Many animals that we consider to be pests are actually quite beneficial to the ecosystem while out in the wild, and it's not until they venture into our homes that they become pests. One such pest that we have to deal with here in Salt Lake City is the spider. Spiders are unwelcome pests in any home. They can bite, they build obtrusive webs, and some of them are even dangerous to humans, although most are harmless. Even if a spider is harmless, that doesn’t mean you want to see it around your home. That’s why it's important for you to know some basic spider prevention techniques so that you can keep your Salt Lake City home spider-free.
Identifying Common Area Spiders
Throughout the world, there are over 43,000 different species of spiders. Luckily for us here in Utah, we only have to worry about a few. The spiders that you are most likely to encounter in these parts include hobo spiders, wolf spiders, and black widows.
Hobo spiders are predominantly brown in color and feature a dark stripe running down the centers of their backs. Their bodies can be between 3/4 of an inch to one inch long, and they build funnel-shaped webs that they use to catch prey. Additionally, they will bite if they are threatened or handled. However, their bites are not considered to be dangerous.
Wolf Spiders derive their name from the fact that they do not build webs at all, but rather hunt for their prey. They are large spiders, with bodies measuring up to 1 3/8 inches long. Wolf spiders are usually dark brown with lighter stripes or markings across their bodies. Wolf spiders will bite, however, their bites are not considered to be dangerous.
Black Widows are considered to be the most dangerous spiders living in the United States. Their bodies grow to be ¼ inch long, and are predominantly black. Additionally, the females have an easily identifiable red hourglass-like figure on their abdomens. Bites from black widows have been known to be fatal in some instances. Although this is rare, if you are bitten by a black widow, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
Spider Prevention Tips
One of the main reasons that spiders will enter a property is because there is an abundance of other pests upon which the spider can feed. Therefore, spider prevention starts with basic pest prevention. This includes:
- Take out the trash regularly, and store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Store all food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
- Wipe up any spills from counters or floors immediately.
- Fix any leaky pipes or fixtures.
- Use dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels low throughout your home.
- Keep crawl spaces, attics, and basements free from clutter.
- Store wood piles away from the exterior of your home.
- Wipe away webs as you come across them.
In addition to these basic pest prevention measures, it also helps to seal off any potential entry points through which spiders might enter. This means:
- Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Install screens in windows and exterior doors.
- Install weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors.
For More Spider Prevention Advice & Assistance
If you have any further questions regarding spider prevention, or if you require assistance with removing spiders from your property, call the professionals here at Pest Pro Pest Control. We offer a variety of both residential and commercial pest control solutions to best fit your needs. Moreover, you can opt for a one-time service or request ongoing treatment to ensure your property is pest-free all year long. Don’t let spiders overtake your home. Give us a call today.