Residing in the shadow of Pikes Peak poses special problems to the homeowners of Rockrimmon and Broadmoor.
Most people are seeing more eight-legged guests changing with the seasons, and think that they are simply trying to flee our unpredictable Front Range weather.
The key to a peaceful home is to understand our climate in the high desert and how it affects the behavior of the arachnids.
When you are finding more webs than normal, you might want to consider professional Pointe Pest Control so that you can control these local species.
Professionals know how our high altitude climate determines the hiding places of these pests so that your property is safe and comfortable throughout the year.
The Myth of Seeking Shelter from the Cold.
It is believed by many that spiders enter Missouri Springs houses with the express purpose of remaining warm in our snowy winters. As a matter of fact, the majority of the local spiders are cold-blooded and can withstand the freezing temperatures of the El Paso County region with ease.
They make a natural form of antifreeze in their bodies, and this enables them to withstand the frost. Some of them may creep in through an opening in the foundation, but the majority of spiders within the house were there all along.
They tend to live their lives in the secluded areas of your basement or crawl space. They do not attract attention until they are mature enough and begin roaming in search of a mate.
How High Desert Dryness Drives Them Indoors.
While the cold is not the main driver, the extreme dryness of our high desert climate certainly plays a role. Missouri Springs is known for very low humidity, which is tough on spiders that need moisture to stay hydrated.
Your home offers a stable environment with access to leaky pipes, damp bathrooms, and kitchen sinks. This search for water is why you often find wolf or cellar spiders near your drains during dry spells.
Following the Food Chain into Your Living Space.
The biggest reason spiders enter your home has more to do with their appetite than the weather. Spiders are natural hunters that follow their prey wherever it goes. In the spring and summer, our local area sees an influx of flies, gnats, and Miller moths.
These smaller insects are highly attracted to the lights inside and around your house. When your property becomes a buffet for smaller bugs, the spiders will naturally follow to set up their webs.
If you have a high population of insects near your entryways, you are essentially inviting predators to move in as well.
Managing Entry Points in Local Architecture.
Our local homes often have specific features that make it easy for spiders to slip inside unnoticed. Many houses in the Springs use stucco or wood siding that can develop small cracks over time due to our intense sun and temperature swings.
- Sealing the Foundation and Siding.
Use high-quality outdoor caulk to fill any gaps where your siding meets the foundation, as even tiny cracks allow spiders to squeeze inside.
This simple maintenance task drastically reduces the number of hunters entering your lower levels while improving your home’s insulation.
- Checking Screens and Weather Stripping.
Inspect your door sweeps and window screens for gaps or damage caused by heavy Missouri winds. Replacing worn weather stripping blocks the physical path into your living spaces and helps lower your heating bills.
- Managing Outdoor Lighting and Vegetation.
Keep bushes and ornamental grasses trimmed at least a foot away from exterior walls to remove spider staging areas. Switching to yellow “bug bulbs” also makes your home less attractive to the flying insects that spiders hunt.
- Reducing Indoor Clutter and Moisture.
Replace cardboard boxes with lidded plastic bins to eliminate favorite hiding spots in your garage or basement. Fixing small leaks under sinks also removes the water sources that draw spiders into your bathrooms and kitchen.
Staying Safe Around Local Venomous Species.
While most Pikes Peak spiders are harmless, Western Black Widows are common in dark, undisturbed spots. Recognized by a red hourglass, they require caution.
Pointe Pest Control provides expert inspections and treatments for the Missouri Springs high desert, ensuring your property stays safe and sting-free throughout the seasons.