It’s spider season! As the temperatures start to drop, you may start noticing an increase in the number of spiders visible in your home. This increase has led to some misunderstandings about these little pests, and the pest control team at Senske wants to make sure you have the right information so you can protect your home from unwanted spiders.
Is there such a thing as spider season? The answer depends on what you mean. It’s not uncommon to see reports that cold weather in the fall and winter are a trigger to send spiders into your home to make their winter abode. Yet that’s not entirely true. Spiders, especially the ones that live in houses, can be found year-round. These creatures don’t venture inside just because it’s cold out. They stay there all year.
So why does it feel like late summer and early fall brings an increase in the little critters? The reason is that this is mating season. When males start looking around for females to mate with, they come out of their hiding places, and suddenly you realize that you have need for spider control help.
While there really isn’t a season for spiders, late summer and early fall can show you the ones that have been hiding in your home. If you’re dealing with an infestation during this “spider season,” here’s what you need to know.
Dangerous Spiders to Look Out For
Spiders, in general, may give you the creeps, but rarely are they dangerous. Giant house spiders, for example, can give you quite a fright because of their size and menacing appearance, but they seldom bite and, if one does bite, the bite does not hurt or cause any damage. Most spiders you see in your house are not dangerous to humans in the least.
However, there are a few species that can hurt you or your family. In North America, there are a few venomous species that are consistently found in and around homes:
Brown Recluse – The brown recluse is one of the most deadly spiders in the country, and its bite can destroy your flesh or cause death if left untreated. This spider which is primarily found in dark locations, reproduces quickly, and is known for a dark “violin” pattern on its back.
Black Widow – This is perhaps one of the most identifiable of the venomous group of spiders in the United States. This large black spider has a reddish oftentimes hourglass-shape on its abdomen. The bite can cause severe muscle pain and cramping, but rarely leads to death. These spiders primarily live in the southern, western, and northern parts of the country.
Hobo Spider – The hobo spider lives in the Pacific Northwest and makes a funnel web outdoors. Many years ago, the hobo spider bites were believed to cause the body tissues to decay at the site of the bite. However, recent research has shown that the spider’s venom does not contain any tissue decaying components.
If you notice that you have one of these spiders in your home, make a call to a professional pest control company right away.
What You Can Do to Stop Spiders
A spider infestation, even with something as harmless as the common house spider, can be discouraging. Spiders are helpful critters, but they do not belong indoors. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to remedy the problem. Here are some tips to help get spiders out of your house:
Eliminate clutter – Spiders like to hide, so eliminating clutter will remove their hiding places.
Eliminate food sources for other bugs – Spiders need to eat, and other insects in your home are a great source of food. Eliminate food scraps and keep food tightly sealed to keep other pests away, and you will attract fewer spiders.
Seal your home – Spiders enter homes through cracks in doors, windows, and foundations. Seal these to prevent access.
Keep outdoor lights off – Spiders are attracted to flying insects, and flying insects are attracted to outdoor lights. Turn them off to avoid problems.
If your DIY attempts to stop your spider problem are not helping and you’re dealing with a true infestation, professional help is the key. Now is the right time to call a Senske spider control expert and get professional help to deal decisively with your infestation.