As Temperatures Drop, Spiders Start Moving Indoors Across South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota — As cooler weather settles across the region, many South Dakota residents are noticing more spiders creeping inside homes — a seasonal shift that experts say is entirely normal, though admittedly unsettling for anyone with arachnophobia.
Why Spiders Are Moving In Now
According to pest control experts, this time of year marks mating season for many spider species. Males become far more active in the fall, venturing indoors in search of both warmth and mates.
“Your home becomes a cozy winter lodge for them,” one pest management specialist joked. “They’re not hunting you — they’re just looking for shelter and food.”
Beyond warmth, homes provide two other major attractions:
- Protection from cold — basements and crawl spaces mimic ideal winter conditions.
- Food sources — if insects are indoors, spiders follow right behind.
Common Spiders Found in South Dakota Homes
As autumn continues, you might encounter several familiar species across the state:
- Wolf Spider: Large, hairy, and fast. They don’t spin webs — they actively hunt.
- American House Spider: Creates messy cobwebs in ceiling corners; mostly harmless.
- Cellar Spider (Daddy Long Legs): Long-legged and harmless, but multiplies quickly.
- Barn Funnel Weaver: Builds silky “tunnels” in basements or sheds.
- Yellow Sac Spider: Prefers ceilings or clothing piles and may bite if disturbed.
- Western Black Widow: Found mainly in western South Dakota; identifiable by its red hourglass marking — best left alone.
How to Keep Spiders Out This Fall
Homeowners can take a few simple steps to discourage spiders from settling in:
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors, vents, and windows.
- Eliminate other bugs — reducing their food source lowers spider activity.
- Vacuum and dust regularly to remove webs and egg sacs.
- Clear outdoor debris such as leaves and stacked firewood near foundations.
- Use perimeter spray — light pesticide treatments around entry points can help.
Seasonal Reality Check
While the influx can be unnerving, most spiders found indoors are harmless and even beneficial — they help control household pests like flies and gnats. Still, keeping your home sealed and tidy is the best defense against unwanted guests.
For more South Dakota seasonal updates, pest safety tips, and home preparedness news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.