Why You’re Seeing Spiders Indoors Right Now (And What Actually Helps) — Richmond, Roanoke & Salem Homeowners
If you’re spotting spiders inside your home in late winter, you’re not imagining things—and it doesn’t automatically mean your house is “dirty.” In Virginia, it’s common for homeowners in Richmond, Roanoke, and Salem to notice indoor spider activity when the weather is cold because your home stays warm, dry, and protected.
This guide explains why spiders show up indoors, what’s normal, what’s not, and the most effective steps to reduce them—without wasting money on quick fixes.
If you’re seeing spiders weekly, it’s often a sign they’re established in hidden areas (garage, crawlspace, attic) or there’s a steady food source. That’s when a targeted treatment and prevention plan can make a big difference.
Quick Answer: Is It Normal To See Spiders in Your House in Winter?
Yes. It’s common to see more spiders indoors in winter because homes stay warm and protected, and spiders follow insects they can feed on. Reducing spiders starts with removing webs, limiting other indoor pests, sealing entry points, and using targeted perimeter and crack-and-crevice treatments.
Seeing a spider occasionally is normal. Seeing them week after week usually isn’t.
Why You See More Spiders Indoors In Late Winter
Spiders are survivors. Even when it’s cold outside, many species can remain active in protected spaces.
Here are the most common late-winter reasons homeowners notice more indoor spiders:
- Your home is a stable environment: Heated indoor spaces (especially basements and garages) stay comfortable compared to outdoor temperatures.
- They’re already inside: Spiders often settle in quiet areas long before you see them—then you start noticing them when activity increases.
- Indoor insects are still available: Spiders go where the food is. If small insects are present (even in small numbers), spiders may stick around.
- Seasonal shelter-seeking behavior: As outdoor conditions shift, some pests move toward structures for protection—spiders and insects alike.
If you want a quick overview of common species and behavior, our House Spiders Resource is a helpful starting point.
Are House Spiders Dangerous?
Most house spiders are not aggressive and typically bite only if trapped or handled. That said, “not dangerous” doesn’t mean “no problem.” Spiders can still:
- Trigger anxiety (especially for kids and guests)
- Create webs and egg sacs in corners and storage areas
- Signal underlying pest activity (because spiders follow prey)
What Actually Helps Reduce Spiders
If your goal is fewer spiders indoors, the best approach is prevention + targeted control. Here’s what reliably works for Virginia homes.
1) Reduce Their Food Source (This Is The Big One)
Spiders are usually a symptom, not the root cause. If you have flying insects, ants, or other small pests indoors, spiders have a reason to stay.
- Keep trash sealed
- Wipe crumbs and spills quickly (especially pantry areas)
- Repair window screens
- Address moisture issues that can attract other pests
If you’ve also been noticing “tiny red bugs” on windowsills, that can overlap with the same conversation about pest pressure around the exterior—see our guide on clover mites.
2) Seal Entry Points Around Doors, Windows, And Utility Lines
You don’t have to make your home airtight. Focus on the common access points:
- Worn door sweeps
- Gaps around plumbing penetrations under sinks
- Cracks around basement windows
- Garage door gaps
This matters because preventing insects from entering also reduces what spiders hunt.
3) Declutter The “Quiet Zones” Spiders Prefer
Spiders like undisturbed areas. In late winter, these are often:
- Basements
- Garages
- Crawl spaces
- Attics
- Storage closets
A few high-impact habits:
- Move stored items off the floor when possible
- Use sealed bins instead of open cardboard
- Vacuum corners and behind furniture (especially along baseboards)
4) Remove Webs And Egg Sacs (And Do It Consistently)
If you remove webs once and stop, spiders often return. Weekly removal for a short stretch (2–4 weeks) helps interrupt the cycle.
5) Use Targeted Treatments—Not “Whole-House” Shortcuts
Many homeowners try foggers or “bombs” and are disappointed. The reason: spiders typically hide in cracks, voids, and tucked-away areas that foggers don’t reach effectively. Ongoing home pest control services is the best way to eliminate and prevent spiders and other house-infesting pests from taking over, no matter the season.
Professional control is more successful because it focuses on:
- Perimeter protection (where spiders and prey insects enter)
- Crack-and-crevice application in key indoor areas if needed
- Prevention steps that reduce the reasons spiders stay
When Should You Call Evergreen Pest Solutions?
Consider scheduling service if any of these are true:
- You’re seeing spiders weekly (or multiple times per week)
- Webs keep reappearing in the same places
- You’re noticing spiders in living areas (kitchen, bedrooms), not just garage/basement
- You’ve tried sealing and cleaning but activity isn’t improving
- You don’t have spiders or any other pests in your home and want to keep it that way
If you’d like an expert to identify likely entry points and pressure areas, you can request help here: Contact Evergreen Pest Solutions.
Spider Control For Richmond, Roanoke, And Salem Homeowners
Homes vary a lot across our service area—from older homes with basements to newer builds with attached garages—so the best results come from a plan that fits your structure and pest pressure.
- If you’re in the Richmond area, start here: Pest Control In Richmond, VA
- If you’re in the Roanoke area, start here: Pest Control In Roanoke, VA
- If you’re in the Salem area, start here: Pest Control In Salem, VA
If you want to see what local customers say about our reliability and results, visit our Evergreen Pest Solutions Reviews.
A Smarter, Long-Term Spider Control Plan That Works
A few spiders now and then are normal—but frequent sightings usually mean there’s a bigger issue at play. The most effective spider control plans focus on prevention first, not just killing what you see.
If spiders keep showing up week after week, it’s time for a plan—not guesswork. Serving Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, Southside Virginia, and communities throughout the western Blue Ridge region, Evergreen Pest Solutions specializes in long-term pest control strategies that address why spiders are in your home, not just where you see them.
