Spider Prevention

Whether dangerous or harmless, you are bound to see spiders as the temperatures start to cool off. This is actually a very active time for many spiders as they get ready to mate. Many spiders are harmless, but there are a couple that you need to be cautious around if you spot them. Eagle Pest Services is going to talk about some common spiders and how to avoid them. There are two spiders that are found in Virginia that pose a threat to humans.

Black Widow Spider Facts & Habitat

The black widow spider is active during the fall season as they look for a mate. Black widows are easily identified by their slick black bodies and a bright red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Black widows tend to build messy webs in woodpiles, bushes, and other dark and sheltered places. A bite from a black widow can be very painful and cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, pain and swelling for hours after the bite takes place. The black widow spider doesn’t usually bite unless it feels threatened.

How to Identify Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders keep to themselves, hence the name. They usually avoid people and dwell in dark, damp places like basements. They range in color from a light tan to dark brown. They are most easily identified by the fiddle shaped marking on the head just behind the eyes. They also only have six eyes, which sets them apart from many other spider species. A bite from a brown recluse spider can vary from no side effects to very serious side effects depending on the person. Their bite can pack a serious punch and lead to deep tissue wounds that can cause skin and tissue to slough off. In severe cases, it may take months for a bite to heal. Brown recluse spiders are not social and don’t bite unless provoked.

Harmless House & Other Spider Species

Most spiders you see around your home are harmless. House spiders and jumping spiders are often seen in houses and don’t pose a threat even though their webs are obnoxious. Wolf spiders may also be spotted in Virginia and can look far scarier than they actually are. They are large and furry, but don’t pose a threat to humans. Of the 13 species of spiders found in Virginia, 11 of them are harmless and actually help keep the insect population down.

How to Avoid Spiders in Your House

Here are some natural remedies that spiders can’t stand and may help you keep them out:

• Spray a mixture of peppermint oil and water around your house.
• Spray mixture of vinegar and water to keep spiders out.
• Rub citrus peels in areas that you have spotted spiders.
• Place chestnuts in your windowsills and along your baseboards. Spiders hate them.
• Sprinkle small amounts of tobacco in areas that you have seen spiders to repel them.

Spider Control

If you find you are having a hard time staying on top of your spider problem this fall, Eagle Pest Services can help get it under control. We can help you keep spiders out as temperatures start to cool. Call us today!