spiders

 
 

Spiders: Creepy Crawlers or Helpful Housemates?

Spiders can be the ultimate love-hate houseguests. Some are happy to hang out in the shadows, munching on other pesky bugs, while others—let's be honest—are way too big and bold to be welcome indoors. Here’s what you need to know about spiders, what to watch out for, and how to keep your home spider-free without the drama.

The Players: Common Spiders You’ll Find (or Not Want to Find) Indoors

1. House Spiders:
The classic. These are the little spiders you usually see in corners or around windows. They’re harmless to humans and do a decent job controlling other bugs, so they’re more friend than foe (if you’re feeling generous).

  • Spotting Them: Brown or grayish, small-to-medium-sized. They’re low-key and just looking for a quiet spot.

  • Threat Level: 🕸️ Minimal. House spiders aren’t interested in you; they’re just looking for snacks (aka bugs).

2. Wolf Spiders:
Wolf spiders look like they’ve been hitting the gym. They’re bigger, hairier, and usually on the ground instead of hanging from webs. While they aren’t dangerous, their appearance can be a little startling.

  • Spotting Them: Big, fast, and often hairy. Usually brown with striping.

  • Threat Level: 🕸️ They won’t hurt you, but they can deliver a mild bite if seriously threatened.

3. Brown Recluse:
Here’s where things get serious. Brown recluses are shy, but their bite can cause tissue damage in rare cases. They love dark, undisturbed spaces, so basements, attics, and storage areas are their favorite haunts.

  • Spotting Them: Brown with a dark, violin-shaped marking on their back. Smaller than wolf spiders but packs a punch.

  • Threat Level: 🕸️🕸️🕸️ High. Not aggressive but needs to be respected if found indoors.

4. Black Widow:
The ultimate femme fatale of the spider world. Black widows are known for their shiny black bodies and red hourglass mark. They’re more likely to stay outside, but occasionally you’ll find them in dark corners or garages.

  • Spotting Them: Shiny black with a red hourglass on the abdomen. Small, but with a reputation.

  • Threat Level: 🕸️🕸️🕸️ Very high. Black widows pack a venomous bite, but they only bite in defense.

Tips for Staying Safe Around Spiders

1. Keep It Clean and Tidy
Spiders love hiding in clutter and dark corners, so keeping your home tidy makes it less appealing for these critters.

  • Tip #1: Regularly vacuum and dust—especially those dark corners, under furniture, and around window sills.

  • Tip #2: Store boxes and other items off the floor in basements or storage spaces, and keep clutter to a minimum.

  • Tip #3: Shake out shoes, gloves, or other items that have been in storage before using them. Spiders love sneaking into cozy, undisturbed spaces.

2. Seal the Entry Points
Spiders don’t just teleport into your home (thankfully!). They come in through gaps, cracks, and open windows.

  • Tip #1: Check and seal gaps around doors, windows, and the foundation of your home.

  • Tip #2: Make sure window and door screens are intact and fit snugly.

  • Tip #3: If you have a garage or basement with windows, keep them closed or screened to avoid unwelcome guests.

3. Lights Out (or at Least Dimmed)
Spiders aren’t drawn to light, but the bugs they eat are. By keeping outdoor lights dimmed or using yellow “bug lights,” you can reduce the food source that attracts spiders.

  • Tip #1: Use outdoor lighting sparingly, especially around entryways.

  • Tip #2: Switch to motion-sensor lights rather than leaving them on all night.

  • Tip #3: Yellow lights are less attractive to insects, which means fewer snacks for spiders hanging out by your doors.

4. Reduce Yard Debris
Spiders often start outside and move in. By keeping your yard clear of clutter, you can keep spiders from feeling right at home near your house.

  • Tip #1: Keep firewood, rock piles, and other debris away from your home’s foundation.

  • Tip #2: Trim shrubs and plants near doors and windows to reduce spider hiding spots.

  • Tip #3: Consider using mulch or landscaping materials that don’t retain moisture as much, since damp areas attract bugs (and therefore, spiders).

What to Do if You Have a Spider Problem

If you’re dealing with a serious spider situation, especially with known biters like brown recluses or black widows, don’t risk it. Give us a call at Kenney’s Pest Control, and we’ll handle the problem professionally and safely.

From inspecting hiding spots to safely removing nests, we’ve got you covered so you can relax and stop wondering if a spider will pop out the next time you reach into a storage bin.

Final Thoughts: Spiders Are Only Kind of Scary

Most spiders are harmless and even helpful, but it’s fair not to want them setting up shop indoors. With a little prevention and a watchful eye, you can keep spiders in check. And if they get out of hand, Kenney’s Pest Control is just a call away! 🕷️