Spiders perform a valuable type of pest control by consuming numerous insects and even other arachnids. This helps to ensure that annoying and potentially dangerous species like mosquitoes and wasps may get entangled in spider's webs and consumed, which keeps their numbers in check.
Accordingly, avid gardeners frequently are happy to encounter the occasional spider. They know that these arachnids will help to control the populations of some species that damage flowers, fruit and vegetables.
However, most people prefer to be able to enter and leave their homes without having to walk through spider webs. They also do not like finding spiders lurking behind clutter in the bedroom or clinging to the upper corner of the living room.
Most concerning, it is possible that the large population of spiders is feeding on pests that may spread disease or cause structural damage.
This makes it critical that people act quickly when they are plagued by a large spider population. It is only with the assistance of a knowledgeable exterminator that these problems can be identified and eliminated.
WHAT DO SPIDERS LOOK LIKE?
Female agrarian sac spiders may be anywhere from five to 10 millimeters long. Males typically only reach a maximum of eight millimeters. Both genders are light yellow to cream colored with dark brown chelicerae.
Broad-faced sac spiders may be identified by their reddish-brown chelicerae and carapace. Their abdomens may be pale yellow or light gray and feature a dark dorsal stripe. Both genders have front legs that are thicker than their rear legs. Females may grow to between seven and 10 millimeters, but males only attain a length of six millimeters.
The striped black and white abdomens on common house spiders make them relatively easy to identify. While males are only about five millimeters long, females may be eight millimeters.
Grass spiders are good at hiding. They are most frequently found in their funnel-shaped webs where they are identified by their brown or yellowish-brown coloring and dorsal markings. Members of the species are relatively large, with females growing to 20 millimeters and males reaching a size that is just two millimeters less.
Long-legged sac spiders are closely related to agrarian sac spiders. Accordingly, they are similar in size and color. They may be identified by their pale yellow cephalothoraxes and the greenish tinge on their abdomens.
While wolf spiders excel at hiding, they are the most easily identified species in the local region. This is because they are covered in thick hair that may be black, brown or gray. Females may grow to be as long as 35 millimeters, which can be a fearsome sight.
WHERE DO SPIDERS LIVE?
Many spiders are found clinging to the undersides of boards, lumber, fallen trees or rocks. They may conceal themselves among leaf litter or beneath a windowsill. Similarly, spiders are drawn to dark, cluttered, dusty areas when they venture into human habitations. This means that they may be found in disused boxes or hiding behind a row of books on a shelf.
In fact, there are spider species that are almost never found outdoors. These include the common house spider. As their name suggests, this species is perfectly adapted to live inside human dwellings. Their webs are most frequently found on lighting fixtures or in the upper corners of rooms, windows or doors.
Other web-spinning spiders place their webs across the surface of lawns, soil or ground-covering plants. They are less likely to venture indoors.
WHAT DO SPIDERS EAT?
Spiders eat a wide variety of insects and arachnids. Frequently, the spider's dietary habits are dictated by its preferred habitat.
For instance, some web-spinning spiders are most likely to be found in places like trees or the upper corners of rooms. This makes them more likely to capture and consume flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes, moths and butterflies. Other web spinners place their webs across ground surfaces, making them more likely to catch hopping and walking insects such as beetles, grasshoppers and crickets.
WHERE DO SPIDERS LIVE?
Spiders can reside in a variety of places, both indoors and outdoors. If they are web builders, spiders will generally build their nests in regions where insects are likely to fly, such as near moist places or flowers. In some cases, a spider may build its nest on the ground in order to catch arthropods and walking insects. Some species of spiders burrow into the soil and build nests under rocks, logs, or in a crevice.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY SPIDERS
While pest species like rodents and termites are rightfully feared for their destructive habits, spiders do not have the same kind of fearsome reputation.
They do not eat wood or destroy insulation. However, they do leave behind numerous abandoned webs, and homeowners may grow tired of having to constantly clean up the mess.
Spiders additionally are a source of fear and anxiety for many people. Knowing that an overabundance of spiders has invaded may cause more than one person a sleepless night.
Spiders may eat a variety of pest species that are destructive. Accordingly, it is sensible to have a pest control inspection to determine whether or not termites or other destructive species are present.
ARE SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
In general, spiders avoid confrontations with people. They do not bite unless trapped or provoked. However, species such as the agrarian sac spider and the long-legged sac spider are exceptions to this rule. They are known to bite without provocation, making early action on an infestation imperative.
DO SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
Spider bites do not transmit diseases, but they may carry venom. Frequently, reactions to such bites are mild and the itching, redness and swelling subside after a few hours.
Nonetheless, some of these bites are cause for greater concern. People sometimes have severe reactions to the painful bites of the agrarian sac spider and the long-legged sac spider. Symptoms such as a burning sensation, cramps, nausea, fever and malaise should be treated by a doctor.
Complications may ensue after a bite from a broad-faced sac spider. This species feeds on decaying arthropods, and some matter may transfer to a human bite victim. If strange symptoms follow a bite, medical treatment is essential.
HOW TO DETECT SPIDERS
These signs may indicate a spider control problem:
• Seeing many spiders indoors
• Needing to frequently remove webs
• Walking into spider webs when entering or leaving the home
HOW TO PREVENT SPIDERS
To help avoid spider control issues the following steps should be taken:
• Use a broom to knock down spider webs outdoors
• Frequently dust and vacuum to remove indoor webs
• Use screens on windows
• Seal up holes and cracks in the home's exterior
• Have an exterminator perform regular inspections and treatments
HOW TO TREAT FOR SPIDERS
Proper spider treatment involves the detection and elimination of all webs. If this is not done, spiders are likely to re-infest the structure. Generally, spider infestations should be treated by a pest control professional with the equipment and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we do not take your spider problems lightly. That is why we use a multifaceted process including the treatment of wall voids, attics, and cracks and crevices throughout the premise with gels, dusts, and other specialized products.
