Spiders

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Spider Appearance and Size Facts

Few pests send a shiver up your spine like a spider. The sight of one or (hopefully not) more of these eight-legged arthropods can be downright frightening and throw off your peace of mind in your home or business. 

There are over 40,000 species of spiders in the world, including around 3,000 in North America alone. The most common types of spiders include wolf spiders, cellar spiders, and more. While most spider species tend to be solitary and aren’t harmful to humans, you still don’t want them lingering around. A few common characteristics of spiders include:

  • Eight legs. All spiders are arachnids, meaning they have eight legs.
  • Up to three or four inches long. Different species vary in size, but many are small.
  • Two body parts. They have an abdomen and cephalothorax (head and thorax).
  • Brown, tan, black, or gray. Most spiders’ bodies are one of these colors.

 

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Behavior and Habitat of Spiders

Whether you’re in your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or garage, it can often feel like you’re never safe from seeing a spider in your home. Smacking them with a shoe every time can get old eventually, and what about when they manage to get away before you can get them?

Most spiders in Florida are not aggressive and will only bite to protect themselves. Although these bites can be painful, most are rarely medically concerning unless an allergic reaction occurs. However, there are a few spiders that can be found in South Florida that can present medical issues, such as the black window, brown window, and brown recluse spiders. Although the brown recluse is not native to South Florida, they are still seen occasionally after being transported in boxes or stored goods. Most other spiders have venom, but their bites don’t pose a significant threat. In general, though, you don’t want to see them establishing a presence in your home.

Signs of Infestation of Spiders

Besides simply seeing a spider crawling across your floor, there are a few signs of spiders to look out for. If you see spider webs, egg sacs, or dead insects, you may be dealing with a spider infestation. 

If you’re wondering how to tell if you have a spider bite, they usually come with red, inflamed bumps that are often itchy or painful. Bites from a brown recluse spider can also result in blistering of the skin and eventual tissue breakdown (necrosis). Those bitten by black widow spiders can have a range of symptoms, including serious pain around the bite and muscle spasms.

Tips for Prevention of Spiders

While spiders can be helpful by hunting other pests, you still don’t want them getting inside your home. There are a few simple tips for preventing spiders from getting indoors that can save you some stress.

First, seal any cracks or gaps in your building’s foundation, windows, or doorways, as this is spiders’ main point of entry. Next, you’ll want to make sure you frequently sweep or clean your floors, corners, and other crevices, removing any clutter or garbage that could serve as a hiding spot or breeding ground for these small pests. You should also do a sweep of your building’s exterior to make sure there is no overgrown vegetation or other potential hiding grounds for spiders.

 

Getting Rid of Spiders

It can be hard to figure out how to get rid of spiders. Your first inclination is likely to squish or remove any you see or potentially use a vacuum to get them if they’re high up or far away. However, some spiders can spread eggs when squashed or find their way back out of your vacuum cleaner, so be careful! If you’re dealing with dangerous spiders or seeing more than the one-off spider, professional pest control is your best option. Pest professionals, like those at Hulett, can identify the spiders in your home, determine if you have an infestation, and create a treatment and prevention plan for spiders and other common household pests.

 

Effective Spider Control Solutions

No matter what products you purchase or DIY pest control solutions you try, you won’t be able to match the effectiveness of professional treatments. For the best results and the best service, just call Hulett! With more than 50 years of experience providing top-notch pest control in south Florida, Hulett Environmental Services can help take care of your spiders and other pest problems in no time. We even utilize green pest control methods, so you don’t have to worry about causing undue harm to the environment or threatening the well-being of your family and pets.

Ready to begin the process of creating your pest-free home? Request a free inspection or give us a call to learn more about spider control services in south Florida!

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