Spiders

What are spiders?

Spiders are beneficial predators that help to control populations of garden insects and other nuisance pests. Spiders are arachnids, and unlike insects that have three body regions, only have two body regions: the cephalothorax (head) and abdomen (body). Additionally, all spiders have eight long legs. Although spiders are beneficial to the environment when living outdoors, some species of these intimidating arachnids pose a certain danger to people and pets.

Three of the most common species of spiders living throughout our area of northeastern Texas are the following:

Black widow spiders
These spiders have round bodies and eight eyes that are arranged in two rows. Black widow spiders in the Dallas Metropolitan area are shiny and black in color with a reddish-orange, hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomens; some black widow spiders may also have light red or white spots on their abdomens and backs.

Brown recluse spiders
As their name describes, brown recluse spiders are light brown in color with a darker brown, violin-shaped marking on their backs. A brown recluse spider has  six eyes arranged in three groups of two, in a semicircle-like pattern.

Wolf spiders
Wolf spiders are a large species of spiders; their stout bodies are covered in hair and are usually black or dark brown with lighter markings. Wolf spiders use their eight long legs to quickly chase their prey. These spiders have eight eyes that arranged uniquely in three rows.

Are spiders dangerous?

Whether a spider is dangerous or not depends on its species. Both the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider are considered to be dangerous species of spiders. Both of these spiders possess venom that is strong enough to cause health problems in people. Most species of spiders that we run into daily are nuisance pests and harmless to people. Typical household-invading spiders in Frisco, such as the wolf spider, do not have venom that is strong enough to harm a person.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Most spiders prefer living outside on properties that offer them safe, secluded, and sheltered areas to hide out in. Spiders are shy and reclusive by nature and prefer to stay out of the view of people and predators. While they mainly live outdoors, they will move inside of homes and outbuildings if the weather outside becomes too cold, hot, or wet. Spiders will also move indoors when tracking prey, and properties that have problems with insects will often have issues with spiders as well.

Where will I find spiders?

Spiders build their webs – or burrows, in the case of wolf spiders – in a variety of locations. Doorways, gardens, roof eaves, shrubs, tall grasses, and under decks are all places where you will find spiders. They can also be seen crawling on and hiding behind wooden shingles found on the exterior of homes as well as barns, garages, and other outbuildings. Spiders that have moved indoors usually choose dark, secluded areas to hide in such as basements, closets, crawlspaces, and under furniture.

How do I get rid of spiders?

The best way to eliminate spiders from your northeastern Texas property is to partner with a local pest control expert. At Addison Pest Control Of Texas, we are committed to providing each of our customers with superior pest control services to meet their individual needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians always perform the most advanced, effective services. To learn more about working together to rid your home or business of spiders and other household pests, contact Addison Pest today!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

The following tips can help you to protect your Dallas Metropolitan area home or business from becoming overrun with spiders:

• Seal any openings in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your home or business.

• Remove any clutter and debris that spiders can hide and build webs in from your yard.

• Place gardens and woodpiles a distance away from the exterior of your property.

• Cut tree branches, bushes, and shrubs away from the exterior of your home or business.

• Make sure downspouts and gutters are free of debris and store containers that collect water upside-down.