What You Need To Know About Spiders
Spiders, while fascinating creatures in nature, can become a pest issue when they infest our living spaces. In Boerne and surrounding areas, we often encounter various Texas spider species, including the wolf spider, brown recluse, black widow, tarantula, common house spider, and orb spider. Identifying and understanding these pest spiders are crucial to maintaining a home free from these unwelcome arachnids. Covenant Pest Control is dedicated to helping you learn about spider identification and effective prevention methods to protect your home and loved ones from these nuisance pests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiders
What are spiders?
Spiders belong to the class Arachnida and possess distinctive characteristics, such as eight legs and silk-spinning abilities. Unlike insects, they lack antennae and they have two main body segments: the cephalothorax and abdomen. Here's a brief guide to identifying the types of spiders found locally:
- Wolf spider: These large and robust spiders are often found outdoors, hunting for prey. They are recognizable by their stout appearance and may carry egg sacs on their abdomens.
- Brown recluse: Small to medium-sized, the brown recluse spider bears a violin-shaped mark on its cephalothorax. These spiders prefer dark and secluded areas and possess a potentially dangerous bite that can cause necrotic skin lesions.
- Black widow: Shiny black in color, the black widow spider has a distinctive red hourglass-shaped mark on its abdomen. Often found in undisturbed areas like woodpiles and cluttered spaces, its venomous bite can cause severe symptoms.
- Tarantula: Tarantulas are large and hairy spiders that give an intimidating impression. While they prefer warm climates and may dig burrows, their venom is generally not harmful to humans.
- Common house spider: Small to medium-sized, these spiders come in various colors and markings. They often build their webs indoors, typically in corners and ceilings, and are not dangerous to humans.
- Orb spider: The orb spider is known for its vibrant colors and for building intricate orb-shaped webs in gardens and outdoor spaces.
At Covenant Pest Control, we are well-versed in the local spider species, their habits, and the potential risks they may pose. Our experienced team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to identify and address spider infestations efficiently.
Are spiders dangerous?
While most spiders are harmless, certain species can pose risks to humans. In Boerne, it's essential to remain cautious about potentially dangerous spiders like the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider. Bites from these spiders can cause painful symptoms and, in rare cases, lead to severe medical issues. However, it's important to remember that spiders typically avoid human interactions and only bite when they feel threatened.
Why do I have a spider problem?
One primary attractant of spiders is the presence of other pests, such as insects, which serve as their food source. They seek sheltered areas to build their webs and catch prey. Additionally, outdoor lighting draws insects closer to your home, inadvertently attracting spiders. Cluttered and undisturbed spaces become suitable hiding spots for spiders to establish their webs.
Where will I find spiders?
Spiders often prefer undisturbed areas, such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages, to build their webs. Outdoor areas with vegetation, bushes, and tall grass provide suitable environments for spiders to thrive. Common indoor hiding spots include corners, window sills, and other secluded areas.
How do I get rid of spiders?
Eliminating spiders can be challenging, especially when dealing with potentially dangerous species. DIY spider control methods may not always prove effective, and handling venomous spiders yourself can be hazardous. To address a spider infestation in Boerne, TX, it's best to contact Covenant Pest Control. We can identify the spider species and implement effective methods to eliminate and manage the infestation.
How can I prevent spiders in the future?
Preventing spiders from entering your home involves a combination of physical barriers and addressing attractants. Here are some practical home remedies to get rid of spiders:
- Regularly inspect doors, windows, and foundation walls for cracks or gaps, and seal them to block spiders from entering your living spaces.
- Keep your home organized, especially in attics and basements, to eliminate potential hiding spots for spiders.
- Trim vegetation away from your home's exterior to reduce the presence of insects and the spiders that feed on them.
- Regularly check and remove spider webs around your home to discourage spiders from settling in and laying eggs.
By following these preventive measures and seeking professional help when necessary, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering spiders in your home. However, sometimes it takes a professional’s touch to effectively keep spiders away from your home. If you’re still having issues with these persistent pests, the local spider control experts at Covenant Pest Control can help.