Spiders are among the most common pests encountered in homes, and while many people may fear them, these arachnids play a vital role in controlling insect populations. However, if you find yourself saying, “I have spiders!” it’s essential to understand why they are in your home, what they eat, and how to effectively manage them. This blog will cover the reasons for spider infestations, their dietary preferences, and proven methods for prevention and elimination.
Why Spiders Infest Homes
Ever wonder why you have spiders? Spiders typically invade homes in search of food, water, and shelter. In fact, at least one of these essentials must be present in order for the spider to survive. If you have spiders, you most certainly have either a good food source, moisture problems, or shelter. Many homes provide all three, and the homeowner may not even be aware.
Food Sources
Spiders primarily feed on insects, making homes with high insect populations particularly attractive. Common prey includes flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. If your home has a consistent supply of these insects, it becomes a prime hunting ground for spiders.
Shelter
Spiders seek out dark, undisturbed areas where they can build webs and hide from predators. Basements, attics, and corners of rooms are common hiding spots for spiders.
Moisture
Spiders, like other insects, require water and will search out areas where moisture is present. If food and shelter are also available, it’s the perfect haven.
Environmental conditions also affect spiders and can lead to a surge in their numbers indoors. Extreme weather, like heavy rain, snow, extreme heat, extreme cold, or arid conditions, means insects must search for the three life essentials mentioned above. You can expect, then, to see surges around the time of seasonal changes or unusual weather events.
What Spiders Eat?
Spiders are carnivorous and primarily consume live prey. They are skilled predators that rely on their webs to catch insects or actively hunt their food. Wolf spiders, brown recluse, and jumping spiders, for example, are hunting spiders that go in search of and attack their food source, killing it without the help of a web. When spiders are actively present and infest your home, other pests are likely present, indicating that you need pest control. Spiders consume a wide array of other insects. Here are just a few of their favorites:
- Flies: – Houseflies – Fruit flies – Flesh flies – Crane flies
- Moths: – Clothes moths – Pantry moths – Silk moths – Noctuid moths
- Wasps: – Paper wasps – Yellowjackets – Hornets
- Beetles: – Ladybugs – Ground beetles – Weevils – Rove beetles
- Ants: – Sugar ants – Carpenter ants – Fire ants
- True Bugs: – Stink bugs – Leaf-footed bugs – Bed bugs
- Caterpillars: – Various species that can be found on plants.
- Grasshoppers and Crickets: – Common garden species that may fall into spider webs.
- Termites: – Often targeted by some hunting spiders, especially in damp environments.
- Fleas: – Found on animals and in homes.
- Other Spiders: – Some larger spiders might cannibalize smaller species when food is scarce.
Chances are, if you have any of these pests, you also have spiders, but don’t be immediately alarmed – spiders are beneficial. Without spiders, many of these listed pests would become out of control. Having spiders isn’t all bad until they begin to invade our personal space. Until then, they pose no harm, no threat, and are rarely even a nuisance. If you see a spider outside your home, it’s not a cause for alarm. Try to remain calm and remember that it isn’t coming after you; it’s probably more afraid of you than you are of it. If you find one inside, please call Four Seasons Pest Solutions, and our certified service specialists will get rid of it!
Mechanically Preventing Spiders
Preventing spider infestations and stopping them altogether involves a combination of mechanical barriers and housekeeping practices. These steps can not only reduce spider numbers, but can also reduce a myriad of other invading pests. This dual approach not only diminishes spider populations by reducing shelter possibilities but also targets a range of other invasive pests that may serve as food sources for these arachnids.
Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes, particularly around windows, doors, and foundations. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these openings and prevent spiders from entering.
Seal Entry Points
Conduct a thorough inspection of your home to identify cracks, gaps, and openings, particularly around windows, doors, and foundations. Utilizing caulk and weather stripping to seal these vulnerabilities can significantly hinder spider ingress.
Declutter
Minimizing clutter in and around residential areas is vital, as excessive materials provide numerous hiding spots for spiders. Regular organization and cleaning of spaces such as basements, garages, and storage areas will significantly reduce potential spider habitats.
Maintain Cleanliness
Frequent vacuuming and dusting are critical in eliminating spider webs and egg sacs, effectively lowering spider populations over time. Focus particularly on corners, ceilings, and under furniture, as these areas are prime locations for spider activity.
Outdoor Maintenance
Properly managing outdoor vegetation is crucial. Keeping plants well-trimmed and ensuring that they do not come into direct contact with the exterior of your home will reduce both potential entry points and habitats for spiders.
By implementing these measures, you can create an environment that is less conducive to spider infestations while also protecting against other common household pests. This can reduce the need for pesticides indoors and allow exterior treatments to be less frequent. For instance, our 4×4 Plan and our 366 Plan are both perfect examples of exterior treatments that require less frequent visits, saving you money and preventing the overuse of insecticides.
Pest Management Methods for Elimination and Prevention
Pest control plans that focus on exterior treatments will reduce the likelihood of spiders entering your home. Plans aimed at reducing and eliminating numbers indoors, will do little for preventing their entry. Having a pest company that understands this will avoid future problems. If you already have a spider infestation, several pest management methods can help eliminate these arachnids effectively.
- Chemical Treatments: Insecticides specifically formulated for spiders can be used to treat affected areas. However, it’s crucial to apply these products according to label directions, which means making application to the correct sites to be effective while ensuring safety for humans and pets.
- Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is severe or persistent, enlisting the help of a pest control professional can provide a thorough assessment and targeted treatment plan. Professionals like Four Seasons Pest Solutions can identify the species of spider and tailor treatments accordingly.
- Natural Remedies: Some homeowners prefer using natural deterrents. Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus can repel spiders when diluted and sprayed in areas where they are frequently seen. However, expect to do this weekly and even more often in some cases. Additionally, expect to spend more than you would likely pay a professional.
- Regular Monitoring: After initial treatments, continue to monitor for spider activity or be sure your pest company does. Implementing ongoing preventive measures, such as regular cleaning and maintenance coupled with ongoing pest control treatments, can help keep spider populations low.
The goal isn’t to eliminate spiders or their webs outdoors; that’s where they live! Instead, Four Seasons Pest Solutions directs treatments at reducing spider numbers around the home and eliminating them indoors.
Conclusion
If you find yourself saying, “I have spiders!” it’s essential to understand the reasons behind their presence and the steps you can take to manage and prevent infestations. Additionally, understanding the signs of spider infestation and the most common spiders is also helpful. By being proactive with mechanical prevention methods and effective pest management strategies, you can create a more comfortable living environment free from unwanted arachnids. Remember, while spiders can be beneficial in controlling other pests, your peace of mind is paramount.
And remember, it’s okay to live among pests… but you don’t have to live with them!
