Many people find spiders creepy and want to do whatever it takes to keep them out of their homes. These interesting creatures usually don’t pose much of a threat to humans even though we tend to fear them. Unlike many other pests, spiders are still seen in homes during the winter months. You may be wondering just how they survive these harsh conditions and Rentokil is here to explain it.
Spider Nests Are Designed to Insulate
Generally speaking, the eggs that spiders lay in the fall can’t survive in subzero temperatures. For this reason, spiders have developed some pretty creative ways to keep their eggs from freezing. This is one reason you often find these nests built in places that are somewhat hidden and protected. Common places you may find a spider nest include chimneys, downspouts, or other areas that are not commonly disturbed. Sometimes they will fill an entire crack in a tree or exposed corner with their nest so that most of the nest is protected by the walls of the object it’s built-in.
Spiders Build Pods as Refuge from Cold Winter Weather
Sometimes, spiders will build a pod-like structure for themselves to survive the winter weather. These are often mistaken for nests, but rather, are a secluded area that they can completely enclose themselves in until the weather warms up. The webbing they create keeps any cold air and chilly winds out, creating an environment where they can wait out the bitter cold. Sometimes you may even see some species build their pods close to the ground and allow the snow to completely cover them. When it warms up, you can count on seeing these spiders emerge.
Spiders Make Antifreeze Proteins
Spiders aren’t actually filled with antifreeze, but they do build up a substance called glycol compounds in their bloodstream that acts a lot like antifreeze. This allows spiders to survive even subzero temperatures without freezing. This compound is produced throughout the entire winter, but as the weather warms up, they no longer have the need to produce it anymore and stop. This anti-freeze substance works efficiently enough that some species will carry on hunting throughout the winter while living inside the top layers of snow.
Spiders Try to Get into Your House
Your home offers spiders a very comfortable place to hide out and wait for warmer weather. While many of them don’t pose a threat to you, their webs are obnoxious and no one wants to see spiders crawling around their home. Sealing all the entry points in your home is the most efficient way to keep spiders from gaining access.
Spider Control
If you find that you are battling a spider problem in your home, the experts at Rentokil have the resources and training to completely get rid of them for you. Sometimes the removal of spiders can be a challenge, but they don’t stand a chance against our team of professional pest technicians. Call us today!
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