Spiders are common insects that crawl in and around human made structures such as residential homes, office buildings, and warehouses. Even though they are very frequently found, most people avoid them at all costs. In reality, the majority of spiders are not dangerous. Their diet consists of other small insects that you’d rather not deal with.
What kinds of spiders are in Dallas, TX?
Spiders are a type of arachnid that can be found almost anywhere on Earth, and there are many different varieties spiders that can be found within the Dallas & Fort Worth area. All spiders have 8 legs and 2 body parts, but they can come in all different sizes and colors. On the whole they are beneficial, and mostly find their way into homes accidentally. While essentially all spiders are venomous, very few species are harmful to humans, or even capable of biting through the skin.
Yellow Garden Spider
Yellow garden spiders are large orb-weaving arachnids with an average of ¾-1 inch body length (females). They have an unmistakable black body with yellow zigzag patterns and long legs. They are categorized as “orb weavers,” meaning they create circular webs up to 2 feet in diameter. Webs are most frequently spun in gardens, porch overhangs, between rungs of decking, between trees, in gazebos, and other outdoor areas that they can connect each side of the web to. Yellow garden spiders are not dangerous to humans, nor do they seek out human interactions.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are primarily hunters such as wolves, which is where they get their name. They are most notorious for emerging at night to actively hunt for small insects or even other spiders. Wolf spiders have 8 strong legs that can propel them to move fast and accurately, and for this reason, they do not create webs. There is no need to lure in prey when they can attack and hunt on their own. Because they are master hunters, wolf spiders will hide in places such as under chairs and tables when in the home. If they wander indoors, they are likely to remain indoors due to the lack of competition and potential abundance of nutrients.
Jumping Spider
Photo Credit: National Pest Management Association
Jumping spiders are compact in size with short legs. They are usually black with pale markings and can found all across the United States, including Dallas, TX. Even though most spiders are active at night, you’ll find the jumping spider lively during the daylight hours enjoying the sunshine. When they make their way indoors, you’ll notice their webs near windows and doors since their prey are attracted to those areas, and Jumping spiders have better vision in sunlit areas. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), Jumping spiders “have the keenest vision of all spiders and can detect movement up to 18″ in the distance.” When outdoors, jumping spiders can be seen scurrying across tree bark, on bushes, under rocks and boards, on fences and the outside of buildings. Although jumping spiders have the ability to bite in defense, the bite is not considered harmful.
Why do I have spiders in my house?
Pests enter structures through cracks and crevices around windows, doors, along foundations, ripped screens, uncapped chimneys, and also through holes where utilities enter a structure. For the most part spiders are only in your home because they wandered in unintentionally. Of course, you are more likely to see them in your house if you live in a wooded area or have plant life around your foundation because spiders like to live in these environments. Also, any areas where there is moisture, like basements and gutters, will attract spiders. Essentially, if insects that spiders prey upon are attracted to the area, spiders will follow.
Are spiders dangerous?
Most spiders in the North Texas area are harmless to humans and are actually beneficial since they eat other small insects. However, there are two infamous species that can negatively impact the health of humans.
Brown Recluse Spider
If you have a chance encounter with a brown recluse spider, it could be that they stowed away in a box or package brought into your home. They are relatively “reclusive” in nature, hiding in undisturbed areas of your home such as closets, old shoes, attics, garages, and sheds. Their bites can lead to muscle spasms and other adverse effects, but that’s if this unlikely scenario were to happen.
Black Widow Spider
Female black widow spiders are aggressive and will bite in defense, especially if she is defending her eggs. Black widow bites can cause fever, increased blood pressure, sweating, and nausea. As long as proper medical treatment is sought promptly, fatalities from a black widow bite is unlikely. If you find one in your home, call Certified right away for fast removal.
How do I get rid of spiders?
The best way to get rid of spiders is to first, determine what kind of spider you see. Is it a venomous spider? Don’t touch it. Call the professionals at Certified Termite and Pest Control and don’t risk getting bitten. Are you finding webs in your home? You can vacuum them up, seal the bag, and immediately dispose of it in an outdoor trash receptacle. However, the best way to protect your home against spiders is to prevent them from entering in the first place.
How can I prevent spiders?
Make sure to keep all vegetation, woodpiles, and clutter away from the foundation of your home because they are all ideal spider environments. Also avoid the use of landscaping materials such as riverbed rock as the rounded rocks create a damp cool environment that is favorable to the sorts of insects that spiders often eat. Switching to yellow (sodium vapor) lights can also reduce the number of insects attracted to your home. Lastly, you will want to keep your home as well sealed and free of moisture as possible. Accordingly, you will want to seal up gaps around windows and doors and any other entry points or cracks.
How does Certified Termite and Pest Control get rid of spiders?
Here at Certified, we understand that finding spiders in your home can be stressful and sometimes scary. That’s why we have programs to eliminate and prevent spiders for both homeowners and commercial property owners. Give us a call or fill out the contact form on this page to learn more about how we can keep your home spider-free all year long.
