Few pests inspire as much fear and disgust as the spider. Spiders provide a valuable ecological service in the garden by eating other insects. However, you probably don’t want to share your home or business with spiders, even if they are not black widows or brown recluses. If the spiders in your house have reached an unacceptable level, here is what you need to know about spiders and pest control.
This complete spider pest control guide for your home and yard covers:
- A general overview of spiders and their habits
- The signs of a spider problem
- Effective spider pest control and prevention
- Advice on when to call a professional for spider control
If you want the peace of mind and convenience of professional pest control services, call Steel City Pest today. We provide home pest control in Birmingham and other locations throughout Alabama.
Identify the Spider
The spider is an eight-legged arachnid belonging to the order Araneae. There are over 45,000 spider species in the world. Spiders are found everywhere on Earth except Antarctica. They inhabit all terrestrial ecosystems, from rainforests to deserts.
With their eight legs and two body segments, spiders differ from insects, but are more closely related to ticks and scorpions. They also have a pair of fangs and silk-producing organs. Most spiders eat insects, but they may occasionally catch birds, small rodents, amphibians, or reptiles in their webs.
Some species, like black widows, are poisonous to humans. However, most spiders won’t harm you if you leave them alone. Knowing what types of spiders are found in Alabama and around the country can help you determine whether spider control is needed.
- House spiders – House spiders are a common spider type found in homes, garages, sheds, and barns.
- Wolf spiders – Wolf spiders are hunting spiders and are more aggressive than other spiders.
- Jumping spiders – Jumping spiders are small, active spiders that rely on vision rather than webs.
- Brown recluse spiders – Brown recluse spiders are venomous spiders with a violin-shaped mark on their backs.
- Black widow spiders – Black widow spiders are highly venomous spiders with a red hourglass mark on their backs.
Dangerous spider types need special attention because their bites can be painful or even medically significant.
Spiders as a Pest
While most spider species play a beneficial role outdoors, few people consider them to be welcome inside the home. Spiders are one of the most effective forms of natural pest control, because they eat flies, mosquitoes, roaches, and other insects. For many reasons, spiders still need to be controlled around homes and businesses:
- Spider bites and venom – While spiders generally don’t pose a threat to humans, black widows and brown recluses are an exception.
- Fear and stress – Arachnophobia, or fear of spiders, is one of the most common types of phobia.
- Messy webs and cobwebs – Spiders are messy. Cobwebs in corners, attics, basements, and ceilings make spaces look dirty.
- Symptom of other pests – Spiders feed on insects and often multiply near sources of food.
Safety, sanitation, and cleanliness are the main reasons why spiders must be controlled in homes, restaurants, and other businesses.
Signs of Spider Infestation
It is common to see the occasional spider in homes. If you notice an increased number of spiders or spider webs in certain areas, there may be a spider infestation problem. Some common signs of spiders include:
- Spider webs in corners, basements, garages, and ceilings.
- Spider egg sacs in webs or tucked in dark corners.
- Increased numbers of flies, mosquitoes, roaches, or other insect pests.
- Spider sightings after dark – Spiders are often more active at night.
- Dangerous spiders near woodpiles, basements, garages, or closets.
Check for these spider infestation signs and take the necessary steps to control the pests.
Spider Pest Control Strategy
Spider Inspection and Identification
- Identify where the spiders are in the home or building.
- Look for webs, eggs, hiding spots, or areas of entry.
- Inspect basements, crawlspaces, closets, garages, and outside buildings.
- Confirm spider species, since some are more dangerous than others.
Sanitation and Cleaning
- Clean webs, dust corners, vacuum under furniture, and remove spider egg sacs.
- Reduce clutter in basements, closets, and garages where spiders can hide.
- Sanitation reduces spider populations and prevents new spiders from moving in.
Eliminate Food Sources
- Reduce indoor and outdoor insects to lower spider populations.
- Use window screens, cover foods, or control other pests like roaches.
- Limit spider’s food sources and habitats with good sanitation and exclusion.
Seal Entry Points and Exclusion
- Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points where spiders can enter a building.
- Use caulk, weatherstripping, door sweeps, or other materials to close entry points.
- Block access points to keep spiders out and reduce the need for other pest control.
Chemical and Targeted Treatments
- Commercial pest control companies have more options for spider pest control.
- Sprays, dusts, or bait products kill spiders on contact or through ingestion.
- Targeted treatment areas include baseboards, windowsills, crawlspaces, and outside perimeter.
Natural DIY and Home Remedies
- Natural spider control includes peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil.
- Use a vinegar spray to repel spiders or make your own homemade spider spray.
- Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth or boric acid as a natural spider control.
- Control outdoor lighting to reduce insect attractants for spiders.
Professional Pest Control
- Professional spider pest control offers more accurate spider identification.
- Licensed pest control technicians apply treatments that are safe for people and pets.
- Integrated pest control plans include spider control plus treatment for insects.
- Peace of mind with complete, professional pest control for long-term results.
Seek professional pest control if you can’t control the spiders by yourself.
Spider Prevention
Long-term spider control is more about prevention than pest control. Here are some prevention and exclusion tips to keep spiders from becoming a problem:
- Regular cleaning and vacuuming of hard-to-reach places.
- Store firewood away from the home and elevated off the ground.
- Eliminate vegetation and clutter close to the foundation or building.
- Seal gaps, cracks, and other openings on the outside of buildings.
- Schedule regular pest control services for complete protection.
Exclusion and sanitation are the most effective methods for long-term spider control.
Spider Pest vs. Other Pests
Spiders are unique compared to most other household pests because they are predators. Their presence in a home or building typically doesn’t cause damage or sanitation issues. In fact, spiders eat other insects and may actually help control them.
There is also one major problem with spiders in the home, and that is the fact that spiders often multiply where insect pests are present. In other words, if you find a spider, there are probably other pests like roaches, ants, flies, or mosquitoes as well. Integrated pest control for insects and spiders is often necessary.
Is Pest Control Worth It for Spiders?
Spiders might not seem to be a big problem in the beginning, but they can quickly become overwhelming. Why spend hours cleaning up webs, vacuuming spiders, or finding other remedies, when you could call for professional pest control services? Call Steel City Pest for spider pest control services for the following benefits:
- Identification of spider species.
- Safe, targeted spider treatments for lasting results.
- Access to professional-grade products that are unavailable to consumers.
- Customized plans and integrated pest control solutions for long-term results.
- Pest control professionals are trained and experienced for quick and easy service.
- Peace of mind knowing your home and family are safe and protected.
Call a professional for effective, long-term pest control and spider elimination.
Summary and Takeaways
- Spiders are a valuable ecological service in the garden, but are usually a pest in the home.
- House spiders are common, but black widows and brown recluses are dangerous.
- Spider pest control and prevention include inspection, sanitation, sealing, and treatments.
- Natural spider remedies can help, but professional pest control is often the best solution.
- Clean, reduce clutter, and control insects to prevent spiders from becoming a problem.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Spiders are not the most damaging or dangerous household pest, but that doesn’t mean you should have to put up with them in your home. You can apply the pest control strategies and spider prevention tips above to keep your property free of spiders.
If spiders are an issue in your home or business, contact Steel City Pest today. We specialize in spider pest control and can develop a customized plan to eliminate existing infestations and prevent future spider problems.
