Some people fear them, others keep them as pets, but for some unsuspecting families, spiders could be spinning an unwelcome web in their home. Spiders are one of the pests looking for a warm place to spend the winter. This could end up being your garage, basement, or attic. While some species only harm other pests in the area, some could do some real damage if they end up biting you or your family. Learn about the signs and measures you can take for effective spider control.

Harmful or Helpful

A spider could be seen as both. While the first reaction of many is to instantly squash an eight-legged creature, you may want to consider how many flies and other bugs it’s saved you from having to deal with. However, walking into a web or discovering one dangling in front of your face is not exactly fun.

Also, there are a few spiders you never want to run into. Some species may bite if they feel threatened, and depending on where you live and what type of spider you’re dealing with, this bite can be deadly. Recluse, widow, and hobo spider bites could cause a painful reaction and other serious side effects.

Spider Control

There are many products on the market that claim they get rid of spiders. However, pesticides aren’t the most effective method of control. Since spiders usually reside in their web, away from surfaces where pesticides are sprayed, they’re out of chemical reach.

If you’re looking to get rid of spiders, try preventing them in the first place.

1. Make it hard for spiders to enter your home through cracks and crevices by weatherproofing windows, doors, walls, and foundations.
2. Spiders look for quiet crevices that are rarely cleaned where they won’t be disturbed. Keeping the nooks and crannies around your home clean is one way to prevent them from moving in.
3. The cleaner your home, the less likely other insects will venture in. This also means less food for the spider, making your house even less desirable.
4. Spiders are attracted to areas near light sources where they can capture flying insects. Simply turning out the lights will help reduce spider populations.
5. Feeling brave? If you want to rehome a harmless spider, trap it in a container and move it to the garden. There it can be more of a service to you and your yard.

If you notice an area of your home is overrun with a larger spider population than you’re comfortable dealing with yourself, contact the pest control at Cardinal Pest for assistance.