How To Stop Spiders
pest expert Matthew S. Hess
09/28/2023
The presence of spiders in our ecosystem is crucial for maintaining balance. Spiders are known to prey on a variety of insects, small amphibians, and even small mammals, making them beneficial insects. However, most people search for how to stop spiders prefer not to tolerate a single spider inside their home.
When it comes to dealing with spiders outside, it is often best to leave them alone, depending on the species. Only venomous spiders pose a real threat to humans. However, web-building spiders like orb weavers can create unsightly webs on the exterior of a building if left unchecked. Allowing spider populations to grow outside can also lead to them making their way inside.
To prevent spiders from entering a building, it is essential to take good preventative measures. Depending on the spider species, there are several prevention and treatment options available.
Spider Species Identification
To achieve proper control and prevention measures, it is crucial to identify the spider species. Although some species may require similar treatment and prevention methods, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to spider control.
Firstly, let us identify the most common pest spider species in our area, and then we can explore effective prevention and control methods. We will begin with the only two venomous spiders in our region.
Venomous Spider Species
Black Widow
The black widow spider is probably the most recognizable spider in the United States. In fact, over the years, numerous product lines have been named “Black Widow,” in addition to various other merchandise that have adopted and utilized the spider’s name.
The female black widow is primarily known for its glossy black exterior and the distinct red hourglass shape located on the underside of its abdomen. In contrast, the male black widow looks nothing like the female and poses no threat, as he lacks venom and is rarely seen.
Black widows can be found in a range of locations outside and sometimes just inside doorways or windows. They prefer to inhabit dark, dry, and sheltered areas and are most frequently discovered on the sunniest side of a residence or building.
While most black widow bites do not result in death, they can be extremely agonizing. Symptoms can include pain at the site of the bite, muscle cramps and spasms, general achiness, nausea, and fever.
Brown Recluse
The brown recluse spider is a species that garners considerable attention in our region. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation and confusion surrounding this spider. In fact, several other spider species are frequently misidentified as brown recluse spiders. Likewise brown recluse spiders are also often misidentified as other non-venomous species. This confusion means that the brown recluse spider is potentially more dangerous than the black widow spider.
One of the most distinctive features of the brown recluse spider is the violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax. This marking is present in both males and females, and both sexes are equally venomous. Males tend to be more visible than females, particularly during peak breeding periods.
In Kentucky and Tennessee, Loxosceles reclusa is primarily found west of Interstate 75; but can also be found eastward. In many cases, infestations occur in non-primary zones due to accidental introduction. These spiders tend to prefer warm, dry, and dark areas that are undisturbed, such as gaps, cracks, and crevices. Unlike the black widow, brown recluse spiders commonly inhabit indoor areas and can quickly multiply into heavy infestations.
It is worth noting that brown recluse spider bites are typically either non-venomous or exhibit very mild venom. Only one in ten bites result in significant problems. Symptoms may include reddened skin that may lead to blistering at the site of the bite. Additionally, mild to severe pain and itching may occur and last up to eight hours after the initial bite. In rare cases, the bite may worsen, leading to necrosis of tissue. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a brown recluse spider, it is advisable to seek medical advice promptly to avoid potential complications.
Non-Venomous Spider Species
Depending on where you are located, there can be several different species that may be present in and around a home or business. Typically, only the spiders that most commonly infest indoors are considered pests. There are three main species in our area that are commonly found indoors: the American House Spider, the Cellar Spider, and the Wolf Spider.
American House Spider
The American House Spider is a ubiquitous arachnid within residential and commercial spaces. Typically, these spiders will be situated in low-lying corners, behind toilets, inside cupboards, in garage corners, under shelves, and similar areas. They possess a light brown to light gray coloration with a spotted or mottled, round abdomen.
Webs spun by the American House Spider are dense and lack uniformity. Frequently, fecal spotting can be discerned splattered beneath their webs. These spiders seldom bite, except in self-defense, and do not pose a threat to humans. The American House Spider can be found in residences and structures year-round.
Cellar Spider
Cellar spiders can be commonly found in homes and other buildings throughout the year, especially in dark and damp areas such as basements, crawlspaces, garages, and similar places. They prefer to spin their loose and irregular webs where there is moisture and higher humidity, often in high areas such as around the ceiling. These spiders prefer to hang upside down in their webs as they await their prey to accidentally enter.
