Parson Spiders in My House?

There have been a number of reported sightings of the parson spider in many Virginia homes these past few months. The parson spider often invades homes during the winter to avoid the cold. Most parson spider sightings occur during the winter season and also during the spring and summer during their breeding season. When parson spiders invade, they are regarded as a nuisance rather than a threat. Parson spider bites aren’t harmful to humans in most cases. Nonetheless, there have been a small number of people that have had an allergic reaction and needed treatment. Today Eagle Pest Services will share how to identify and control parson spiders if you find them in your home.

Parson Spider Identification

The parson spider can reach up to ½ inch in size and will vary in color. Their primary coloring ranges from tan, brown, gray to even black. The abdomen of the parson spider is usually grayish in color with a white or pink marking that creates a pattern in the center of the abdomen. The parson spider has tiny hairs all over their body, which almost looks like a soft velvety surface.

Where Do Parson Spiders Live?

Parson spiders are typically found outside under rocks, branches, and in short grassy areas. The parson spider doesn’t build webs to catch their prey. Instead, they hunt their prey which usually at night while they hide out during the day. When parson spiders wander indoors, it is typically at night and they will hide under clothing, furniture, and other areas where they can conceal themselves.

Parson Spider Infestations

Parson spiders can mate all year along. However, the breeding season reaches its height during spring and summer. A single female can produce multiple egg sacs that are encased in a silken sac with hundreds of eggs inside each sac. A single female parson spider can have up to 3000 eggs per mating cycle. The eggs hatch within a few weeks. The spiderlings, however, will take up to a year to reach adulthood.

How to Prevent Parson Spiders

To prevent parson spiders from taking up residence in your home, you’ll first want to have a good pest control program. Parson spiders will invade homes to hunt for prey. If they find a suitable hunting ground where they can thrive, they will remain in that area. This means to keep pests such as ants, cockroaches, other spiders, and pantry pests out and away from your home. Maintaining a clean yard helps reduce pests and deprives the parson spiders of a place to hide during the day. If spiderlings, adult spiders, or egg sacs are found in the home, use a vacuum to remove them. However, your best defense is preventing them from wandering inside your home. Make sure window screens are in good condition and there are no gaps or spaces for spiders to use to enter your home. Doors should be sealed with weather stripping. If the weather stripping needs replacing, make sure to repair and replace all the weather stripping on the existing doors.

Spider Control

Your best defense for spider and pest control is using a professional pest control service. Eagle Pest Services can protect your home from parson spiders and other pests that can become a nuisance as well as a health concern. If you need help controlling pests around your home or business, contact Eagle Pest Services today!