Why Fall Is the Season When Spiders Take Over White Mountains Homes

As the days shorten and temperatures drop in the White Mountains of Arizona, many homeowners begin noticing more spiders inside their homes. While spiders are present year-round, fall is peak season for spider activity indoors. From Taylor to Show Low and Snowflake, families across the region start seeing webs in corners, more crawling activity at night, and the occasional large spider inside the house. But why does this happen, and what can you do about it?

Why Spider Activity Increases in Fall

There are several reasons why spiders become more noticeable in the fall months:

• Seeking warmth: As outdoor temperatures drop, spiders move indoors looking for stable conditions.
• Breeding season: Fall is when many spider species are actively mating, which increases their movement and visibility.
• Food availability: Other insects—like flies and ants—also migrate indoors during fall, giving spiders more reason to follow.
• Seasonal behavior: Some species build larger, more visible webs in autumn as part of their life cycle.

In short, fall is a perfect storm of cooler temperatures, active breeding, and abundant prey—all of which push spiders to invade homes and cabins.

Common Spiders in the White Mountains

The White Mountains are home to a variety of spiders, most harmless but some potentially dangerous. Common types include:

• House Spiders: Small web builders often found in corners or basements.
• Wolf Spiders: Large, fast-moving spiders that don’t spin webs but hunt prey at night.
• Black Widows: Venomous spiders recognizable by their shiny black bodies and red hourglass markings.
• Brown Recluse (less common): Occasionally found in Arizona, these spiders prefer dark, undisturbed spaces.

While most spiders help reduce insect populations, venomous varieties like black widows can pose a risk to families, pets, and visitors.

Where Spiders Hide in Your Home

Fall spiders typically set up camp in places where they can remain hidden yet close to a food source. These include:

• Basements, crawl spaces, and garages
• Window and door frames
• Attics and storage boxes
• Behind furniture or appliances
• Outdoor sheds, woodpiles, and porches

Homeowners in Pinetop-Lakeside and Heber-Overgaard often notice spiders near cabins or seasonal vacation homes that sit closed up for months at a time, making them ideal environments for infestations.

Why DIY Spider Control Falls Short

Some homeowners turn to store-bought sprays or glue traps when spiders appear. While these may catch a few individuals, they don’t address the root problem. Spiders often enter through cracks in foundations, gaps under doors, and attic vents. Unless these entry points are treated and the surrounding pest population reduced, the issue will return every fall.

How Neff Exterminating Handles Spider Infestations

At Neff Exterminating, we use proven strategies to keep your home spider-free during peak season:

• Thorough inspections: We identify hiding spots, entry points, and conditions attracting spiders.
• Targeted treatments: Our spider control methods reduce populations while also addressing the insects spiders feed on.
• Preventive perimeter control: By treating around the foundation, windows, and doors, we stop spiders before they come inside.
• Customized plans: Every home is different—whether it’s a year-round residence in Show Low or a seasonal cabin in Pinetop, we build the right plan for you.

Tips for Reducing Spiders This Fall

In addition to professional treatments, there are several steps homeowners can take to make their houses less spider-friendly:

• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
• Keep storage areas clean and use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
• Reduce clutter in basements, attics, and garages.
• Keep exterior lights off when possible, since they attract insects (and in turn, spiders).
• Store firewood away from the home and off the ground.

Are Spiders Dangerous?

Most spiders in Arizona are not harmful to humans, but bites from black widows or brown recluse spiders require medical attention. Even non-venomous spiders can cause fear, anxiety, and embarrassment—especially when guests are over during the holiday season. Professional spider control ensures your home remains safe and comfortable for your family and visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Spiders

Why do I see more spiders in September and October?
Because it’s breeding season and cooler nights push them indoors, spiders are more active and visible in the fall.

Do spiders come back every year?
Yes. Without preventive treatments, most homes experience seasonal spider activity.

Can spiders infest cabins that sit vacant?
Absolutely. Seasonal cabins are particularly prone to infestations since they’re undisturbed for months at a time.

Protect Your Home from Spiders This Fall

Spiders are a natural part of life in Arizona, but they don’t belong inside your home. Fall is the time to take action with professional pest control services designed to target spiders and the insects they prey on.

Contact Neff Exterminating Today

From Taylor and Show Low to Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake, and Heber-Overgaard, Neff Exterminating has helped families stay spider-free for decades. Fall is the season to get ahead of infestations and keep your home comfortable.

Call our Taylor office at (928) 536-6862 or our Show Low office at (928) 532-5300 to schedule your spider inspection and treatment today. Or, contact us online to request service.