Southern New Jersey spanning Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May counties provides ideal conditions for several ant and spider species to thrive. With humid summers, wooded neighborhoods, older homes, and coastal weather patterns, residents frequently deal with seasonal pest activity both inside and outside the home.
Ants and spiders are among the most consistently encountered household pests in the region, with activity rising when warm, moist conditions support population growth.
1. Warm, Humid Summers Boost Ant Populations
Ant colonies expand rapidly during hot, humid summer months — a climate Southern NJ experiences every year.
Moisture encourages foraging activity.
Rainstorms can flood colonies, sending ants into homes seeking higher ground.
Long warm seasons allow colonies to grow to large sizes.
2. Abundant Food Sources Around Homes
Suburban neighborhoods, parks, and wooded yards provide plentiful food.
Open trash containers, pet food, and kitchen crumbs attract several ant species.
Carpenter ants target damp or decaying wood, making older or moisture-prone homes especially vulnerable.
3. Common Ant Species in Southern NJ
Odorous House Ants: Persistent indoor invaders attracted to sweets and moisture.
Carpenter Ants: Infest damp or rotting wood and can cause structural damage.
Pavement Ants: Nest along driveways, walkways, and foundations.
Argentine Ants (localized areas): Form large colonies and invade kitchens and pantries.
4. Weather Patterns Drive Ant Intrusion
Heavy rain forces ants indoors.
Heat waves increase foraging activity.
Early spring warmth triggers early colony expansion.
1. Wooded Landscapes and Older Homes Provide Ideal Habitat
Southern New Jersey’s mix of forests, older structures, and shaded yards supports large spider populations.
Spiders are drawn to:
Basements
Garages
Eaves and corners
Sheds and crawlspaces
Vegetation-heavy yards
2. Spiders Thrive in the Same Conditions Favored by Other Pests
Spiders follow prey.
Where there are mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other insects — spiders thrive.
Humid summers and warm autumns increase overall insect activity, drawing spiders toward and inside homes.
3. Common Spider Species in Southern NJ
Common House Spider: Frequently found in basements, garages, and corners.
Wolf Spider: Large, fast-moving ground hunters; often seen in basements and garages.
Orb Weavers: Build large webs near porches and outdoor vegetation.
Yellow Sac Spider: Sometimes enters homes and may bite if disturbed.
Cellar Spiders (“Daddy Longlegs”): Found in crawlspaces and basements, feeding on small insects.
4. Weather Patterns Influence Spider Activity
Warm, humid summers increase insect populations, drawing more spiders indoors.
Cool fall temperatures send spiders seeking sheltered overwintering sites.
Heavy rainfall drives insects toward structures, followed by the spiders that feed on them.