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Pest Name: Spiders |
Spiders Photo
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DescriptionThere are several species of spiders. The most common spider of concern include: black widow, brown recluse, and the aggressive house spider. Spiders are common in almost all of the United States, some posing serious health risks when they come in contact with humans. All spiders have venom and can bite but are generally harmless to humans. There are a few species, specifically the brown recluse (or fiddleback spider), and the black widow that are more serious. Most brown recluse bites occur when spiders are disturbed hiding in stored boxes and unused clothing. Brown recluse spiders can be found in crawlspaces, attics, and garages. These spiders may be more common than most people think. The aggressive house spider can be seen building funnel shaped webs in corners. These spiders may be mistaken for brown recluse spiders, but their bites usually not as severe. |
How to Eliminate SpidersEliminating an infestation of brown recluse or black widow spiders involves two basic principles:
(1) altering the environment in and around a building to make it less attractive to spiders; and
(2) finding and destroying as many spiders as possible.
Routine, thorough house cleaning is the best way to eliminate spiders and discourage their return. A vacuum cleaner or broom effectively removes spiders, webs, and egg sacs.
- Spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed areas such as closets, garages, basements, and attics. Reducing clutter in these areas.
- Large numbers of spiders often congregate outdoors around the perimeter of structures. Migration indoors can be reduced by moving firewood, building materials, and debris away from the foundation. Shrubs, vines and tree limbs should be clipped back from the side of the building.
- Install tight-fitting window screens and door sweeps to exclude spiders and other insects. Inspect and clean behind outdoor window shutters.
- Consider installing yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs at outside entrances. These lights are less attractive than incandescent bulbs to night-flying insects which, in turn, attract spiders.
- To further reduce spider entry from outside, insecticides can be applied as a "barrier treatment" around the base of the foundation. Pay particular attention to door thresholds, garage and crawl space entrances, including foundation vents. Carbaryl, bendiocarb, chlorpyrifos, or any of the synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin) are effective, but may need to be reapplied periodically throughout the summer. Wettable powder or microencapsulated ("slow-release") formulations are most effective. |
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