Any arachnophobes among us will undoubtedly be relieved to have found this article. These infamous eight-legged wall-crawlers have a habit of sneaking up on Highland homeowners, but are they actually dangerous? How can one be rid of them if they prove too much of a nuisance? In this post, we'll outline everything you need to know, from the most common varieties found in our area to why and how they find their way inside, as well as what you can do to kick them back out and keep them there for good.
Common Arachnids
Although arachnids come in an enormous and often frightening array of shapes, sizes, and ecological niches, the throughline with all of them is their distinct eight legs. Of course, you likely already knew that, but to help you identify which specific type of spider you're finding inside your home, we've compiled this shortlist of the most common varieties.
- The American house spider, also known as the common house spider, is perhaps the most prevalent domestic spider. About the size of a nickel, these spiders sport a dark brown coloration with v-shaped markings on their abdomens.
- The cellar spider is a light tan or grey coloration. It is often confused with the daddy-longlegs with its tiny body and disproportionately long, spindly legs.
- The wolf spider spins no web, instead actively looking to ambush its prey. These cunning hunters are often confused with the common house spider due to their similar coloration.
- The brown recluse is where we begin to address the slightly less benign spiders. Although they try to avoid people, brown recluse spiders inflict a severely painful bite that can lead to necrosis around the puncture wound.
- The black widow is an iconic creature, recognizable by its black carapace broken only by the signature red hourglass shape on its back. It, too, tries its best to hide from humans, but be aware that its bite is incredibly painful.
Thankfully, most spiders are actually relatively harmless, even if they're unsightly. Even encounters with the more dangerous varieties are rarely fatal. They tend to prefer dark, seldom disturbed areas around the home, so you'll rarely even see them if they're there. But if they're so averse to humans, what makes them get inside our homes? If you're noticing an unusual number of spiders around your home, it's not just a threat to your peace of mind. Frequently, a spider problem points to an infestation of some other pest serving as their prey.
What You Can Do To Keep Spiders Out
Here are a few reasons first steps for keeping their numbers under control
- Seal any potential entry points, such as cracks in the exterior of your home.
- Install bug screens for your windows
- Install sweeps for your doors
- Clean up and declutter regularly
- Ensure your home is secure from any other pests
The most common reason spiders become a problem in people's homes is that there's an overabundance of food for them there. If you want to rid yourself of the unruly arachnids, you'll first need to eliminate the pests they feed upon. Ultimately, the easiest and most effective means of pest control is to contact the professionals for guidance. Reach out to the experts at TrueShield Pest Control for the best in fast, affordable, and comprehensive treatment. We'll help you get to the root of the problem, conducting a thorough inspection and taking into account your experiences every step of the way. Before you know it, you'll have a pest-free home again. Contact us today to learn more about our year-round spider control options.
