Photo: Synthetic spiderweb decorations, Sebastian Schuster via Unsplash
As Halloween approaches, one decoration deserves to stay on the store shelf: synthetic spiderwebs. While these stretchy strands might seem like harmless fun, they're creating a serious threat to birds in our communities.
Why Spiderwebs Are So Dangerous
Natural spider silk will break under pressure, but artificial webbing holds firm. Photo: Chelsea Marques via Unsplash
When a bird encounters fake webbing, the outcome is often tragic. The synthetic material is engineered to be strong and sticky—qualities that make it perfect for decorating but lethal for wildlife. A bird that brushes against these fibers quickly becomes trapped, and their instinct to struggle only tightens the grip. Unlike natural spider silk that breaks under pressure, artificial webbing holds firm.
The danger doesn't end when Halloween is over. Wind carries loose strands into trees and vegetation where they persist for months, creating invisible traps in the very places birds need most. In urban and suburban areas where natural habitat is already limited, blocking off trees and shrubs with webbing eliminates crucial shelter and feeding spots.
A Better Way to Decorate
Here's the good news: you can still embrace the spooky season while protecting birds. Keep those synthetic webs indoors, or better yet, apply them directly to your windows. When placed on glass, they serve double duty by creating your Halloween aesthetic while making windows visible to birds.
Fall migration is in full swing right now, with millions of birds passing through our region. Window collisions kill hundreds of millions of birds annually in the United States, and simple visual markers can dramatically reduce these deaths. Spooky decals, washable window markers, or even DIY paper cutouts transform your windows into both festive displays and lifesaving signals.
Starting a Friendly Conversation
If you notice a neighbor using fake spiderwebs, a kind approach can make all the difference. Start with a compliment about their decorations, then share what you've learned about the risks to birds. Most people simply don't know about the danger and are happy to make a change once they understand. Offer specific alternatives like window application or indoor use. Keep it light and positive; frame it as a way to keep their display just as festive while being wildlife-friendly. You might be surprised how many neighbors become advocates themselves once they know.
This Halloween, choose decorations that celebrate the season without harming the wildlife that makes our neighborhoods special. Your yard can still be the spookiest on the block, just without the collateral damage.
If you do see an injured bird, please reach out to local wildlife rehabbers for assistance. We recommend AERO and Wildlife Rescue League for more information!