Most people who encounter spiders inside their house react with a deep and visceral fear. Others are less bothered because they know that common house spiders feed on potentially harmful pests like cockroaches, flies, termites and carpenter ants.
However, frequently spotting spiders in any Doylestown area home or office should be concerning since this is a good indication of other pest problems. Anyone who feels that their home is plagued by spiders and their webs would be wise to contact a licensed pest control professional.
This is because a large spider population suggests that there is a huge population of other pests on which the spiders are feeding. Some of those other pests may be harmful to human health or destructive to property. Accordingly, a live-and-let-live approach may not be the best one.
WHAT THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER LOOKS LIKE
Like other arachnids, spiders have eight legs. Common house spiders additionally have eight single-lens eyes. Females of the species measure approximately five to eight millimeters in length while the males only reach a maximum of about four millimeters. Spiders do not have wings, and their bodies are divided into two sections, the abdomen and the cephalothorax. Frequently grey or brown in color, common house spiders may be identified by the distinctive chevron markings on the bodies.
WHERE DOES THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER LIVE?
As their name suggests, common house spiders prefer to spend the entirety of their life cycle indoors. Nonetheless, they also may be encountered in the yard or garden. Basements, attics, sheds, garages and crawl spaces are the most likely places to encounter a common house spider, but the species also builds nests indoors, often in the upper corners of rooms where they are more difficult to see.
Common house spiders tend to spin webs that are thicker in one part than the others. They stay on the thicker part as they wait for prey to get tangled in the other part of the web. Outdoors, it is not unusual to see common house spider webs adorned with a leaf that the spider hides behind.
This species may spin several webs before finding a location that brings them success with prey. Webs that do not catch prey are simply abandoned, leaving an unsightly mess.
WHAT DO COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS EAT?
This spider species does help to control pest numbers in the house. In their webs, they capture earwigs, cockroaches, ants, flies, mosquitoes and moths. They may feed on potentially destructive pests like carpenter ants and termites, and they even eat other spiders.
Spiders do not require frequent meals. In fact, they may be able to survive for weeks without food. If insects are available, they will eat on a more frequent basis. With plenty of available insects, they may eat as many as four times every day.
WHERE DO COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS LIVE?
As their name suggests, common house spiders prefer to spend the entirety of their life cycle indoors. Nonetheless, they also may be encountered in the yard or garden. Basements, attics, sheds, garages and crawl spaces are the most likely places to encounter a common house spider, but the species also builds nests indoors, often in the upper corners of rooms where they are more difficult to see.
Common house spiders tend to spin webs that are thicker in one part than the others. They stay on the thicker part as they wait for prey to get tangled in the other part of the web. Outdoors, it is not unusual to see common house spider webs adorned with a leaf that the spider hides behind.
This species may spin several webs before finding a location that brings them success with prey. Webs that do not catch prey are simply abandoned, leaving an unsightly mess.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS
In general, common house spiders are not considered destructive. They do leave numerous webs on windows, light fixtures and the corners of rooms. If a large number of spiders are present, it can be exasperating to constantly have to clean up after them.
Additionally, it is worth considering that most people are made distinctly uncomfortable by the presence of spiders in the places where they live and work. Individuals may have difficulty relaxing or sleeping until they know that a spider infestation has been resolved.
It also is wise to think about the fact that other pests on which common house spiders feed do cause significant property damage. With an inspection by a licensed exterminator, the homeowner can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that their home is protected.
ARE COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
This species typically wants to avoid confrontations with people. Nonetheless, individuals will react with aggression if they feel endangered or threatened. A bite may result from such an encounter.
DO COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
Common house spiders are not known to carry diseases that they transmit to humans. While bites may occur, the spider’s fangs are not always strong enough to actually break the skin. The bite may look like a small, raised, reddened bump, which is much like an insect bite. Wounds may be a bit itchy, but they tend to subside quickly.
Some people do have a rare sensitivity to spider bites, and this means that they may experience a more severe reaction that may include hives, a rash, pain and extreme itchiness. Such symptoms may require a doctor’s attention.
HOW TO DETECT THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER
Common signs of a house spider problem include:
• Webs found indoors in the corners of rooms, windows and doors • Finding numerous webs around the exterior of the house on a regular basis • Egg sacs found indoors or on the exterior of the house • Dealing with many flying insects both indoors and outdoors • Seeing spiders in the house or outside the house
HOW TO PREVENT COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS
To help prevent spider control issues the following steps should be taken:
• Dust frequently in upper and lower corners of rooms • Clear webs from light fixtures, the corners of windows and the corners of doorframes • Eliminate clutter indoors and outdoors to get rid of hiding places • Repair plumbing and irrigation leaks, as these can attract spiders • Schedule regular visits from a pest management company • Inspect building exteriors for gaps, holes and cracks that allow spiders to come in • Repair gaps in windows and doors • Do not leave windows or doors open • Use screens on windows and doors
HOW TO TREAT FOR THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we don't take your spider control problems lightly. That's why we use a multifaceted process including the treatment of wall voids, attics, and cracks and crevices throughout the premise with gels, dusts, and other specialized products.
