Spider Identification & Prevention

Spiders are perhaps the world's most famous arachnids. These eight-legged predators catch their prey unawares, sinking their fangs into it and eating it alive. Maybe this is why spiders are the subject of so many horror movies and gruesome ghost stories.

We've got many different types of spiders here in Texas. Some of the most common spiders in Texas include:

• Black and brown widows
• Brown recluses
• Garden spiders
• Wolf spiders
• Cellar spiders
• House spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Orb weavers

Most of these spider species are not anything to worry about, though there are a couple of exceptions.

Most of our local spiders are not dangerous at all. Indeed, the majority of the spiders in the world are not a threat to humans, and none of the world's most lethal spiders live in the U.S. In fact, we only have two spider species in the entire country that pack a medically significant bite — brown recluse and widow spiders.

The brown recluse has a hemotoxic venom that can cause necrosis around the bite site, while the bite of a black or brown widow is neurotoxic and can cause systemic symptoms. Neither of these spiders is usually a mortal threat to adult humans, though they can be deadly to pets and small children.

Unlike most other pests that infest our homes, spiders don't have any particular reason to come into our houses. They don't need us for food, water, or anything else. The only thing that draws spiders into our homes is an active infestation of other pests they like to eat.

Examples of pests that often attract spiders include ants, flies, cockroaches, and silverfish. Depending on the infestation, you might notice an uptick in the activity of certain types of spiders. For instance, a cockroach infestation might attract hunting spiders like the wolf spider.

All spiders like to avoid getting into situations where they interact with large animals. They will hide as far out of your way as possible. Expect to find them in dark corners of your home, building their webs out of your sight. You might also find hunting spiders in places where their prey usually is, such as underneath appliances and inside cabinets. Virtually any hole, corner, or cubby can hide a spider in an infested home.

The best way to get rid of spiders is to make sure that you don't have any food for them in your house; this means getting rid of infestations that attract common household spiders. If you're noticing an uptick in spider activity, it's a safe bet you need to clear up another infestation. Other bugs are the only things that consistently attract these predatory arachnids into a home. Reach out to us today for more information about our home pest control and commercial pest control options.

Preventing spider infestations almost always begins and ends with preventing spider prey infestations. To make your house less attractive to common household pests, take the following measures:

• Keep indoor and outdoor trash covered at all times.
• Store all pantry foods in airtight containers.
• Clean up immediately after meals and never leave dishes in the sink.
• Vacuum and wipe surfaces frequently to pick up crumbs and smears.
• Seal up cracks and holes in your home's exterior to prevent entry.

Unfortunately, even the strictest anti-pest measures can still fail. If you notice signs of a spider prey infestation or an uptick in activity from the spiders themselves, don't hesitate to contact us here at Green Pest Guys. Not only can we help you get rid of the spiders that are infesting your home, but we can help you figure out what other infestation is attracting them so that you never have to deal with spiders or the icky bugs they like to eat again.

So don't wait until you wake up in bed with an unwelcome eight-legged snuggle buddy dropping from the ceiling. Give us a call or visit our contact page to get started today!