Spider Identification & Prevention

Spiders are predatory arachnids that out in nature provide an important service, which is to limit the numbers of nuisance and destructive insects. In controlled numbers, spiders are also helpful in our yards and often called "a gardener’s best friend." Yet when spiders get into our homes or take over our yards in large numbers, they become unwanted pests and need to be removed.

A spider’s two body segments, eight legs, and webs (though not all spiders build webs) make spiders pests that most people easily identify. Two species in our area that may be helpful to know a bit more about are the black widow spider and cellar spider. 

Black widow spiders are black, shiny spiders with a reddish hourglass marking on the bottom of their abdomen. 

Cellar spiders have a small cylindrical body and long skinny legs. They come in various colors, including pale yellow, gray, and light brown.

In our area, an example of a dangerous spider is the black widow. If bitten by one of these spiders, their venom is potent enough to cause concern. A black widow spider bite should be treated by a medical professional. 

Cellar spiders and the majority of other spiders we run into daily are harmless to people. While they can bite us if they are being squished or otherwise threatened, the venom they possess isn’t strong enough to be medically significant.

You have a spider problem in your house because openings in your home’s exterior is allowing spiders to move indoors. Spiders are in your yard because there is plenty of prey for them to hunt and plenty of vegetation to hide in.

In California, spiders tend to be most problematic indoors during the fall season, not because they are trying to escape harsh or cooler weather, but because many of the insects they prey upon move indoors. They also move inside in the fall, searching for a mate and a safe place to lay their eggs.

Spiders don’t like to be in the spotlight. As predators, they want to stay hidden so they can surprise their prey. By nature, spiders are shy, reclusive creatures, and our yards, landscaping plants, and gardens provide them with plenty of hiding spots.

The exterior of homes, spaces under decks, inside outbuildings, and the clutter that generally collects within those structures are also regularly inhabited by spiders. 

After spiders move into your home, they tend to hang around if there is a water source and insects to hunt. Inside, some of the spider’s favorite hiding spots include crawl spaces, attics, basements, closets, and areas under furniture. The corners of bathrooms, kitchens, and windows also provide spiders with a place to build their webs.

Spiders are unwanted in our homes and should never be allowed to take over. If you see a lot of spiders around your property, reach out to us at Defender Termite & Pest Management. With our year-round pest control services and regular service visits, we can rid your Northern California property of spiders and keep them from taking over your yard in the future.

Our safe pest control solutions and fast action ensure that our customer’s pest problems are solved and won’t return. If you live in the Sacramento area and want to learn more about our comprehensive residential or commercial pest control options, reach out and give us a call!

Prevent future problems with spiders in Sacramento using the following easy to accomplish prevention tips:

• Cut back overgrown vegetation back away from your home’s exterior.
• Install door sweeps on all exterior doors. 
• Vacuum and sweep regularly to rid your home of spiders, spider webs, and egg sacs.
• Keep your home clutter-free and organized to reduce hiding spots in your home.
• Repair damaged weatherstripping, wooden door or window trim, or lose screens to help keep spiders out.
• Inspect plants, boxes, and other items that have been stored outside for spiders before bringing them inside. 
• Repair leaky pipes and faucets spiders could use as a water source. 
• Reduce the amount of clutter in storage areas and outbuildings.