Spider Control Spiders can bite and create unsightly webs.
ABOUT SPIDERS
While spiders in some regions of the world may be quite dangerous, the species that are commonly found in the Bensalem area are not. Nevertheless, the many spiders typically encountered throughout the region such as the common house spider, broad-faced sac spider, grass spider, and the wolf spider can prove most to be a considerable nuisance.
When they are not present in overwhelming numbers, spiders are a welcome means of natural pest control. Home and business owners who feel that they are constantly dealing with spiders inside buildings or who find themselves walking through spider webs on a daily basis are encouraged to seek professional pest control. Doing so can provide enormous peace of mind and a spider-free home.
APPEARANCE
As arachnids, spiders have eight legs and multiple eyes. Most members of the species are capable of spinning a web in which they capture prey. The Common house spider has striped legs and bodies that are covered in brown or gray chevrons. Adult males grow to a maximum of about four millimeters but females can double that size.
Broad-faced sac spiders typically grow to only about six or eight millimeters in length. They feature a brown or slightly red carapace with an abdomen that may be gray or yellow. Their front legs are noticeably darker colored and thicker than their rear legs.
Grass spiders have distinctive brown or yellowish carapaces that feature dark stripes. The legs are lighter colored close to the body, growing gradually darker toward the feet. Adult females of the species may measure as much as 20 millimeters with males growing to a maximum of about two millimeters less.
Wolf spiders generally are the largest species commonly found in Bensalem. Without including their legs in the measurement, a wolf spider may reach 35 millimeters long. Grey, black and brown are common colors for wolf spiders, and their bodies may feature distinctive patterns.
DIET
Many unwanted pests are on the list of foods that spiders ordinarily eat. Flies, mosquitoes, wasps and ants all are commonly consumed. Spiders frequently eat other arachnids, and they will try to eat virtually any insect that gets tangled in their web. For many gardeners who are dealing with a pest problem, spiders actually may be welcome guests as long as their numbers do not become too great.
HABITATS
Spiders will frequently build test webs in various locations before settling on a spot that seems most likely to provide success with trapping prey. This is why people find "cobwebs" on light fixtures and in the corners of rooms. Many spiders prefer to build their webs in elevated spots where they are more likely to catch prey that flies. This means that the upper corners in windows, doors and porches are likely spots to find an active web. Spiders also may establish a web in the corners of rooms and doorways inside a building.
Other species prefer to capture prey that walks along the ground. Accordingly, they may build a web in turf or at ground level in a garden.
DIET
Many unwanted pests are on the list of foods that spiders ordinarily eat. Flies, mosquitoes, wasps and ants all are commonly consumed. Spiders frequently eat other arachnids, and they will try to eat virtually any insect that gets tangled in their web. For many gardeners who are dealing with a pest problem, spiders actually may be welcome guests as long as their numbers do not become too great.
PROBLEMS WITH SPIDERS
Frequently, people feel a deep, psychological fear when confronted with spiders. Knowing that these pests are trying to make themselves at home is unsettling for these individuals, and they cannot rest until the problem is resolved.
Additionally, spiders are capable of making an enormous mess by leaving their webs all around the interior and exterior of buildings. It makes everything look dirty and unkempt, and no one enjoys walking through spider webs on a regular basis. A program of spider control may be the remedy for the situation.
An inordinate number of spiders may be a cause for concern because it is sensible to assume that something is drawing the spiders to the property. It may be that another pest infestation is driving the interest of spiders in the house or other buildings. Addressing this infestation may alleviate the spider problem as well.
BEHAVIOR
Spiders are adept predators, but their instinct for survival leads them to avoid species, like humans, for whom they may be prey. For the species that are common in Bensalem, their first line of defense is to scurry away. A bite may only occur when the spider feels trapped or in a situation where the spider has been stepped on or swatted.
Spiders may be active in the day or night depending upon the species. Overall, the majority of spider species are nocturnal, but they may be seen to be building webs or dealing with trapped prey during the daylight hours as well. With the number of insects being active increasing after the sun goes down, spiders can be expected to be quite busy overnight.
HEALTH ISSUES
Spiders in some parts of the world may spread diseases or have a venomous bite, but this is not the case with most of the spiders that are frequently found in this region. Bites are infrequent, and when they do happen, they usually cause only passing pain, itchiness and discomfort. However, some individuals can have a severe allergic reaction to the bite of an ordinary spider. The bite may become excessively swollen, red, itchy and painful. Additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea may ensue. If these symptoms do not soon subside, then the individual should seek medical attention.
SIGNS OF A SPIDER INFESTATION
Indications of a spider problem include:
• Frequently being required to knock down spider webs both inside and outside of buildings • Finding an inordinate number of spiders inside a structure • Spider bites that cause excessive irritation
PREVENTION TIPS
SafeGuard Pest Control recommends the following spider prevention methods:
• Get rid of clutter both inside and outside of buildings • Regularly knock down spider webs • Keep turf short to deter spiders that live at ground level • Powerwash building exteriors at least once per year • Keep screens on windows and doors • Seal or cover any openings in the exterior of buildings • Trim trees, bushes and plants so that they do not touch buildings
SPIDER CONTROL
DIY products are not usually successful in controlling spider populations. To keep a home’s spider population under control, a pest control company should be called.
Safeguard Pest Control uses a variety of treatments and specialized products to eliminate spiders in your Bensalem home or office.
