Spiders. Yikes. These eight-legged arachnids are a common sight in homes across the United States. The important thing for any homesteader is to learn how to identify common spiders, which species can be a threat, and how to treat an infestation. Here’s a look at some common spiders and how to identify them as well as natural and chemical ways to keep spiders away from your home.

Navigating and Treating Spiders in Your Home

Common Spiders in American Homes

Most spiders are harmless and don’t present any threat to your health and safety. They look creepy, but they’re nothing to worry about.

Common House Spider

These tiny, brown spiders are the most likely candidates responsible for those spider webs you find in the corners of your ceilings. They’re harmless and catch other annoying insects like mosquitos.

Cellar Spider

Better known as daddy-long legs, these spiders like hanging out in dark, damp places like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are scary due to the large size of their hairy bodies. They also have fast movement but are entirely harmless. If anything, they are beneficial because they hunt other pests. These spiders stay low to the ground and often hide near baseboards or in corners.

Jumping Spider

These small, sometimes colorful spiders are known for their inquisitive nature. They also have great jumping ability.

Dangerous Spider Species to Watch Out for in the U.S.

While most of the spiders in your home won’t hurt you, some have painful and venomous bites. It’s a good idea to stay away from the following species:

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spider is a native arachnid to the South-Central and Midwestern U.S. It’s small, light brown in color, and has a violin-shaped marking on its back. A bite from this spider may cause serious skin necrosis.

Black Widow

These shiny black spiders have a red hourglass marking on the abdomen. They’re found throughout the U.S., but most often in the South and Western states. Black widows have neurotoxic venom capable of:

  • Creating intense pain
  • Stiffening of the abdomen
  • Muscle cramps
  • Other debilitating symptoms

Deter Spiders With Organic Spider Controls

Essential Oils

Spiders hate strong smells like peppermint, tea tree, and lavender. Dilute tea tree, lavender, or a few drops of peppermint essential oils with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution near doors and window sills where spiders enter your home. This is a natural spider repellant and will keep the spiders at bay.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

This is a non-toxic, all-natural remedy. It does an excellent job of pulling the water out of the spider’s exoskeleton, causing them to die. Sprinkling DE around the perimeter of your home lowers their numbers without putting your family or pets in danger.

Get Rid Of Spiders With Chemical Spider Repellent

Insecticides

Several chemical-based bug killers on the market target spiders. The best products contain pyrethroids and are featured in brands like resmethrin (Scourge®), permethrin (Biomist®), and sumithrin (Anvil®).

Spider Traps

These traps are non-toxic. Place them around where you spot spiders frequently and they’ll walk right into them. This is an easy way to prevent spiders from entering your home.

The Importance of Professional Pest Control to Remove Spiders from Your Home

Controlling an isolated incident of spiders can be taken care of with DIY methods. However, there comes a time when professional assistance is necessary to get the spiders out of your home. Severe infestations or poisonous spiders, such as the brown recluse or black widow, are serious. People should never take these infestations lightly.

Professional pest control services handle your spider problem effectively and safely, and they’re thorough with their work. They’ll find the reasons and what attracts spiders to your home. Next, they will prevent them from entering and provide a range of immediate treatments and preventative services. This will keep the creepy crawlies out of your home long-term.

Hire a Professional – ABC Termite & Pest Control Company – Omaha & Lincoln

If you’re concerned about pest infestations, or if you want a professional to evaluate your home’s pest prevention strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local Nebraska pest control expert.

Find a reputable pest control company in Omaha or Lincoln that you TRUST and ask about their termite inspection and pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones. Contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE to talk with an exterminator today!