Spiders
Spiders are predators and eat a wide variety of nuisance insects, small vertebrates, invertebrates and other spiders. This helps to reduce their numbers. Spiders are not insects but arachnids. They are closely related to mites and ticks. Each spider has eight legs, two body parts and fangs (chelicerae). Pedipalps are also used by spiders to make silk, to line burrows or wrap prey. These strong silk strands are also used by spiders to climb and mark their way to and from the nest.
What Kinds Of Spiders Are There?
There are numerous species of spiders, and they vary in size, color, behavior, and habitat. Here are some common types of spiders:
Orb-Weaver Spiders (Araneidae):
These spiders construct large, circular webs often found in gardens and wooded areas. Examples include the garden spider (Araneidae) and the cross orb-weaver (Araneidae).
Jumping Spiders (Salticidae):
Known for their agility and excellent vision, jumping spiders actively hunt prey. They are often small and have distinctive markings. The bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax) is a well-known species.
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae):
Wolf spiders are robust, ground-dwelling spiders that do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they actively hunt. The Carolina wolf spider (Hogna carolinensis) is a common example.
Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa):
Identified by a violin-shaped marking on their back, brown recluse spiders are venomous and are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known for their reclusive behavior.
Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus spp.):
Female black widow spiders are notorious for their shiny black appearance and red hourglass marking. They are venomous, and while bites are rare, they can be serious.
Daddy Longlegs or Harvestmen (Opiliones):
Often confused with spiders, harvestmen are arachnids but not true spiders. They have long, thin legs and rounded bodies. Unlike spiders, harvestmen lack venom glands.
Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae):
Commonly found in dark, damp areas, cellar spiders have long, delicate legs and create irregular webs. They are often referred to as "daddy longlegs."
Tarantulas (Theraphosidae):
Large, hairy spiders, tarantulas are known for their size and striking appearance. While some species can be venomous, most have mild venom that is not harmful to humans.
Trapdoor Spiders (Ctenizidae):
These spiders construct burrows with hinged trapdoors made of silk and soil. They wait inside for prey to approach before ambushing them. Trapdoor spiders are typically ground-dwelling.
Funnel Web Spiders (Agelenidae):
Recognized by the funnel-shaped webs they create, funnel web spiders wait for prey to enter the web before attacking. The grass spider (Agelenopsis spp.) is a common example.
Crab Spiders (Thomisidae):
Crab spiders are named for their crab-like appearance. They are often found on flowers, where they wait to ambush insects. They do not build webs to catch prey.
These are just a few examples of the diverse world of spiders. It's important to note that while some spiders are venomous, the vast majority are harmless to humans and play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.
Habitat & Behavior
Some spiders love moisture, so they can be found in crawl spaces, basements and other damp areas of buildings. Some spiders prefer dry, warm places such as attics, subfloor air vents and upper corners of rooms. They prefer dark places.
Thousands of spider species have been discovered around the globe. These arachnids are eight-legged and have two body segments. Three to four pairs of eyes are common for spiders. Although many spiders have poor vision and some species, like the jumping spider, have excellent vision.
Diet
They eat insects, spiders, and other prey.
Spiders don't have chewing mouthparts, and instead use digestive enzymes in saliva to digest prey before they eat it. A spider's gut is too small to allow them to eat large food particles. Although most spider species are predators there is one known plant-feeding species.
Reproduction
The egg sac is the mother of spiderlings. The molting process is repeated until spiderlings become adults. Many spider species have males that court females. Male jumping spiders, for example, perform elaborate dances in order to draw the female's attention. Males may be eaten by the female after mating.
Webs Made of Silk
Spiders can produce silk that is strong, elastic and adhesive. This silk can be used to create webs, egg sacs, and spider dwellings. Spider webs can vary in size and shape depending on the species. Some webs are funnel-shaped while others are orb-shaped. Others are funnel-shaped. While some spider species prefer to live in burrows over webs, others prefer to be free-ranging and seek refuge in crevices.
How To Get Rid of Spiders With Professional Pest Control
Spiders are a common household pest that can cause discomfort and fear for many homeowners. At Alta Pest Control, we offer comprehensive spider control solutions tailored to your needs. Here's how we can help you get rid of spiders:
1. Thorough Inspection:
Our skilled technicians conduct a detailed inspection of your property to identify spider activity and their entry points. By pinpointing the areas where spiders are most likely to hide and breed, we can develop a targeted treatment plan to eliminate them effectively.
2. Interior and Exterior Treatments:
We employ a combination of interior and exterior treatments to eradicate spiders and prevent their return. Our treatments focus on key areas where spiders are known to frequent, including basements, attics, crawl spaces, and outdoor perimeters. We use safe and effective insecticides and techniques to ensure thorough coverage and long-lasting results.
3. Web Removal and Sanitation:
In addition to chemical treatments, we also offer web removal services to eliminate existing spider webs and egg sacs. By removing webs and debris from your property, we reduce hiding spots and discourage spider activity. We also provide recommendations for sanitation practices to make your home less attractive to spiders.
4. Preventive Measures:
To prevent future spider infestations, we offer guidance on sealing entry points, reducing clutter, and implementing habitat modifications. By addressing factors that attract spiders to your home, we can help minimize the likelihood of future infestations and maintain a spider-free environment.
5. Ongoing Maintenance:
Our services don't stop once the spiders are gone. We provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure that your property remains spider-free. With regular inspections and treatments, we can proactively address any emerging spider activity and prevent infestations from reoccurring.
Don't let spiders take over your home. Trust Alta Pest Control for expert spider control solutions that deliver results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take back control of your property from these unwanted pests.