Do Spiders Hibernate? What Happens to Spiders in the Winter

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, you've probably noticed fewer spiders around. Where did they all go? Many people assume spiders hibernate, but the truth is actually much more interesting than simple hibernation.

Learning what happens to spiders in winter is the first line of defense against protecting your home from these creepy-crawly insects.

Do Spiders Hibernate in the Winter?

The short answer is no. Spiders don't truly hibernate. True hibernation is a specific biological process in which animals enter a deep sleep state with dramatically reduced body temperature and metabolism. Bears, groundhogs, and bats are classic hibernators. Spiders, however, are cold-blooded creatures that can't regulate their body temperature the way mammals do.

So, what happens to spiders in the winter? Instead of hibernating, spiders enter a state called diapause. During diapause, their metabolism slows significantly, but they don't enter a deep sleep. It’s more of a state of inactivity rather than true hibernation.

This survival strategy helps spiders conserve energy when food is scarce and temperatures are dangerously low. While you might hear people talk about "hibernating spiders," they're actually referring to spiders in diapause.

Where Do Spiders Go in the Winter?

The answer depends on the species, but most spiders seek shelter in protected areas when cold weather arrives.

Outdoor spiders typically hide under bark, beneath rocks, or in leaf litter. These natural shelters provide insulation from freezing temperatures and harsh winter winds.

Many other types of spiders will find ways to enter human spaces, such as basements, attics, garages, or sheds. You might discover spiders tucked into corners, behind stored boxes, or in rarely disturbed spaces. Here, they can stay warm and be protected from the elements. 

House spiders, which have adapted to living indoors year-round, don't need to seek special winter shelter. They remain active in your home throughout the colder months, though you may notice them moving more slowly as indoor temperatures drop.

Which Spiders Survive the Winter?

Not all spiders survive winter, but many species have evolved remarkable survival strategies. Some spiders survive as adults by finding protected shelter and entering diapause. Common house spiders, cellar spiders, brown recluse spiders, and certain wolf spiders can live through multiple winters as adults.

Other spider species, such as jumping spiders, orb weavers, or garden spiders, complete their life cycle before winter arrives. They lay eggs in protective egg sacs during the fall, then die before the coldest weather hits. The eggs remain dormant throughout winter and hatch when spring warmth returns. This strategy ensures species survival even when adult spiders can't withstand freezing temperatures.

Some hardy species can survive as juveniles or sub-adults. These young spiders find shelter, slow their development, and wait out winter before maturing in spring. This adaptation allows them to begin reproducing earlier in the warm season.

How Spiders Survive Cold Temperatures

Spiders are remarkably adaptive. Many of them produce a special chemical that prevents ice crystals from forming inside their bodies.

As temperatures drop, spiders increase the production of these chemicals. This process, combined with seeking shelter, allows many species to survive temperatures well below freezing. Some spiders can tolerate being frozen solid and thaw out unharmed when temperatures rise.

Spiders in winter also drastically reduce their activity and metabolism. Most flying insects are gone during winter, so web-building spiders would waste valuable energy maintaining webs that catch nothing. Instead, they remain stationary and rely on stored energy reserves.

Others will burrow underground, hide beneath insulating snow cover, or squeeze into protected tree bark to benefit from more stable environments. These shelters buffer extreme temperature swings and provide humidity that prevents fatal dehydration.

Interestingly, spiders that enter your home don't necessarily do so because they're cold. Most house-invading spiders are actually following their food sources, which are also seeking winter shelter. Once inside, spiders may remain active if your home stays warm enough and food remains available.

Prevent Spiders From Entering Your Home

While spiders provide valuable pest control by eating insects, most homeowners prefer to keep them outside. Winter is prime time for spider invasions as these eight-legged creatures search for shelter. Here's how to prevent spiders from taking over your living space:

• Seal entry points. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, gaps, and openings, paying special attention to utility entrances, windows, doors, and along the foundation. If you find any, seal them with caulk, weather stripping, or foam insulation.
• Reduce clutter near your home. Move firewood piles, leaf litter, and debris away from your foundation and trim any vegetation that touches your house.
• Control indoor humidity and clutter. Use dehumidifiers in damp basements and crawl spaces, and reduce clutter in storage areas, garages, and attics.
• Install door sweeps and repair screens. Gaps under doors are major entry routes for spiders. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors, repair or replace damaged window screens, and make sure your garage doors seal properly when closed.
• Use spider traps strategically. Place sticky traps along baseboards, in corners, and near likely entry points. These traps catch spiders before they establish themselves in your home. Catchmaster®'s spider traps offer a practical, pesticide-free solution for monitoring and controlling spider populations.
• Reduce outdoor lighting. Bright lights attract insects, which in turn attract hunting spiders. Use yellow lights that are less attractive to insects, and position them away from doors and windows when possible.
• Regular vacuuming. Vacuum thoroughly and frequently, especially in corners, along baseboards, and in storage areas. This removes spiders, egg sacs, and the webs they create.

Take Action Against Spiders in Winter with Catchmaster

Understanding what spiders really do in winter helps you take effective prevention steps. While spiders don't truly hibernate, they do seek protected winter shelter, and your home fits the bill perfectly.

By taking preventive steps and arming yourself with Catchmaster’s pet and family-friendly spider traps, you can keep spiders outside where they belong.