Knowing the signs of spiders can prevent them from taking over your home
The presence of webs, spider droppings, and egg sacs can indicate spider activity in your home.
You can take steps to remove spiders from your home, but hiring a pest control professional is best for large or dangerous infestations.
Eliminating other pests and reducing entry opportunities can help you prevent spider infestations.
Seeing signs of spiders in your home can be frightening, especially for those on the squeamish side. However, recognizing the signs of spiders can help signal when it’s time to hire a spider control professional who can help prevent large infestations from taking over your home.
Exclusion is the best practice for keeping unwanted pests out. Examples include replacing weather stripping around windows and doors, using dehumidifiers to keep moisture content down, sealing up cracks and crevices both on the exterior and interior of the house, repairing any household damage, and taking care of water-related leaks sooner than later.
Spiders are not inherently dangerous unless they bite you. Spiders are not poisonous, but some varieties are venomous, meaning that spiders only pose a risk if they bite you and release their venom, an insecticide meant to immobilize their prey. Although most spiders are harmless, if you spot many spiders in or around your home, you may have an infestation, warranting a visit from a spider control professional. If you see a dangerous type of spider, such as a brown recluse, you should not hesitate to call a professional.
Spotting the signs of a spider infestation could be as simple as noticing an increase of spiders in your home, but other signs, such as spider droppings, are more subtle. Here’s what you should look out for and when to call an exterminator for spiders.
The most obvious sign that you have spiders in your home is the presence of live spiders. If you see more than one spider in a short time period, it’s safe to say that there are more living among you. Since spiders breed and produce upwards of 200 babies per egg sac, it’s safe to say that where there is one, there are dozens. Spotting several live spiders in your home, especially in the same area, warrants calling a spider control professional for an inspection.
Spiders cast webs to trap food, among other reasons, and noticing their webs is a tell-tale sign you have spiders in or around your home. Spider webs are easy to mistake for cobwebs, which are formed by dust. Spider webs can be found in the corners of your home and anywhere a spider can weave its silk undisturbed, such as light fixtures and between banisters. Seeing a significant amount of active spider webs is cause for concern, and you should consult a spider professional to ensure there isn’t a larger problem lurking in your home.
A spider's egg sac is where its offspring are cared for before they hatch. Spotting an egg sac in your home is a warning sign that you’re about to experience a large infestation of baby spiders. Egg sacs can be found in different locations, depending on the type of spider, such as stuck to an existing web or attached to an adult spider. Typically, egg sacs are white or cream in color and rounded in shape. If you spot egg sacs in your home, hire a spider control pro immediately.
Spider droppings are a clear sign that there are spiders in your home. You’ll know that you’ve found spider droppings if you come across tiny pin-sized splats, which can be colors ranging from white to brown, or even black. These droppings are usually found in combination with other spider activity signs, such as a living spider or an active web.
Although it may be tempting to try to get rid of spiders on your own, some spider infestations are beyond handling yourself. You’ll know that you need to hire a professional spider exterminator to deal with your spider problem if:
You notice an increase in live spiders or spider activity.
You’ve tried treating the infestation with limited or no success.
You spot a venomous type of spider that poses a risk to your safety.
If your spider infestation is limited to a small handful of spiders, you can DIY spider removal by taking steps like eliminating spider entry points and eliminating food sources from your home. However, a large spider infestation or an infestation of spiders that pose a risk to your health signal that it's time to hire a spider professional in your area. These spider pros have the tools, skills, and equipment necessary to clear your home of these creepy crawlies.
The best way to ensure you don’t end up with an infestation of spiders is to practice preventative measures. Follow these steps to prevent spiders from invading your space:
Eliminate their food source: Spiders eat insects and other pests around your home. You can lessen spider activity in your home by eliminating these gnats and flies from your home.
Reduce their access: You can reduce a spider's access to your home by sealing cracks around molding, ensuring doors and windows fit snugly in their frames, and making sure your window screens are free from tears.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed: If you have trees or shrubs that come into contact with the exterior of your home, that could attract spiders. Keep spiders from visiting your home by keeping your landscaping trimmed back from your home.
Remove their hiding spots: Spiders like to hide in clutter around your home. Decluttering spaces can help deter spiders, including spaces outside your home, such as woodpiles and other outdoor structures.
Spiders are most active during the warm spring and summer months. During this time, most spiders emerge from their hiding places to lay eggs and hunt for food. However, each species of spider is different and some are more active than others. Stay vigilant for signs of spiders in your home once the weather begins to warm.
Experts have mixed opinions about spraying spiders. A recent study found that chestnut and peppermint oil have a repelling effect on some spider species, but were ineffective at repelling others. You should consult with an expert exterminator to find out what works best to repel the spiders living in and around your home.
Having a few spiders in your home is okay and in many cases can be beneficial. Spiders can help reduce the presence of other pests, such as flying gnats and mosquitos. If you fear that you have a venomous spider living in your house or a large infestation, you should hire a spider exterminator to help you remove it.
