Every year, between late August and mid-October, house spiders become more visible in homes, much to the chagrin of arachnophobes. But 2025 could mark a particularly marked resurgence of these eight-legged visitors. Contrary to popular belief, their population doesn't really peak during this season: it's mainly the behavior of the males that changes. In search of mates, they become more active, move around more, and cross paths with their fellow spiders, which generates increased territorial competition. These movements make them much more present in our homes, especially when doors and windows remain open in the mild autumn weather. The most common indoor species belong to the Tegenaria and Eratigena groups, perfectly adapted to the dry and stable environments of our homes.
Between fear and ecological utility
This year, experts estimate that "spider season" will be more intense than usual, due to an exceptionally hot summer that boosted insect populations, the main food source for these predators. Better fed, the spiders reached maturity more quickly, leading to an explosion of males looking for mates. While some try to get rid of them, natural methods such as lemon essential oil, peppermint, or horse chestnut have never proven effective. However, most spiders are harmless: of nearly 50,000 known species, only 25 pose a real risk to humans. Better still, they prove to be valuable allies by limiting the presence of flies, mosquitoes, and other harmful insects. Tolerating them, or releasing them outdoors, therefore remains the best way to coexist with these discreet predators, essential to the ecological balance of homes.
What should we quickly remember?
Every year, between late August and mid-October, house spiders become more visible in homes, much to the chagrin of arachnophobes. But 2025 could mark a particularly marked resurgence of these eight-legged visitors. Contrary to popular belief, their population doesn't really peak during this season: it's mainly the behavior of the males that changes.
