Local spider control can be difficult, especially for the average homeowner. With so many different types of spiders causing problems for pest control in the Bay Area, it can feel overwhelming at times.
But the good news is that professional pest control companies have the resources and experience to resolve spider infestations safely and efficiently, and we'd like to share some of that expertise with you today.
This comprehensive guide will provide key information on spider behavior, spider problems for our homes, prevention tactics, and professional spider control. Let's jump in.
Spider Behavior: How They Hunt, Feed, And Mate
Spider behavior is a big topic, and it brings a lot of questions to mind. What do spiders eat? How do they hunt and eat their prey? How do they reproduce?
Well, there are differences from species to species, but generally, spiders hunt small insects, and they do this by building webs that can capture unsuspecting insects or by hiding and jumping out to grab their prey at just the right moment. When actually eating their prey, many spiders use their venom to soften the prey so that it's easier to tear apart. It sounds gruesome, but for spiders, it's just a way of life.
As for mating, spiders in the Bay Area don't reproduce in quite the same way as mammals. Typically, the male spider deposits sperm on a web, which it uses to put the sperm on another part of its body. From there, the male spider inserts the sperm into the female. Later, the female spider lays eggs rather than live baby spiders, and after sufficient time, the eggs hatch, and the newly-born spiders begin their lives.
These behavioral habits also help to explain why spiders enter our homes. They're most likely looking for prey to hunt, a safe place to hide, and a place where they can lay eggs. All of this will be important when we get to spider prevention tactics. But first, what are some of the problems spiders can cause?
Spider Problems: Why You Don't Want These Arachnids In Your Home
Compared to other common types of pests, you don't need to worry about spiders causing damage to your home directly. They don't eat through wood or wires, and they probably won't invade your kitchen looking for food, not unless there are insects around.
Instead, the biggest worry with spiders in the home is the problems they can cause for you and everyone else living with you.
Although there are many harmless spider varieties in the local area, it's also possible to come across dangerous spiders, meaning venomous spiders whose bites can lead to medical issues. As we talked about earlier, spiders don't carry venom specifically to harm humans. In fact, spiders avoid confrontations with humans and typically won't bite unless they've been provoked. But in the instances when spiders do bite, there can be serious consequences depending on the type of spider and the person bitten.
For example, a spider bite that only causes a bit of pain for one person might cause more serious complications in someone who has other medical issues. It's possible for some spider bites to cause allergic reactions, and of course, these allergic reactions can require medical attention, depending on their severity.
Bottom line: it's much safer to remove spiders from your home rather than letting them stay.
Preventing Spiders In Your Home: Tips And Tricks
To keep spiders away from your home, follow these tips and make them habits:
- Look for openings in the outside of your home. Close these up as soon as possible.
- Repair or replace window screens that have been damaged.
- Get a handle on other insects in your home that spiders like to eat, such as ants, cockroaches, and flies.
- If you see webs, dismantle them right away. Use a broom or duster to reach high areas, or look for spider webs around your home and use a vacuum to remove them.
If you stay on top of these tips in the long term, you'll be lessening the chances of developing a serious spider problem in your home.
Professional Spider Control: When To Call In The Experts
If you've been wondering how to get rid of spiders that have made their way into your home, professional pest control is an option you should consider. Professionals can take on spider populations without putting you or your family at risk.
For professional spider control in the Bay Area, contact Bay Pest to schedule an appointment.