Say Goodbye To Spiders In The House: Essential Spider Prevention Techniques For Homes In Saratoga Springs

When you open a box you just got out of your attic, the last thing you want to see is a spider. When you go out into your garage to grab a rake, the last thing you want is to contend with spider webs around it—or on it. There are many ways Saratoga Springs residents have run-ins with spiders all the time. These are not good encounters, so why do we put up with these unwanted, eight-legged houseguests? 

One big reason we seem to dismiss spiders is that most residents know they are helpful critters. They capture other pests and dispose of them for us. But what if we told you that you could get rid of those pests without the help of spiders? Or, what if we said that you can rid your home of spiders by getting rid of those pests? If you want to say goodbye to spiders for good, you've found the right resource. 

Today, we will look at common spiders in Saratoga Springs and why you don't need these critters as your primary form of pest control. Then, we'll share some smart and effective prevention tips to drive spiders out and keep them out. We'll end by connecting the dots between general pest control and spider prevention. 

If you'd like to speak with a pest management professional about spider control in Saratoga Springs, we want you to know we're here to help. Our contact page is a simple and stress-free way to get in touch with us regarding spider control, what it entails, pricing, and other important information. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Spider Identification: How To Recognize Different Species

There are quite a few spider species in Saratoga Springs. It would take a long time to go through all of the spiders native to Utah. So, rather than look at each species specifically, we'll break them down into two categories—web builders and non-web builders. The first way to tell them apart is that the web builders will make webs. Simple, right? Let's look at a few more important facts to help with identification and also to gain a better understanding of spiders.

Web Building Spiders In Utah

Some examples of web builders are house spiders, cellar spiders, funnel web spiders, and black widow spiders. Some of the characteristics of these spiders include the following:

• They catch their prey using their webs.

• Spiders that eat larger prey tend to stay outdoors.

• Spiders that can live on tiny gnats, flies, and crawling insects live indoors.

• These spiders create their webs near light sources or decaying food sources, as these zones are where they can catch insects.

• These spiders often create egg sacs in their webs, and some have as many as 300 eggs.

Addressing webs around and inside your home is a great way to deal with web builders. They don't like it when you destroy their hard work.

Non-Web Building Spiders In Utah

Some examples of non-web builders are wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and brown recluse spiders. Some attributes include:

• They catch their prey by hunting them and leaping on them.

• They create web material but use it to line their homes, which are often inside holes.

• Larger spiders stay outdoors where there is larger prey.

• Smaller spiders, like the brown recluse, do very well indoors and feed on tiny insects.

• You can't directly address the egg sac of many non-web buildings because they carry their egg sac or leave it in a concealed location.

The primary way to address non-web builders is to block entry. They don't create entry points. They use existing gaps, crevices, and holes. You'll also have success deterring these spiders by addressing moisture problems. We'll look at specific prevention tips in a moment.

Now that you're familiar with the spiders common in the Saratoga Springs area, let's take a look at what they do inside your home. It probably goes without saying, but most spiders can bite you. So, while they are controlling flies and other household pests, they are presenting a pest problem of their own. Let's quickly examine this problem. 

Symptoms Of Spider Bites: What To Expect And How To Treat

How bad is a spider bite? It depends on the spider. The immediate impact of a bite and subsequent symptoms differ with each spider. Here are a few facts you should know.

• Some spiders, like the long-bodied cellar spider, do not bite. They have weak fangs and are unable to break through human skin.

• Some spiders can bite you but only leave a minor, itchy wound. American house spiders are an example of a spider that does this.

• Some spiders cause a wound that feels like a pinprick.

• Some spiders cause a wound that feels like a bee sting.

• Black widow spiders are unique as they have a potent venom that will not only cause intense pain but may also lead to medical symptoms, such as sweats, chills, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, vomiting, nausea, body aches, headache, seizure, and shock.

• Brown recluse spiders are unique as they have a venom that can cause spreading necrosis.

If a spider bites you, treatment is straightforward. Wash the bite area with soapy water. Apply a cold compress to address the swelling. Elevate the wound, take a pain reliever as necessary, and apply antihistamine cream to address the itch. If you experience flu-like symptoms or know a brown recluse is the culprit, consult a physician.

Don't Let Spiders Make Your Home Theirs: Prevention Tips And Tricks

It is best to keep spiders out of your home, whether they cause a harmful bite or not. Prevention is easy to understand but not easy to apply. That is one of the reasons we shared the symptoms of spider bites. Now that you are properly motivated, here are some tips for effective spider management.

• Pest-proofing: Caulk and a caulking gun can go a long way toward making your home a spider-free environment. Using it to seal gaps and holes can keep insects out. Spiders won't want to live with you if your home doesn't have insects. Pest-proofing will also directly block spiders from getting into your home. 

• Trash Management: Spiders that eat flies and other trash-loving pests will establish themselves around a stinky container. Wash your container with soapy water and disinfect it, and spiders may not build webs near it. Keep your trash away from your exterior doors so flies don't enter your home when the door opens.

• Light Management: Spiders often create their webs near windows or exterior lights. You can deter window webs simply by cleaning surfaces. Spiders don't tend to build webs on clean surfaces. You can prevent outdoor light fixture webs by keeping lights off or installing motion-sensitive bulbs.

• Sanitation: Keeping your home clean will discourage pests from living with you. When you do this, it will have the added benefit of keeping spiders out.

• Yard Work: When you reduce leaf litter, trim plants, cut grass, and do other important yard work, you deter spiders because you reduce habitats for their food.

• Remove Outdoor Webs: Before spiders get into your home, they'll likely build a web on your exterior; when their eggs hatch, the tiny spiderlings can enter your home. If you see a lot of spiders all at once, this is what you're seeing. 

• Address Moisture Problems: Clean your gutters, keep your plants dry, and remove weeds to reduce moisture and humidity. Spiders and the food they eat are attracted to damp or humid environments. 

If you stay on top of general maintenance, you can drive spiders out and keep them out. Are these tips the best way to get rid of spiders? No. They are not a replacement for a quality pest control program. Let's take a quick look. 

Professional Pest Control: A Great Way To Keep The Spiders Away

Your pest management professional here at TrueShield Pest Control provides a service that goes above and beyond general maintenance. While we help with exterior spider web removal and apply pest-proofing to keep spiders and other pests out, we're also licensed to use control materials. 

Spot treatments around your home will reduce pest populations, which are the food that attracts spiders, and treatments around trash receptacles and landscaping limit pest activity. Perimeter treatments help keep pests from entering your home. Lastly, target pest control as needed addresses specific pests and colonies and further reduces the attractants that bring spiders near your home.

Want help dealing with common spiders in Saratoga Springs? Would you like a home that is free of spider activity? Want to say goodbye to general pests? All of these are possible with a residential pest control program. Contact TrueShield Pest Controlto learn about service options. We'll help you target the pests you want to remove and help you keep them out of your home for good. Connect with us through our contact pages or give us a call.