
