Most people do not like to see the spindly legs of a spider scuttling across a wall, but encountering one of these home invaders from time to time is unavoidable. However, if you are starting to see them more often, you might not just have an occasional visitor; you could be up against an entire spider infestation. Both for proper care of your building and for your own peace of mind, it is necessary to come up with a pest control plan that addresses the root of the problem.
But in order to be smart with your strategy, you will need to learn a little about spiders. You have probably seen them in larger numbers in your windows, vents, and crawl spaces. Why? Here are some reasons why spiders may choose these ideal locations and what you can do to make these areas (and the rest of your home) less appealing for their intrusion.
Because Theyāre Damp
Like most creatures with carapaces, spiders need to molt. That is, they must grow a new, larger exoskeleton beneath their current one, then shed the old one so they can continue to get bigger over time. In order to do this successfully, the spider needs to live in a place with sufficient humidity; otherwise, the old shed can become stuck, leaving it trapped until it dies.
Conveniently for spiders, areas such as vents and crawl spaces usually offer a welcoming, humid environment, with moisture that is poorly controlled. They will choose these locations over others for as long as they continue to provide ambient temperatures and moisture levels that suit their well-being. If you do not remove these spiders, their webs can remain hidden, trapping moisture and spreading dampness, which can cause mold and mildew to form in these areas.
Because Theyāre Safe
Spiders are always at risk from humans, who instinctively squash them. However, humans are far from their only predators. Birds, squirrels, and other animals can hunt spiders, so they need a safe haven. They need a safe location from which to monitor their webs.
Vents and crawl spaces are often sheltered locations where other animals, including humans, cannot easily see or reach spiders. Even windows offer some protection, as birds and other predators have a hard time coming so close to the home to grab them. Remember that some spiders are venomous, and ignoring them could mean putting your family in danger.
Because They Bring Food
One of the biggest factors in a spider’s choice of where to settle down is access to food. Spiders eat multiple times per week, so having a steady supply of prey is essential for their growth.
When it comes to trapping other bugs, few places are as ideal as windows, vents, and crawl spaces. All of these locations offer nooks and crannies in which a spider can build a web that remains largely or entirely undisturbed. Insects that are seeking shelter from predators or weather often pass through these places, falling right into spidersā traps. That also means more bug debris will begin to accumulate in your home.
What to Do About Spiders
If you are noticing a spider problem, the good news is that you do not simply have to accept it as a quirk of your home. It is possible to get rid of most of the spiders that disrupt your routine, but you will need to think strategically about a few factors.
How they enter your space
If spiders have free rein to wander your home as they please, they will have unfettered access to food, water, and security. Every spider that you see in your home suggests that there is a high likelihood that thereās a bigger population of spiders multiplying somewhere in your home out of sight. Locate where spiders are entering your home and the paths they are taking.
If you can find vulnerabilities, you can seal them. This is the first step in locking down your home against arachnid intrusion.
How to make things less hospitable
Spiders are choosing your home because they have decided the environment is ideal. Figure out what is drawing them in remove those welcoming conditions. Remove easy sources of food (bugs) by eliminating what attracts them (e.g., flies are drawn to garbage and overly ripe fruit on the counter; other small bugs love the shelter provided by long grass and cluttered pantries). Keep your vents and crawl spaces clean and dry through regular maintenance.
When you need help
Most homeowners can handle an occasional spider or two. However, you should seek professional help if you notice too many spiders or if they are not responding to your efforts.
If you notice any venomous spiders, such as brown recluses or black widows, you should rely on an experienced pest control company to safely eliminate the problem.Ā These spiders tend to remain hidden but can inflict venomous bites on unsuspecting individuals. Professionals can also help you identify and seal entry points that you may have missed and help you find other ways to make your space less attractive to spiders.
Keep Your Home Pest-Free With the Pros
When people think of pest control, they usually think of people who trap raccoons or get bats out of the attic. While that is part of the job, pest control professionals can also handle spiders. Contact Spartan Animal & Pest Control if you suspect arachnids have made their way into your home. We can help you create a comfortable space without unwanted spider visitors.
