When it comes to pests, spiders are nearly in a category all their own. There’s the house spider, orb-weaver spider, brown recluse spider, cellar spider, and the list goes on. Even if most species are considered harmless and are actually reliable pest controllers, it doesn't outweigh the nuisance it brings, especially when they nest inside our homes. If you stumble upon a nest, there might be several more, and chances are, you’re a victim of a spider infestation.
What are the signs of a spider infestation? Several indications can help you confirm that you’re dealing with a more severe problem. Some signs include live or dead spiders, spider webs, and spider egg sacs.
The most noticeable sign of a spider problem is numerous live or dead spiders. Since spiders prefer to remain hidden, seeing spiders out in the open can reveal many of them are present in your home. Spiders eat insects, so an enormous spider population can pertain to an insect problem. Controlling the insect population around your house and property can help limit spiders.
One of the easiest ways to confirm that you have a spider infestation in your house or business space is when you see plenty of webs in or around your property. Some spiders can construct very elaborate webs, while others look as if they put little effort into making a home of their own.
Many types of spiders lay hundreds of eggs at once. If you find egg sacs in your home, they could hatch. This will then result in hundreds of baby spiders roaming around your property. If you think you’ve spotted spider eggs, the best way to deal with them is to contact a pest control specialist.
Not known to many, spiders molt just like snakes and cicadas. Spiders possess exoskeletons that need to be shed when it's time for them to grow. Examine your house for these spider molts. They may be lingering in webs on your front porch or in the corner of your garage.
Smaller spiders have fangs that aren't capable of piercing human skin. However, larger species may bite when disturbed. Some bites occur when humans accidentally step or disturb indoor spiders hiding in clothing or a shoe. Unexplained bites could mean there’s a spider infestation.
If you notice a lot of flies, mosquitoes, mites, moths, and other small flying insects around your home, chances are, there are also spiders around. These critters could attract spiders to your home because they’re an excellent source of food for predatory spiders. It's usual for spiders to create webs close to lights since the light can attract many types of bugs. This will then make them easy prey for the spider.
Learn More: Where do Spiders Nest?
While spiders are beneficial pest controllers at home, there are a few spider species that can cause severe danger to you: the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider, which can deliver excruciating stings that are often fatal, especially to those with venom allergy. Other spiders that usually bite in self-defense and are considered venomous spider and poisonous spider species are only limited. These include the yellow sac spider, wolf spider, and hobo spider, among others.
Just because the hazard factor is low when it comes to spiders, doesn't mean you want to invite these creepy crawlies within your home. Aside from the risk of a spider bite (especially the dreadful and painful brown recluse bite), they’ll make webs that will require more cleaning and will also scare you or children with their startling presence. Even the common house spider like the jumping spiders and garden spider can induce fear.
1. Keep your house clean and organized to avoid spider infestations. Removing the clutter in your house will give spiders fewer areas to hide. Keep your food covered so that it won’t invite other pests, which will, in turn, attract spiders. Keep your floors free of food and liquid spillage, wipe down your surfaces, and vacuum regularly. You can even vacuum spiders, spider web, and spider egg sac.
2. Check the cracks in your home. Don't give spiders a way to get in. Patch up all holes, crevices, or spaces in doors and windows to stop spiders from trying to get inside. Repair torn screens and cover your vents with a good mesh. Spiders are commonly found in pantries, bathrooms, and basements where it's moist.
3. Keep vegetation far from the outer edge or the perimeter of your home. Spiders like to conceal themselves in the shrubbery, under rocks, woodpiles, and in compost. But when the weather gets colder, that’s when they start to move inside your home. By transferring plants from the side of your home, you make it farther and harder for them to get inside.
4. Apply a pesticide. Spray nooks or cracks of your home with a commercial pesticide containing some form of pyrethroid. Make sure you know the limit of extra insecticides. These will only be effective if spiders drag themselves through them. If the invasive arachnid manages to avoid the spray, the insecticide won’t be effective.
5. If you prefer a non-toxic method, you may use diatomaceous earth. Spread a fine layer of it around the cracks and corners of your place. The fossil compound cuts a spider up when it passes through it, eventually eradicating it. A spider repellent like essential oils and vinegar mixed with water and spider spray made with dish soap and water are also effective natural spider control treatments.
6. Keep outdoor lights off. Don’t attract insect pests that spiders feast on. Spiders aren’t really attracted to the light, but a lot of the insects they prey on are.
7. Use a spider trap. A glue trap and other sticky traps are effective to catch spiders. You’d want to place them in closets, basements, garages, and attics or in areas where you spot spiders frequently.
Learn More: How to Kill Spiders?
Discovering the occasional indoor spider in your home is usually not a cause for worry. Still, when they start to multiply or when the kind that lurks into your dwelling is a venomous one, that's when you need to call the expert. Positive Pest Management offers industry-leading service at competitive rates. When we’re on the job, any infestation or pest problem in your property will be eliminated quickly with our quality and warrantied extermination services. Contact Positive Pest Management today and get a free estimate.