As temperatures drop across Australia, many homeowners notice an increase in spiders appearing indoors. Winter doesn’t make spiders disappear—it simply changes where they hide. Species such as redback spiders and funnel-web spiders actively seek warm, sheltered spaces to survive the colder months, often bringing them closer to people. Understanding where spiders hide in winter can help you reduce unwanted encounters and protect your home.
At Marks Pest Control, we regularly assist Australian households with seasonal spider issues using professional spider pest control solutions designed for local conditions. This guide explains common winter hiding spots, the behaviour of redback and funnel-web spiders, and when professional help is needed.
Do Spiders Really Hide in Winter in Australia?
Unlike insects that become dormant, many Australian spiders remain active throughout winter. Cooler weather slows their metabolism, but it also drives them to look for stable environments with warmth, moisture and food sources. Homes, sheds, and garages provide ideal shelter.
In regions such as New South Wales, Victoria, and South-East Queensland, winter spider activity is common, particularly for species adapted to temperate climates. This is why homeowners often notice more spiders indoors during winter rather than summer.
Where Do Spiders Hide in Winter? Common Australian Hotspots
Inside Homes
Spiders prefer undisturbed, low-traffic areas inside the house where warmth and insects are present. Common indoor hiding places include:
- Roof voids and ceiling corners
- Garages and storage rooms
- Behind furniture and appliances
- Inside wardrobes, cupboards and under beds
- Window frames and door gaps
These areas provide protection from cold temperatures and predators, making them ideal winter shelters.
Outdoor Hiding Places
Spiders don’t only move indoors, many remain close to homes in sheltered outdoor areas such as:
- Firewood stacks
- Garden sheds and outdoor furniture
- Retaining walls and brick gaps
- Leaf litter and mulch
- Under eaves and decking
Without proper spider control, these outdoor populations can easily migrate indoors as winter progresses.
Redback Spiders in Winter – Where They Lurk
Redback spiders are one of Australia’s most recognised venomous spiders and remain active during winter. While they prefer warmer months, cold weather pushes them into protected spaces.
Typical winter hiding spots for redback spiders include:
- Garages and sheds
- Outdoor toilets and meter boxes
- Beneath outdoor furniture
- Inside cluttered storage areas
Because redbacks favour dry, sheltered locations, winter cleaning and decluttering are essential parts of effective spider pest control.
Funnel-web Spiders in Winter – What Homeowners Should Know
Funnel-web spiders are most common in eastern Australia, particularly New South Wales. While they usually live in burrows, winter rainfall and temperature changes can force them to relocate.
In winter, funnel-web spiders may be found:
- Around garden beds and moist soil
- Under rocks, logs and paving
- Near drains and water sources
- Occasionally, inside garages or ground-level rooms
Their presence around homes increases safety concerns, making early spider control services important during colder months.
Signs You May Have a Winter Spider Problem
Spiders are excellent at hiding, but certain signs indicate increased activity:
- Frequent spider sightings indoors
- Webs forming around windows, doors and corners
- Egg sacs in storage areas or sheds
- Spiders reappearing after cleaning
If these signs persist, professional spider pest control can help identify nesting areas and reduce ongoing activity.
Why DIY Methods Often Fail During Winter?
Many store-bought sprays only affect visible spiders and do not address hidden nesting sites. In winter, spiders stay deeper in walls, roof spaces and cluttered areas, making DIY solutions less effective.
Common limitations of DIY spider control include:
- Short-term results
- Inability to reach hidden spiders
- Repeated infestations
Professional spider control services focus on both treatment and long-term prevention, especially during winter when spiders are sheltering.
Professional Spider Pest Control for Winter Protection
At Marks Pest Control, our winter spider treatments are designed for Australian conditions and common species. Our approach includes:
- Thorough property inspections
- Identification of redback and funnel-web activity
- Targeted treatments for indoor and outdoor areas
- Preventive measures to reduce re-entry
Professional spider control helps manage current activity while reducing future infestations as temperatures change.
How to Reduce Spider Activity Around Your Home This Winter?
You can lower spider activity by taking simple preventive steps:
- Seal gaps around doors, windows and vents
- Reduce clutter in garages and storage areas
- Store firewood away from the house
- Keep gardens tidy and remove leaf litter
- Minimise the insects that attract spiders
Combining these steps with expert spider pest control provides the best results during winter.
When to Call a Spider Control Expert?
If spiders continue appearing despite regular cleaning or if venomous species are suspected, professional assistance is recommended. Homes with children, pets or high outdoor exposure benefit from proactive spider control services during winter.
Early intervention can help reduce risks and maintain a comfortable living environment.
Conclusion
Spiders don’t disappear in winter—they simply hide in warmer, sheltered spaces around your home. Redback and funnel-web spiders are particularly active in Australian winters, increasing the importance of prevention and professional care. Understanding where spiders hide helps reduce surprise encounters and long-term issues.
Marks Pest Control provides reliable spider pest control solutions tailored to winter conditions, helping Australian households manage spider activity safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do redback spiders hide in winter?
Redback spiders often shelter in garages, sheds, outdoor furniture and cluttered storage areas during winter.
Are funnel-web spiders active in cold weather?
Yes, funnel-web spiders remain active and may relocate due to moisture and temperature changes.
Why do spiders come inside houses in winter?
Homes offer warmth, shelter and access to insects, making them ideal winter hiding places.
Is winter a good time for spider pest control?
Yes, winter treatments help target spiders while they are sheltering, reducing activity before warmer months return.