Right outsideWeather
Dew on spider webs: the morning every web in the yard shows
When: August to October
Fine droplets outline webs that were almost impossible to see in dry air.
Why this time of year
Late summer and early fall are when orb weavers and their webs turn up around porches, plantings, and yard edges, and a still humid night leaves dew that makes every strand visible at once.
How to notice it
- On a still, humid morning, go out shortly after sunrise and look low across grass and shrubs.
- Check porch corners, railings, and the gaps between plantings where webs span open air.
- Find a web's center and follow the spiral outward with your eyes only.
- Leave webs unbroken; orb weavers are harmless to people and helpful in a yard.
Try this with kids: Can you find a web's center and follow the spiral outward?
orb weavers are the spiders that build the classic wheel-shaped webs, spokes plus spiral
Safety
- Orb weavers are not a health hazard; look without touching, for the web's sake more than yours.
Sources
- extension.usu.eduOrb weavers are often found around buildings and homes in late summer and early fall, especially near porches, entryways, and ornamental plantings; they are not known to be a health hazard and are beneficial.
- forecast.weather.govDew condenses on objects whose temperatures fall below the dew point, which is what beads the silk.
- weather.govClear skies and light winds favor heavy dew formation overnight.
In the guide for August, September, October