Spiders are often known for their depiction in movies, nursery rhymes, and other forms of popular culture and entertainment. Belonging to the class Arachnida, data suggests that more than 30,000 spider species exist worldwide, with approximately 4,000 types found in North America.
Despite their creepy and dangerous portrayal, spiders play a beneficial role in the overall environment as predators, particularly in the agricultural industry, by reducing the population of many pests that damage crops.
Some Americans struggle with an excessive fear of spiders; a condition referred to as arachnophobia. Fortunately, the reality is that only about 1% of spider species pose a legitimate risk to human health. Two of the most dangerous types of spiders found in the U.S. include the black widow spider and brown recluse spider, which exist in some regions of Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, several widow spiders, including the southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans), exist. The females can deliver a painful bite that may impact the lymphatic system and result in cramps, nausea, and other symptoms that call for medical attention. In recent years, reports confirmed the existence of the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) in areas of northwestern Florida, including the Bay, Jefferson, and Leon counties.
How do you get rid of spiders in your house? Property owners that routinely notice spiders on their property should consider speaking with a local pest control company that will perform an assessment of the property and explain the best treatment options. A trained Crawfordville pest control professional understands what causes spiders in the house and knows how to keep spiders out of your home using exclusionary measures and performing comprehensive exterior property maintenance.
Characteristics Of Common Spiders
Spiders have a two-part body consisting of a cephalothorax and abdomen and have eight legs. Many spider species have multiple pairs of eyes, and they all have “fang-like” chelicerae that will subdue types of prey. While some spiders directly attack types of prey, many spin silky webs that ensnare a meal.
How And Why Spiders Find Their Way Into Our Homes
Spiders will use their small body size and climbing skills to navigate through openings that may exist throughout a home’s exterior. Spiders generally venture indoors when seeking food, water, or shelter from extreme weather conditions.
Five No-Sweat Tips To Prevent Spiders In Your Home
What are some of the best strategies for preventing intrusions involving the different types of house spiders found here in the Crawfordville area?
- Prevent spiders from entering the home by identifying any cracks or crevices around the base (foundation) of the structure and filling them with a weatherproof sealant.
- Repair damaged window screens and install sweeps along the bases of exterior doors where needed.
- Limit bright outdoor lighting near entry doors, which attract various flying pests that spiders eat.
- Keep kitchen areas free of crumbs, dirty dishes, and other food scraps that attract insects that spider prey on generally.
- Discourage spiders from staying by using a water hose for removing webs around the exterior or a vacuum for removing webs inside the home.
As the aforementioned five recommendations suggest, limiting the presence of the many types of insects and other creatures that spiders consume is a vital aspect of any viable spider prevention plan. Keep in mind that this also applies to exterior areas near the structure as well as the home’s interior.
Professional Pest Control Makes For The Best Spider Control
Florida Sun Termite and Pest Control is a qualified team of local technicians that are familiar with the many types of spiders in Florida that plague property owners and know how to keep spiders out of your home. Contact our team of home pest control professionals today regarding an inspection.