With an oval-shaped body and a pale yellowish to light brown or gray color, cellar spiders are often misidentified as daddy longlegs due to their unusually long legs. Despite their appearance, there are no known threats associated with these spiders, and they simply remain a common nuisance pest in many homes and businesses.
Wolf Spider
The wolf spider, scientifically known as Lycosidae, may appear daunting due to its larger size; nevertheless, it is a non-hostile species that only attacks when provoked. These arachnids present themselves in various shades of brown, gray, black, or tan, donning dark markings such as stripes. This coloration serves as a natural camouflage, making them an adept predator to hunt their prey.
Wolf spiders come in different sizes, ranging from a body length of ¼ inch to over an inch, excluding their legs. When exposed to direct light, their eyes shine in the darkness. In crawlspaces, basements, and other dimly lit areas, this can be unnerving as your flashlight beam illuminates an already potentially eerie scene! In addition, female wolf spiders carry their spiderlings (offspring) on their backs for several days after hatching, adding to their already intimidating appearance.
Brown wolf spiders are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders, particularly when found indoors. However, brown recluse spiders are infrequently encountered, and quick-moving brown spiders are more likely to be wolf spiders than brown recluse spiders. To differentiate between them easily, wolf spiders are hairy and have banding patterns on their legs, whereas brown recluse spiders lack both. The wolf spider poses no threat to humans.
How to Stop Spiders
Prevention
Whether venomous or nonvenomous, most people prefer to have no spiders in or directly around their home, or at least know how to stop spiders. However, due to their uniquely small and flattened shape they are prime candidates for entering through small cracks and crevices to access a building. Yet, there is good news ahead! Preventative measures aimed at reducing harborage, food sources, entry points, and other conducive conditions do exist.
Stop Moisture Problems
Excessive moisture is a common root cause of pest infestations. Several factors can contribute to moisture problems. Among them are damp crawlspaces, wet basements, high humidity levels in living spaces, waterlogged lawns, poor drainage systems, clogged gutters and downspouts, and others. To prevent the appearance of spiders and other pests, it is essential to manage and eliminate excess moisture. Dehumidification is a practical solution that can be employed indoors.
Stop Other Pests
It is well-known that spiders feed on a diverse range of insect species. To ensure that these arachnids do not become a pest themselves, it is recommended to implement a regular pest control maintenance plan. This plan should target the reduction of insect populations. By doing so, the food source that spiders rely on will be minimized, ultimately leading to the elimination of the spider problem.
Maintain a Clutter-Free Home
Spiders have a tendency to seek out dimly-lit hiding spots where they can avoid detection. These often include crevices, dark corners, basements, attics, storage areas, and other cluttered or undisturbed spaces. By maintaining good sanitation and keeping your living environment tidy and free of clutter, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of spider infestations. Then, you may not need to know how to stop spiders after all!
Exclusion
It is often the case that homes are constructed without taking into consideration the exclusion of pests or how to stop spiders and other insects. Regrettably, it is rare for builders to put in the effort to properly seal the building to prevent pests from entering. There exist various ways in which entry points can be sealed or mended to deter spiders and other pests from intruding into the structure. Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Treatment
Once a spider infestation exists, prevention will take a backseat until treatment is completed. While there are numerous options available for homeowners, most do-it-yourself treatments fall short. One contributing factor to this failure is the use of subpar insecticide active ingredients. However, the primary reason for the lack of success in DIY spider control is typically due to insufficient knowledge.
The key to proper treatment lies in understanding where to apply the treatment, what to use, when to use it, and how much to use. Unfortunately, the average person lacks this knowledge, resulting in a suboptimal approach regardless of the insecticide used. When only a few spiders are present, DIY methods may suffice. However, in cases of severe infestations or when dealing with venomous spiders, it’s best to seek assistance from professionals.
Four Seasons Pest Solutions is always here and ready to help with all your pest problems. As a result, you don’t need to know how to stop spiders. Our team has the expertise required to effectively develop a plan of action to minimize and eliminate infestations. Additionally, our access to high-quality insecticides and proper utilization can make all the difference in achieving successful pest control.
It’s good to have Four Seasons on your side!
