Why Are We Seeing So Many Spiders in Michigan Right Now?

Fact...you would be hard-pressed to find many people who love spiders. Aside from sweet Charlotte from that sweet children's book Charlotte's Web, we can pretty much guarantee the traditional spider isn't a fan favorite of most. To make matters worse, there seems to be a huge population increase of the 'little buggers' lately across Michigan, and if you feel like it's an invasion you aren't alone.

If you've noticed a sudden increase in spiders and spider webs around your home or yard in Michigan recently, you're not alone. As we transition into fall, spiders seem to be hard at work spinning their webs and popping up everywhere.  So why are you seeing so many right now? Probably not for the reason you think.

Honestly my first thought after spotting new guests more than once in my house over the past week was that it was time for spiders to start planning for winter. Newsflash, I was wrong...kinda. Spiders aren't in the middle of a population boom, they're just falling in love.

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Welcome to spider season. Spiders are more visible this time of year, late summer and early fall because the men are on the prowl.... er...crawl. This is the time of year when the male spiders come out to mate and their search is on for the perfect partners to 'spin' a few webs with. It's not that they are making their way to find warmth in the corners of the patio and set up house inside your homes, but more that they are out 'making the rounds'.

"You may encounter some house spiders in late summer and early fall that have migrated into your home, but they are not necessarily outdoor migrants seeking a place to stay warm during the winter. Most spiders' breeding seasons coincide with the transition from summer to fall. If you see more spiders than usual around your home during these months, chances are they're mature males wandering far and wide in search of a mate", Terminex said. 

Terminex notes that yes, spiders and their webs can be a total nuisance, but they are basically harmless except for a little scare here and there. Aside from the brown recluse spider, which does seek warmth in the winter here in Michigan, there is little harm that can come from this 8-legged love-sick guest. This season will pass, but in the meantime, just watch where you're walking and double-check the bed.