Spiders belong to the arachnid family which includes insects such as scorpions and ticks. These critters have eight legs like an insect but also have two additional appendages called pedipalps that look like tiny arms near their mouthparts.
Spider bodies range in size from less than 1 cm wide for some of the smallest species to over 25cm for tarantulas found in South America!
All spiders have eight legs, two jaws (chelicerae), four eyes, and a pair of pedipalps that act like tiny arms which they used primarily in weaving webs or lining burrows with silk to capture prey when it becomes entangled.
Their body is divided into two main parts: the cephalothorax or prosoma which contains its head and mouthparts, plus six legs; and an abdomen with another six legs.
They are able to use these strong strands of silk for climbing and marking a path to their nest.
Below are descriptions of three common types of spiders you may have seen or heard about in your area:
House spiders — House spiders, with their varying colorings, yellowish-brown in appearance. They have rounded abdomens and distinctive dark chevrons on their bodies and legs.
They are well known for their ability to invade homes and other structures.
Black widow spiders — This type have black globular bodies with eight thin legs, which when extended measure about 1-1/2 inch in length.
They have a red spot on the underside of their abdomens, which distinguishes them from the others. They may or may not also have light red/white markings. They have four pairs of eyes arranged in two rows.
Brown recluse spiders — This critters have a brown papery, violin-shaped body. They range in size from about 1/4 to 1/2 inches in length when their legs are extended.
These insects usually stay hidden inside crevices or dark places during the day and come out at night to search for prey. Brown recluses are not aggressive and will usually retreat if disturbed.
See more information about our spider control services here.
They have venom that they use to capture and kill prey, but they are not aggressive. Most spider bites result in only mild discomfort or minor local reactions unless the person is allergic to insect venom.
Most spiders, including the ones that live in houses, are harmless and pose no significant health risk to people.
They have strong enough fangs to puncture human skin and their venom is potent enough to cause health problems.
There are some spiders that can cause a mild reaction in people and some people are allergic to spider bites, however, only Black Widows and Brown Recluse spiders can cause serious damage, such as a necrotic wound- a wound that doesn’t heal.
These spiders, although venomous and may be fatal if not treated, are often manageable with the proper medical care.
They are attracted to your home because it offers them both food (insects) and shelter. When they find good habitat in your home, they will mate and lay eggs.
Long grass and bushes, as well as woodpiles and tall shrubs, are attractive to both insects and spiders to a property.
They can live outside, but they often find their way into homes and other buildings by following their prey or seeking shelter. Outside, brown recluse and black widow spiders build their irregular-shaped webs near the ground.
House spiders are often found in trees, shrubs, and tall grass with their webs just above the ground. They also occasionally build webs inside doorways and under decks.
They usually hide under furniture, in sinks, closets, and attics. They also live in basements. They are solitary by nature and like to live in spots that are away from a lot of activity.
We offer professional spider control services for residential or commercial properties.
24h Pest Pros has qualified technicians who will inspect your property for any signs of infestation before recommending an effective treatment plan for your specific needs!
Discover why your neighbors have chosen 24h Pest Pros for their pest control needs. Give us a call today and find out!
To avoid problems with this insect, work with a dependable pest control company such as 24h Pest Pros and implement these prevention tips:
Moving places is stressful enough, but it's important to consider the essentials of preventive pest control before you even start unpacking. Fortunately, there are several
Read MorePart of having a yard is dealing with all the critters that wander over to visit you. Some will be cute and furry, while others
Read MoreMany people do not realize they have booklice problems before finding the infestations in their homes. Booklice have not been formally tested for lice and
Read More