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FEBRUARY 23 2022 /
They might not bother everyone, but those who hate spiders have a passionate disdain for these eight-legged pests.
Most spiders prefer to mind their own business and aren’t particularly dangerous to humans.
However, having a house overrun with spiders isn’t something you can tolerate, whether you like them or not. Keep spiders out of your Maryland home with these simple tips.
The vast majority of spiders that we find in our homes are harmless. Though lots of folks fear spider bites, the venom of most spiders is too weak to have a meaningful effect on human health.
But even if the venom is weak, many spiders can still deliver a painful bite if provoked.
Spiders can help to control the population of pests in your home, but by that same token, they are more likely to infest your property if there are lots of bugs for them to eat. So, having existing pest infestations can sometimes lead to spiders.
There are hundreds of different spider species recognized in Maryland and likely many more yet to be identified. But there are only a handful of spiders that are commonly found in homes.
Wolf spiders – These spiders tend to be large and hairy and hunt their prey on the ground rather than building webs. Wolf spiders come in a variety of colors from gray to brown and can measure up to 1 ½ inches or longer.
Cellar spiders – Easily identifiable, cellar spiders have spindly, thin legs and a small body. Some can measure up to two inches long. These spiders are generally pale in color and are commonly found in basements.
Black widow spiders – Shiny black in color with a distinct red hourglass pattern visible on females, black widow spiders make their webs in undisturbed areas of sheds, porches, and similar areas. They typically measure between 1/4 and 1/2 inches in length.
House spiders – House spiders vary in appearance from mottled gray to reddish-orange and measure about 1/4 inch on average. They weave messy webs and are often found near windows.
Whether you suffer from arachnophobia or not, you’ll be happy to know that spider prevention can be quick and easy. Easy spider prevention tips include:
⭐ Clean up the kitchen – Keeping a clean house can reduce the presence of small insects like ants and flies, and in turn, the presence of the spiders that feed on them. Wipe down countertops and clean floors to eliminate food debris. Don’t let trash pile up indoors and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
⭐ Clear away clutter – Spiders don’t always hang out where you can see them. Carefully organize or eliminate any piles of clutter like old clothing, aluminum cans, or miscellaneous garbage in your house. Outdoors, get rid of any yard waste, and try to relocate firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
⭐ Reduce moisture levels – Many spiders love humid environments. Try ventilating basement areas by opening windows and running an electric fan or installing a dehumidifier. Fixing leaky faucets and pipes and eliminating standing water can also discourage spiders.
⭐ Close off entrances – Spiders have to get indoors somehow. Inspect the exterior of your property for any cracks in your foundation or gaps around pipes and seal with silicone caulk. Look for any faulty weather stripping or damaged door sweeps and replace as needed.
The best way to deal with spiders is to first deal with the pests they prey on, and for that, nobody beats American Pest. For exceptional residential pest control services for your Maryland home, contact us today.
