Spider Identification & Prevention

Spiders, belonging to the order Araneae, are a type of air-breathing arthropod (an invertebrate with an exoskeleton, appendages that are jointed and paired, and a segmented body). They are the largest order of arachnids, and they have eight legs, fangs that usually contain venom, and silk-spinning capabilities. Spiders rank highly with regard to species diversity compared to all other organisms, and certain types of spiders are particularly notable for their ability to invade homes or businesses.

House spiders

These spiders are approximately a quarter of an inch long or less. They range from light yellow-brown to dark brown, and some subspecies may have dark brown or white spots on their abdomen. The house spider’s legs will be brown, too, with occasional darker rings of color.

Brown recluse spiders

These spiders grow up to a half-inch in length and have a tan to dark brown coloration. Brown recluses have a violin-shaped marking on their backs, with the skinny neck of the violin pointed away from their head. They also have six eyes instead of eight.

Wolf spiders

Wolf spiders are large, often growing to two inches in length. They are tan to dark brown and have two dark-colored stripes running down their back. They are quite hairy with long legs and prominent eyes.

Yes, spiders can be dangerous because most spiders possess some type of venom that they will inject into you with their bite. Some spiders, such as the black widow and the brown recluse, are considered medically dangerous due to the health consequences of their bites. Other spiders may not cause any problems, while still others may trigger allergic reactions. If you experience severe symptoms after receiving a spider bite, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the wild, and depending on the species, most spiders will live in their webs high up in trees, in holes in the ground, or even on the water. Spiders will typically hide in dark, secluded areas such as garages, basements, attics, and under patios when invading your property and occupied buildings. Spiders will use their webs to catch food from these living areas or move away to hunt prey, returning to their nest with their catch.

There are a few signs that you can look out for that indicate a spider problem around your property, such as:

• Multiple sightings of spiders outdoors or indoors.
• Cobwebs appearing around your property, both inside and outside.
• Finding spider egg sacs in secluded, hidden areas.
• An active pest prey problem (spiders will follow insects like ants, beetles, and cockroaches to your property for food).

You should contact Womack Pest Control for spider control in Rockville, MD because once these pests move in, they are hard to eradicate.

To prevent spiders from overrunning your property, you can:

• Seal up cracks around your property to keep spiders out.
• Declutter indoor and outdoor areas to reduce hiding spots.
• Remove outdoor debris and keep your grass cut low.
• Sweep away spider webs frequently.
• Address pest prey issues with the help of Womack Pest Control.

And remember, if you need to get rid of an active infestation of spiders, contact Womack Pest Control for home pest control or commercial pest control as soon as possible. Our experts can eliminate spider infestations on your property safely and effectively.