Why You See More Spiders in Nashville During the Summer

Have you been spotting more spiders around your house lately? You're not alone! As summer rolls in, a lot of Nashville homeowners start noticing a few more creepy crawlers hanging around. And it’s natural to wonder—why now? Didn’t some of these spiders spend the winter inside with us? Shouldn’t they be heading back outside?

If questions like these have crossed your mind, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll unpack what’s going on with spider activity this time of year, what’s typical for our area, and what you can do to keep those eight-legged visitors in check.

Why Spiders Are More Active During the Summer

It’s no surprise that spiders seem to be more active during the summer, just like most bugs, they thrive in warm weather. The heat kicks their metabolism into high gear, which means they’re moving more, hunting more, and just generally making their presence known. And since summer is also peak season for the insects spiders like to eat, it’s kind of a buffet out there for them.

Summer is also mating season for many spider species. Once the females lay their eggs, it only takes a few weeks for them to hatch, so by late summer and into fall, you can end up with a big boost in the spider population around your home.

What Months Are Spiders Most Active in Tennessee

Peak spider activity in Tennessee runs from June through September. You may see temporary increases in activity after a rainstorm or during periods of high humidity. The spiders in our area tend to lay their eggs in late summer and they hatch in early fall. 

Most Common Spiders Found in Nashville Homes

There are many spider species in Nashville, but a handful of species are most likely to be found in Middle Tennessee homes. The most common home-invading spiders include:

• Common house spiders- These are the most common spiders to get into your house.

• Cellar spiders- These are often referred to as daddy long legs.

• Wolf spiders – These are large, fast, hairy, and often mistaken for dangerous species.

• Southern black widows – These are venomous, but very reclusive.

• Brown recluse –These rarely bite, but if they do, it can be medically significant.

Are Spiders Dangerous or Just a Nuisance?

Most spiders in Nashville are harmless. Although we consider them nuisance pests, especially when they get into our homes, most spiders in Nashville are beneficial because they help reduce insect populations.

All spiders can bite, but they rarely do so. These pests prefer to stay out of the way and won’t bite you unless they feel threatened. Spiders are typically shy and avoid humans unless provoked or cornered. Even if you do get bitten, most spider bites are relatively harmless. There may be some localized pain, redness, or swelling, but it will subside in a day or two.

Venomous spiders, like the black widow or brown recluse, are rare indoors. Both of these spider species also prefer to stay in secluded areas away from humans. If you do come into contact with one, it might bite you if it feels threatened. If this occurs, it can be dangerous and you should consult a medical professional.

Overall, you don’t need to be too concerned about the spiders you’re most likely to find in your house. However, if you start seeing a lot of spiders, it could be an indication that some other pest problem is present. Spiders follow their food, so if a bunch of them are living in your house, their food must be too.

Why You See More Spiders Inside

So, why are spiders sneaking into your home this time of year? In most cases, they’re just following their food. As they hunt for insects, they sometimes wander inside by accident. If they find a steady food supply, they’re likely to stick around. If not, they’ll head back outside in search of better hunting grounds.

Weather can also play a big role. When it gets too hot, cold, rainy, or dry, spiders may come indoors looking for a more comfortable spot. They tend to gravitate toward quiet, tucked-away places, like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages, where they won’t be disturbed.

As for how they’re getting in? It’s often easier than you’d think. An open door or window, a rip in a screen, or a gap under the door is all it takes. They can also slip through tiny cracks in your foundation, holes in your siding, vents, utility lines, pretty much any little opening they can squeeze through.

When Spiders Are Most Active 

Most spiders are nocturnal and prefer to hunt at night when it’s cooler and quieter. The spiders that catch their prey with a web will often build their webs near porch lights, since these lights attract insects and other pests.

During the day, you’re most likely to encounter spiders in the areas where they rest. They’ll hide in undisturbed corners, under furniture, and in cluttered rooms or storage areas.

What Keeps Spiders Away Naturally

If you’re hoping to keep spiders out without squishing them, there are a few simple, natural steps you can take. It all starts with cutting down on what attracts them in the first place, mainly food and shelter.

Since spiders go where the bugs are, focus on keeping other pests away by:

• Storing food in sealed containers

• Cleaning up crumbs and spills quickly

• Taking out the trash regularly

• Swapping your porch lights for yellow bulbs, which attract fewer insects

You’ll also want to reduce clutter, especially in spots like basements, garages, or that one room nobody really goes in. Spiders love hiding in quiet, messy corners. Check for leaks and fix any moisture issues, too. Bugs love damp spaces, and spiders love following them.

Once you’ve made your home less inviting, you can add a few natural repellents into the mix. Spiders aren’t fans of scents like peppermint, vinegar, citrus, or cedar. Try adding a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser, or make a spray to spritz around windows, doors, and baseboards. It’s an easy, chemical-free way to add a little extra protection.

How to Prevent Spiders from Entering Your Home

Minimizing the things that might attract spiders inside your house is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to preventing an infestation. You also have to make sure that it’s difficult for spiders to get inside in the first place. Focus on the following areas to minimize entry points into your house:

• Seal cracks in your foundation, siding, and windows.

• Install or repair screens on your doors and windows.

• Reduce outdoor lighting or switch to bug-repelling yellow bulbs.

• Trim back vegetation from your home's exterior.

• Store firewood and other outdoor materials away from your home’s foundation.

When to Contact All-American

So, how many spiders is too many? There’s no magic number, but there are a few signs it might be time to call in the pros at All-American Pest Control.

If you’re spotting spiders regularly, and especially if they’re showing up in different areas of your home, it’s a good idea to reach out. The same goes if you’ve seen a venomous species (or you're just not sure what kind it is). And if you’ve tried the natural tricks and still find webs piling up or spiders hanging around, it’s totally okay to ask for help.

Don’t think of it as a failure—spiders are sneaky and persistent, and even the cleanest homes can have them. Our team is here to lend a hand. We’ll help you figure out where they’re getting in and offer safe, effective solutions to keep them out. With decades of experience under our belt, we’re like an extra set of trained eyes focused on keeping your home spider-free.

Say Bye-Bye to Unwanted Spiders

Most spiders won’t hurt you, but that doesn’t mean you want them hanging out in your home. If you're ready to show them the door, give All-American Pest Control a call. We offer free home evaluations, expert advice, and guaranteed service to fit your needs. From our popular Perimeter Plus plan to our eco-friendly Green Choice and full-coverage Complete Care options, we’ve got a solution that works for you. We’ll walk you through the choices and help you find the best fit for your home and family. Reach out today—we’re here to help!

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Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Antioch, Oak Hill, Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Nashville, Old Hickory, Joelton, Madison, Green Hills Estates, Haynes, Kemper Heights, Metro Center, Northwest Nashville, Rivergate, Talbot's Corner, Bakers, Bellshire Estates, Blair Heights, Bordeaux, Cane Ridge, Germantown, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation!