It’s the time of year when we celebrate spooky stuff and creepy crawling things, but that doesn’t mean you want the real things in your house. And cooler weather is driving bugs inside, which means spiders are following them.
Generally, spiders aren’t much of a nuisance for people. Mostly they just want to be left alone and to eat bugs. However, if you’re dealing with a lot of spiders, it might be time to look at how to get rid of them.
Spider Q&A/Fast Facts
- How many types of spiders are there?
- Worldwide, there are about 35,000 species of spiders, but only about 3,000 of those make their homes in North America. Some spin webs, while others use different methods to get their food.[1]
- How many kinds of spiders are venomous?
- Only two kinds of spiders in the United States are dangerous to humans: brown recluses and black widows. Unfortunately, we have both in Oklahoma. Fortunately, it’s rare that their bites are fatal, but it could require a visit to the doctor. [2]
- Where do spiders like to live?
- Spiders like to live wherever there is food, which is why if you find yourself dealing with ants or other pests, you might soon find yourself dealing with spiders, too. They also prefer cluttered spaces where they will be left alone, so you’ll be more likely to find them in garages, basements, and attics.[2][3]
- Can you have a spider infestation?
- Yes. While spiders won’t cause as much property damage as something like ants or termites, they can still be a nuisance and their bites can range from annoying to requiring medical attention. So it’s a good idea to do your best to keep spiders from propagating inside your house.
How to Control Spiders Yourself
One of the best ways to control spiders yourself is to keep your house clean. This means vacuuming up webs and egg sacs when you see them and cleaning up clutter near your walls both inside and outside. Since spiders like places they can hide, getting rid of those hiding spaces can help a lot. [3][4]
Once you’ve cleaned things up, you can look at prevention with a natural spider repellent, like vinegar. To use it in your home: “Fill a spray bottle half full with white vinegar and half full with water and spray the mixture into the corners of your home or bedroom to repel spiders. Reapply this spider spray every few days.” [4]
You can also use glue traps to catch spiders, although this method won’t do much for the egg sacs and webs. [3]
DIY options can be good for small-scale spider control and they may be budget-friendly, but it’s unlikely they’ll be as effective or long-lasting as a professional solution, especially if you have a big spider problem.
When to Call a Professional
Here’s how to tell if you need professional spider pest control:
- You’ve tried a few different methods for getting rid of spiders yourself, and it’s not making any difference in the number of spiders you see.
- You’re regularly getting bitten by spiders in your house (like waking up with new bites).
- You see multiple species in your house on a frequent basis. [3]
When you reach this point in a spider infestation, it’s time to call in the experts.
How to Choose a Professional
Here are some tips from the National Pest Management Association on how to choose a professional pest control company:
- Look for qualified and licensed pest control professionals and companies that are members of national, state, or local pest management associations.
- Ask to see proper licensing and credentials from the pest management professional that comes to solve your pest problem.
- If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing professional pest control, prevention, and management are necessary.
- Buy value, not price. Do not make a purchasing decision based solely on the lowest cost.[5]
If you have pets and children, check to see what kind of products the pest control company uses. You’ll also want to make sure the company does treatments both inside and outside the house, specifically concentrating on areas where pests can gain access to your home. This will help prevent future infestations.
Control Spiders in Northeastern Oklahoma
If you need help controlling spiders in your home, let the professionals at Pest Guard help. We use some of the safest products on the market today to get rid of spiders and other pests, while reducing your family’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals.
Give us a call at (918) 299-5296 or get a free quote online for all your spider control needs.
Sources
1. Pest World – Spider Fact Sheet
2. Realtor.com – How To Get Rid of Spiders—and What’s Attracting Them in the First Place
3. North Fulton Pest Solutions – Do You Need Professional Spider Pest Control? Here’s How To Tell.
4. Smith’s Pest Management – How to Get Rid of Spiders: A Complete Guide
5. Pest World – Tips on Finding a Pest Management Professional