Spiders

What Are Spiders?

Spiders are eight-legged insects that belong to the order Araneae. They are air-breathing arthropods further classified as arachnids. Distinct spider characteristics include fangs that typically inject venom and the ability to spin silk to create webs; spiders also have either six or eight eyes. Spiders are the largest group of arachnids, and they have a high amount of species diversity thanks to the many different types of spiders that are out and about today. That said, certain common area spiders are more well-known than others when it comes to invading homes.

Black Widow

The black widow is considered a medically dangerous spider. It doesn’t usually grow more than half an inch long, and it has a distinctive shiny black, bulbous body. Black widows are known for the red hourglass marking on their abdomen and sticky, low to the ground webs. Bites from the black widow can be dangerous, so seek medical attention if you have encountered one.

Brown Widow

Similar in size to the black widow, the brown widow also has a bulbous abdomen. However, the brown widow has a coloration that features tan and brown mottling, with black accent marking throughout their body and legs; mature female brown widows will typically have three diagonal black stripes on their flank. While a brown widow bite can be painful, it is not as dangerous as a black widow bite.

House Spiders

House spiders grow to around a quarter of an inch long. They typically range in color from a lighter yellowish-brown to dark brown, with their legs being brown; some subspecies of house spiders may have dark brown or white spots on their abdomen, and some may have dark rings of color on their legs.

Are Spiders Dangerous?

Spiders are mainly considered nuisance pests. Most common, house-invading spiders pose no real health threats to people. House spiders are shy, reclusive, and rarely bite people. If you are ever bitten by a common house spider, know that their venom is not strong enough to cause any significant health problems.

It is also important to note that some species of spiders living in the United States are considered dangerous. Dangerous spiders possess venom that is strong enough to cause significant health threats to people.

Why Do I Have a Spider Problem?

There are several reasons why your property may develop a spider problem. It is important to understand these factors and take steps to reduce them if you want a chance at fighting off active spider invasions and reinfestations.

• A pest prey presence of insects such as cockroaches, ants, or beetles around your property may attract hungry spiders.
• Leaks and drainage issues can contribute to excess water that attracts both pest prey and thirsty spiders.
• Lots of clutter around the interior of your property and untouched or uncleaned stored items can attract spiders looking to hide.
• Overgrown outdoor areas, debris, and long grass can provide spiders prime places to hide around your property.

Of course, if you need further assistance with spider issues, the professionals at Compass Pest Management are ready to help.

Where Will I Find Spiders?

Spiders usually nest and hide out in dark, quiet, out-of-the-way places.

Outside, they make their webs or burrows in:

Spiders often find their way inside following their food or if the weather outside becomes too harsh for them to live comfortably. Spiders are common invaders of homes, garages, sheds, barns, and other outbuildings. They hide out in dark, quiet areas like basements, closets, attics, crawl spaces, and under furniture.

How Do I Get Rid of Spiders?

The easiest way to control and prevent spiders infestations is with the help of a skilled professional. At Compass Pest Management, our board-trained, state-certified exterminators deliver the exceptional home pest control services needed to rid your home and property of spiders.

Compass Pest Management is committed to using environmentally-safe, ethical treatments to solve your spider problem and prevent their return. To learn more about implementing a residential or commercial pest control service in your Riverside property, call Compass Pest Management.

How Can I Prevent Spiders in the Future?

Keeping spiders off your property and out of your California home can be difficult, but there are some things you can do to deter them from your home and property!

  To keep spiders from finding their way into your home, take the following steps:

• Seal as many entry points in the exterior of your home as possible
• Caulk cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls of your home
• Make sure all of your window and door screens are intact
• Place weather stripping around all exterior windows and doors
• Situate gardens and wood piles a distance away from the outside of your home
• Repair clogged gutters and leaky fixtures that can provide spiders with a water source

For more information on our spider control services, give the professionals here at Compass Pest Management.