Spiders are incredibly adaptive creatures that can live in a variety of environments, including cars. A spider that finds its way into your vehicle may be able to survive for quite some time, depending on the type of spider, the conditions inside the car, and how often the car is used. In this article, we’ll look at the key factors that determine how long spiders can live in cars and provide some estimates for different spider species’ lifespan inside a vehicle.
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Key Factors That Determine Spider Lifespan in Cars
There are a few main factors that will affect how long a spider can survive after crawling into your car:
Spider Species
Different types of spiders have different lifespans in general. Smaller spiders like juvenile jumping spiders may only live for a few months, while larger tarantulas can survive over two years in captivity. More hardy and adaptable species will be able to last longer in a car’s fluctuating conditions.
Car Use Frequency
Spiders in cars that are driven frequently will face more environmental changes than spiders in vehicles that sit unused for long periods. Frequent driving exposes them to vibration, changing temperatures, and relocation to different parts of the vehicle, which can shorten their lifespan.
Climate Control Use
Spiders are susceptible to dehydration and temperature extremes. Cars that have the climate control system engaged regularly will maintain more consistent humidity and temperatures, which is preferable for spiders.
Access to Water and Food
Like all living things, spiders need moisture and nourishment to survive. A spider that finds a consistent water source like a leaky AC vent or accumulations of condensation, and prey like other insects in the car will live longer than those without access to these basic needs.
Pesticide Use
Many people use chemical pesticides inside their vehicles to control pests. These chemicals are toxic to spiders and will reduce their lifespan if the spider comes into direct contact or ingests poisoned prey.
Predation
Spiders confined to a car may fall prey to other creatures that get into the vehicle, like rodents, lizards, or birds if the car is kept outside. Predation can shorten the spider’s lifespan.
Estimated Spider Lifespans in Cars by Species
Based on the species and typical car conditions, here are some estimates for how long different types of spiders might survive after crawling into a car:
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are commonly found cars but usually only live for a few weeks or months in vehicles. Their small size makes them vulnerable to desiccation and starvation. With access to water and prey, jumping spiders may survive 2-3 months in cars on average.
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders build messy webs in dark corners of garages and other structures, which can get caught in cars. Their lifespan inside a car is estimated to be 3-6 months. Their irregular web provides some ability to trap moisture and prey.
Grass Spiders
Often entering cars when they park over the spider’s ground web, grass spiders are a hardy type that can survive 4-8 months in a vehicle. They are able to spin fresh webs to catch prey while inside.
Wolf Spiders
As nomadic ground spiders, wolf spiders frequently find their way into cars. They do not build webs but actively hunt prey. With adequate food and water sources, wolf spiders can live up to a year inside a car.
Fishing Spiders
Occasionally dropped into boats or truck beds hauling equipment near water, fishing spiders are built for survival. They have high tolerances to adverse conditions and may persist up to 18 months inside a car.
Tarantulas
As some of the largest and longest-lived spiders, tarantulas that find their way into vehicles can survive up to 2-3 years with proper humidity, temperature regulation, and access to water and food. Their size also makes predation less likely.
Black Widows
Known for toxicity and liking dark enclosed spaces, black widows are sometimes found in cars, especially if parked near wood or waste piles. If provided adequate prey and stable conditions, they can live up to 3 years in a vehicle.
Tips to Control Spider Lifespan in Your Car
To reduce the chances of long-term spider survival and aggregation inside your vehicle, here are some tips:
Park in Sunny Spots
Leaving your car parked in shady areas with little sunlight allows conditions inside to stay humid and temperate, which spiders prefer. Park in sunny areas to raise internal temps.
Use AC Frequently
Run the AC to lower humidity and make conditions less comfortable for spiders. Pay attention to signs of condensation buildup and mold growth, which can provide water sources for spiders.
Vacuum Regularly
Use a handheld vacuum to remove webs and spider nests before they become established in hard-to-reach spaces inside the car. Pay special attention to vents which spiders favor.
Remove Garbage
Don’t leave discarded food wrappers, bottles or cans inside the car interior. This garbage will attract other insects that spiders prey upon.
Use Essential Oils
Spiders dislike strong odors. Put cotton balls with oils like peppermint, citrus, tea tree or eucalyptus in cup holders or dangling from vents to deter spider presence.
Check Under Seats
Look beneath seats regularly for spider egg sacs or masses of webbing where spiders may be congregating. Vacuum or remove any spider nurseries you find before populations grow.
Hire Pest Control
For serious infestations, enlist professional pest control services. They can apply concentrated insecticides and seal cracks and gaps where spiders may enter the vehicle.
Conclusion
How long a spider can survive inside your car depends on many factors including species, car use frequency, climate control, access to food and water sources, and pesticide use. While some small spiders may only live weeks in a vehicle, heartier species like tarantulas can persist for years given adequate resources. Following tips like parking in the sun, vacuuming regularly, and using essential oils can help reduce spider lifespans inside cars. But severe infestations may require professional pest control treatment. Being aware of the conditions spiders need to thrive, and taking steps to make your car less inviting, will discourage most arachnids from taking up long-term residence in your vehicle.