When Philadelphia area residents see a spider in a home, office or industrial facility, it stands to reason that it may be a common house spider. This is because this species is exceptionally well-adapted to live in man-made structures and in close proximity to people.
In general terms, common house spiders are not dangerous. Most experts consider them nuisance pests, and this label probably refers more frequently to the spider's webs than it does to the arachnid itself. Specifically, a single common house spider may spin and abandon numerous webs before it finds a location where plenty of prey is encountered. Cleaning up all of these webs can become a burdensome task.
While common house spiders are more of a nuisance than a hazard, it is still worthwhile to call a pest management company when numerous of these spiders are found indoors. Once again, it is not the spiders that are the main concern; it is the insects that they are eating that can be problematic.
Some insects can cause structural damage and make people sick. Removing these pests from the structure may help to eliminate common house spiders. Without reliable food sources, the spiders simply will move elsewhere.
Ignoring common house spider issues is not advisable, particularly when it seems like a large number of these arachnids is invading. Calling an exterminator is the best way to ensure prompt, efficient and safe pest control treatments.
WHAT DO
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS LOOK LIKE?
Female common house spiders tend to be slightly larger than male common house spiders. Females may be identified by their more rounded abdomen and five to eight millimeter length. By contrast, males have abdomens with a more elongated shape and usually are less than five millimeters long. Many color variations may be seen in common house spiders. Brown is a typical color, with some individual spiders having white spots on their abdomens. Males sometimes have legs with an orange tint, but females are more likely to have legs that appear yellow. Dark rings easily may be seen on the legs, especially where there are joints.
WHAT DO
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS EAT?
This species feeds on a wide variety of household pests like wasps, ants, mosquitoes and flies. Other prey may include cockroaches, butterflies and grasshoppers. Because common house spiders eat so many annoying insect species, some people actually welcome the presence of a spider or two indoors.
WHERE DO
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS LIVE?
Some of the most likely places to find common house spiders include barns, sheds, garages, attics and basements. Occasionally, one of these spiders is encountered in a garden, especially in close proximity to a man-made structure.
Dusty, cluttered spaces that are rarely disturbed by people tend to be preferred habitat for common house spiders. Typically, food and water are readily available in these areas, making for even more attractive habitat. While spiders generally do not need a great deal of water, they know that many insects are attracted to even the smallest puddle or leak. This makes damp environments particularly attractive for constructing a web. Areas around doors and windows are good alternatives as light sources in these areas also may attract prey.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS
Some pests are destructive to property, but this generally does not apply to common house spiders. Instead, these arachnids leave a mess of cobwebs wherever they go. This is attributed to their habit of abandoning webs that do not seem to yield enough prey. Common house spiders can crawl elsewhere and build a new web in less than one day. People understandably may become frustrated as they are forced to clean up one web after another, especially if the infestation is quite large.
ARE
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
Common house spiders are good at trapping food, and some of them may even throw a silken strand toward a prey insect to help ensure its capture. However, the species does not exhibit aggressive behavior to people. Avoiding the notice of people is much preferred as it allows the common house spider to go about its business of survival.
DO
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
Years ago, there were erroneous reports of some spider species causing infection in human tissues through bites. It is now known that bites from arachnids like common house spiders are extremely unlikely to cause any illness or complications. Most people who receive a bite from a common house spider experience a red, slightly itchy bump that subsides within a day or two.
Nonetheless, all spider bites transmit some venom. In the case of the common house spider, the amount of venom transferred is quite small and not bothersome. Nonetheless, certain rare individuals may have an allergy to the venom that causes a more severe reaction. With a rash, itching, pain and perhaps a fever, it may be necessary to seek medical advice as a result of this reaction.
HOW TO DETECT
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS
These may be signs of a spider problem:
• Several webs found indoors, especially on windows and light fixtures • Spiders seen indoors in multiple places • Problems with insect species on the property
HOW TO PREVENT
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS
Take these precautions to guard homes against spiders:
• Have regular pest control treatments • Eliminate clutter • Replace outdoor lights with yellow sodium vapor lights • Keep window and door screens in good repair -Seal up the building to eliminate access points
HOW TO TREAT FOR
COMMON HOUSE
SPIDERS
Spider treatment will involve the detection and elimination of all webs. If this is not done, the spiders are likely to re-infest the structure. Generally, it is not possible to completely eliminate spiders with do-it-yourself products. As such, successful spider eradication should be left for a pest control professional who has the tools and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we don't take your spider 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.
