What are spiders?
Spiders and insects are both arthropods, which means they have a protective skeleton on the outside of their bodies. However, spiders are not insects; they are arachnids – related to mites, ticks, and scorpions. Spiders have two body sections, eight legs, and chewing mouthparts, and they lack both antennae and wings. These arachnids are either web-building spiders or hunting spiders.
Web-building spiders, such as the black widow, construct webs to capture their prey, while hunting spiders, such as the brown recluse, may create webs to rest or hide in but don’t use them to capture prey. Instead, hunting spiders actively hunt and chase after their prey.
Are spiders dangerous?
In general, spiders are a welcome sight in our gardens. They help to control populations of insects and other nuisance spiders. However, when they decide to invade our properties in large numbers, some species of spiders become dangerous pests.
Black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders are both examples of dangerous spiders that live throughout parts of the United States, including in Nebraska. Avoiding contact with either species is crucial because they have venom potent enough to cause serious health problems. The venom from black widow spiders affects the nervous system in people and animals. The venom from brown recluse spiders causes the necrosis of the skin around the bite site, creating an ulcer that is difficult to heal and is prone to infection.
Why do I have a spider problem?
Spiders are outdoor pests and live in a variety of places, including our yards, wooded areas, fields, and the grass around ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. They will take advantage of any property that offers them suitable shelter and plenty of insects to eat. Properties with gardens and flowering vegetation often have a lot of insect activity, which is highly attractive to spiders.
Spiders will move into our homes, typically while following their prey. If your home has a lot of spider activity, it is an indicator that there may be an overall pest problem that you need to address. Spiders often move inside during the winter when their food supply outside becomes scarce. They make their way inside to dine on overwintering insects that have moved into our homes.
Where will I find spiders?
Shy and reclusive creatures, spiders try to spend much of their time out of sight. They like to live in areas that are dark, quiet, and secluded. Most spider bites happen when people accidentally come into contact with them while digging through storage boxes, gathering firewood, or doing gardening.
Where a spider builds its nest depends on its species. Most spiders that have moved inside a home or other building choose low-traffic areas to build their webs or hide. Our basements, attics, crawl spaces, and areas under furniture are common hideouts. Outside, spiders choose low-traffic, secluded areas to live like tall grasses, gardens, shrubs, trees, and flowering landscaping. They also like to hang out on the outside of homes behind siding, shutters, in doorways, or under roof eaves.
How do I get rid of spiders?
Get rid of spiders from your residential or commercial property with the help of the local experts at All Star Pest Control. We will eliminate spiders and other pests from your home or business and provide the follow-up services needed to prevent them from returning. We work closely with our customers to ensure that we meet all their pest control needs.
All Star Pest Control offers exceptional pest control services, using the most modern technology and products available. If you are ready to protect your Omaha, Nebraska home or business from pests, reach out to All Star Pest Control today. Our results are guaranteed!
How can I prevent spiders in the future?
The best way to prevent future problems with spiders is to partner with the professionals at All Star Pest Control. It is also important to implement the following prevention tips:
- Seal up openings in the foundation and exterior walls, place mesh covers of vents, seal spaces around utilities entering inside, and place door sweeps on exterior doors to keep spiders out.
- Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. Repair or replace torn or ripped window or door screens.
- Cut back overgrown shrubs, bushes, and landscaping plants away from the outside of your home to help prevent spiders from gathering there.
- Stack your firewood and plant garden areas at least 20 feet from the outside walls of your home.
- Reduce hiding spots for spiders inside your home by organizing storage areas and get rid of excess clutter.
- Put into place a year-round pest control program to control the number of both insects and spiders living on your property and within your home.