Aracniphobs everywhere look to winter as a moment’s respite from spiders. The myth goes that spiders are cold-blooded and can’t survive the winter, but the truth is complex. 

There are 400 different species of spider in Indiana and 3,500 nationwide. Each one has different behaviors and approaches to surviving the cold. Some die off before winter, like the North American black and yellow garden spider, but others adapt.

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How Do Spiders Survive in Winter?

Spiders Prepare For the Winter

Many spiders will sense winter coming and prepare, but does that mean they swarm into your house during winter? The truth is, indoor and outdoor spiders are very distinct. Less than 5% of spiders you see indoors have ever been outdoors.

Instead of migrating indoors, spiders seek out secure, dark spaces to lay their eggs outside and wait out the winter. 

Spiders Hibernate In Winter

Spiders Use Antifreeze to Survive

Arachnids have some unique biological tools to help them survive. Unlike humans, their body chemistry changes to combat the cold. When they sense winter coming, their body produces an antifreeze called polyhydroxy alcohol. 

Spiders Stay Active

Almost all house spiders continue as usual during winter, living happily in our heated buildings. But there are, surprisingly, outdoor spiders that continue undeterred by the cold. Still, these survivors are less active in winter, and their metabolism slows. 

But don’t be surprised if you accidentally dig one up or even see a rare spider taking a walk over the snow.

How to Deal With Winter Spiders

For the most part, spiders can be left alone. They’ve developed an undeserved reputation, but in general, spiders pose minimal risk to humans and provide beneficial services. They eat pest insects like mosquitoes, for example.

However, the brown recluse spider is the noteworthy exception to the rule. It is a deadly spider that will seek shelter in structures during the winter. If they bite a human, it can leave a black, ulcerous open wound that lasts for months. 

Stay safe from brown recluse spiders:

• Identify them by their large brown bodies with a violin shape on the back.
• Keep your house clear of any debris or clutter they may shelter in overwinter.
• Seal your home to block points of entry.
  

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