Spiders
Despite many people’s reactions, seeing a spider in your home is no cause for alarm. These critters eat other bugs and for the most part, stay away from humans. However, certain species can form colonies in the dark, secluded parts of your property. Others are also highly venomous and should be treated with caution.
Of the dozens of spider species in Connecticut, only two pose a risk to humans: black widows and brown recluses.
Are spiders dangerous?
Many spiders don’t have fangs strong enough to penetrate human skin. Of those that do, their venom is generally not potent enough to cause significant harm. However, these bites can still leave red, itchy sores especially if you are allergic to their saliva.
Black widows and brown recluses are a different matter. Both of these species’ venom is capable of doing serious harm to humans. Black widows deliver a neurotoxin with their bite that causes nausea, weakness, trouble breathing, rashes, and pain among other symptoms. Brown recluses meanwhile produce a venom that causes your flesh to rot. This can lead to permanent skin damage, muscle pain, nausea, and, in the worst instances, death.
Why do I have a spider problem?
Spiders are predatory creatures and hunt insects for food. This means a property with a lot of bugs will have a lot of spiders. They are also attracted to areas that provide them with suitable shelter.
Where will I find spiders?
Their preferred habitat depends on the species, but some common places you might find spiders are trees, gardens, basements, garages, and sheds.
Not every species of spider builds webs. Some hunt on the move while others prefer to burrow. This means you are likely to find them underground, within furniture, or among clutter.
How can I prevent a spider infestation?
- Keep your home clean: Regularly clean and vacuum your living spaces, especially in corners, under furniture, and along baseboards. Removing dust, webs, and other debris reduces potential hiding spots for spiders.
- Remove clutter: Declutter your home, both indoors and outdoors, to minimize places where spiders can hide. Pay attention to areas like storage rooms, attics, and basements.
- Seal entry points: Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and openings that spiders can use to enter. Seal these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping to block their access.
- Install door sweeps and screens: Ensure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without any tears or gaps. Install door sweeps to prevent spiders from entering through gaps at the bottom of doors.
- Reduce outdoor lighting: Spiders are attracted to light sources that attract other insects. Consider using less attractive yellow or sodium vapor lights instead of standard white lights to minimize insect activity and subsequent spider attraction.
- Keep vegetation away from the house: Trim plants, shrubs, and tree branches that come into contact with your home. This reduces the likelihood of spiders bridging from outdoor vegetation to your house.
- Store firewood properly: If you have firewood, keep it stacked away from the house and elevated from the ground. This helps prevent spiders from using the woodpile as a harborage.
- Address moisture issues: Fix any plumbing leaks or sources of excess moisture, as some spiders are attracted to damp environments. Keep basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms well-ventilated and dry.
- Use spider repellents: Consider using spider repellents, such as natural deterrents like essential oils (peppermint, lavender, or citrus), to discourage spiders from entering your home. Apply these oils in areas where spiders are commonly seen.
How do I get rid of spiders?
Spider repellents can help deter these critters from turning your home into theirs. Eliminating other bugs from your property will also drive them to seek food elsewhere. However, if a large population has already staked a claim in your basement or attic, call the experts at Northeast Exterminating. We will remove any spider infestation along with their food source, ensuring your home or business is completely pest free.
We are experts in the field of pest control and stake our reputation on professional service. All pests are not equal in the sense that they all require a special means of control, and select pesticide to be applied. A member of our team will discuss with you the best possible solution for your specific problem to ensure you get the optimum result quickly.
1-203-468-2847