Arachnid Annoyance: The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Common House Spiders
The common house spider, also known as the American house spider, is one of the most common pests found in homes throughout the United States. While they are not dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance and can cause anxiety for some people. In this ultimate guide, we will take a closer look at the common house spider, including facts about their behavior, biology, and the best methods for identifying and controlling them.
Facts About the Common House Spider
The common house spider is a small arachnid that is commonly found inside homes. Typically brown or gray in color and can grow up to 3/8 of an inch in size. Despite their small size, they can spin webs that can be quite large, often spanning several feet in width.
One of the unique features of the common house spider is its ability to reproduce quickly. A female spider can lay up to 250 eggs at a time, which means that an infestation can quickly grow out of control if left unchecked.
How to Identify the Common House Spider
The common house spider can be identified by its brown or gray body and long, thin legs. They have two body segments and eight eyes, which are arranged in two rows of four. One of the distinguishing features of the common house spider is the pattern on its abdomen, which can vary from chevrons to other markings.
Another way to identify common house spiders is by their webs. They spin funnel-shaped webs that are typically found in dark, quiet places like basements, closets, and attics. These webs are often sticky and can trap other insects, which is how the spider feeds.
Behavior
Common house spiders are nocturnal and are most active at night. Spiders feed on a variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and moths. They immobilize their prey by spinning webs that are sticky and trap the insects. Then use their fangs to inject venom into the insects, which paralyzes them and makes it easier to eat them.
One of the interesting behaviors of the common house spider is their tendency to cannibalize each other. If two spiders share the same web, the larger one may eat the smaller one to avoid competition for food and resources.
Control:
While common house spiders are not dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance and can cause anxiety for some people. There are several steps you can take to control their population in your home:
- Seal up any cracks or gaps in your walls, windows, and doors to prevent spiders from entering your home.
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter, which can provide hiding places for spiders.
- Vacuum regularly to remove spider webs and any insects that may be attracting spiders.
- Use sticky traps or insecticides to capture or kill spiders.
- Hire a professional pest control company to help you get rid of a severe infestation.
FAQ’s on the Common House Spider
Q: Are common house spiders dangerous?
A: No, common house spiders are not dangerous to humans. While they may be a nuisance and can cause anxiety for some people, their venom is not harmful to humans, and their bites are usually harmless.
Q: Can common house spiders cause an infestation?
A: Yes, common house spiders can reproduce quickly, and a female spider can lay up to 250 eggs at a time. This means that an infestation can quickly grow out of control if left unchecked.
Q: How can I prevent common house spiders from entering my home?
A: To prevent common house spiders from entering your home, seal up any cracks or gaps in your walls, windows, and doors. Keep your home clean and free of clutter, which can provide hiding places for spiders. Vacuum regularly to remove spider webs and any insects that may be attracting spiders.
Q: What should I do if I have a severe infestation
A: If you have a severe infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and tools needed to get rid of the spiders safely and effectively.
Q: Can I use natural remedies to control common house spiders?
A: Yes, there are several natural remedies that you can use to control common house spiders. Some examples include using essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus, spraying a mixture of water and vinegar around your home, and using diatomaceous earth to create a barrier that spiders cannot cross.
The Impact of the Common House Spider on Humans
Negative Impact:
For many people, the presence of common house spiders in their home can be a source of anxiety and fear. This fear, known as arachnophobia, can be quite debilitating and may even affect a person’s daily routine. Some individuals may avoid certain areas of their home or refuse to sleep in their own bedroom if they believe spiders are present.
In addition to the psychological impact, common house spiders can also have a negative impact on the cleanliness of your home. Their webs can be unsightly and difficult to remove, and they may attract other pests like dust mites and other insects. While they are not harmful to humans, their presence can be a nuisance.
Positive Impact:
Despite the negative impact of the common house spider, they do have some benefits. One of the primary benefits is their ability to control the populations of other insects in your home. They are natural predators and feed on a variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and moths. By reducing the populations of these pests, common house spiders can help keep your home free of other annoying and potentially harmful insects.
Another benefit of common house spiders is their role in the ecosystem. They play an important role in the food chain and help maintain the balance of nature. Without spiders, other insect populations would grow out of control, which could have a significant impact on the environment.
Spider Control and Prevention
To reduce the likelihood of the common house spider taking up residence in your home or yard, consider the following tips:
- Seal up cracks and gaps: Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps in walls, windows, and doors, and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping. Spiders can easily crawl through small openings, so it’s important to seal up any potential entry points.
- Keep your home clean: Regularly dust and vacuum your home to remove spider webs, eggs, and other debris that can attract spiders. Pay special attention to corners, ceilings, and other dark areas where spiders like to hide.
- Reduce clutter: Cluttered spaces provide ideal hiding places for spiders, so keep your home clutter-free. Store items in sealed containers, and avoid stacking items against walls or in corners.
- Essential oils: Spiders are repelled by certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Mix a few drops of your preferred oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to areas where spiders may enter your home.
- Sticky traps: Place sticky traps in areas where spiders are likely to enter, such as near windows and doors. These traps are non-toxic and are an effective way to capture and dispose of spiders.
- Use natural repellents: Other natural spider repellents include vinegar, citrus oils, and cedar chips. You can place these items in areas where spiders may enter your home, or use them to make a spray.
- Keep outdoor lights off: Spiders are attracted to light, so it’s a good idea to keep outdoor lights turned off or dimmed at night. This will help reduce the number of spiders that are attracted to your home.
Conclusion on the Common House Spider
In conclusion, the common house spider is a common pest found in homes throughout the United States. While they are not dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance and can cause anxiety for some people. By understanding their biology, behavior, and the best methods for identifying and controlling them, you can take steps to prevent an infestation in your home. If you have a severe infestation or are unsure how to control the spiders, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company for help. With a little bit of knowledge and some preventive measures, you can enjoy a spider-free home while still respecting the important role that these tiny creatures play in our environment.
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Prevent Problems with the Common House Spiderby Using Pyramid Pest Control
Easiest way to prevent problems with them in Rutherford County is by partnering with Pyramid Pest Control. We will work with you and find the best program to solve this problem, in no time. Contact us at 615-663-3908 or Get a free quote.