Spider Identification

What are spiders?

Spiders are arachnids and are an important part of the ecosystem. These predators help reduce the number of nuisance and dangerous insects in our yards and gardens. However, when the spiders themselves take over our yards and eventually move into our homes, these pests are unwelcome, and depending on the species, can even be dangerous.

There are many species of spiders homeowners find living on their properties. Some of the more common ones we run into include:

• Black widow spiders: These spiders are shiny black with a red hourglass marking on their underside.

• Brown widow spiders: These spiders are mottled brown or gray with darker stripes on the body's legs and topside. They also have an hourglass marking that is an orange color. 

• Orb-weaver spiders: These spiders come in a variety of sizes and colors. They have a sizeable round abdomen and create unique wheel-shaped webs.

• Cellar spiders: These spiders have oval-shaped bodies ranging in color from pale yellowish to light brown or gray. They have distinct, elongated, thin legs.

Are spiders dangerous?

Most household invading spiders aren't dangerous to people. Their primary focus is finding prey, which include insects and other spiders, not people. 

Spiders are capable of biting people but generally only do so when directly threatened, and they fear for their safety. Accidentally coming into contact with spiders when gardening, rummaging through storage areas, or getting into bed are common ways an accidental spider bite happens. Being aware of your surroundings is the best way to avoid being bitten by these pests. 

One species of dangerous spider in our region that property owners do have to contend with is the black widow. Black widow spiders have venom strong enough to cause health problems in people. Depending on the bite and person, symptoms could range from mild to severe, but a bite from a black widow spider should always be managed by a healthcare professional.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Spiders only want to live in areas where there is an abundance of food for them to hunt. If insect activity has increased on your property, so will spider activity. Spiders don't typically move into our homes for shelter; they move into our homes following their prey. If insects are present in your house, they will usually decide to stay put and only leave when forced to.

Where will I find spiders?

You will find spiders building webs and burrows in a variety of places. Whether inside or outside, these shy creatures prefer to live in areas that provide them with plenty of shelter.

Outside, we regularly come across spiders and their webs in shrubs, bushes, trees, on decks, or in gardens. They also build their webs on parked bicycles, under outdoor furniture, and in play structures. Outbuildings like sheds, garages, and pool houses are other outdoor places spiders and their insect prey like to hang out. 

Places we find spiders inside our homes include:

• Attics

• Wall voids

• Crawl spaces

• The corners of rooms and windows

• Inside closets

• Within bedding or folded towels

• Within stored clothing or shoes

• Inside boxes and room clutter

How do I get rid of spiders?

Get rid of nuisance and dangerous spiders with the help of Green Flash Pest Control and our over 25 years of pest control experience! Our highly trained, friendly, and dedicated professionals will eliminate spiders and other pests from California and Arizona properties in a flash!

We are a locally-owned, family-based company that takes protecting its community from unwanted pests seriously. Through our wide variety of pest control services, outstanding customer care, and guaranteed solutions, you can trust us to help you maintain a property that is free of unwanted pests. Give us a call today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control options!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Taking the following measures around your property will help make your property less attractive to spiders and help you avoid problems with these pests in your California or Arizona home.

• The small size of most spiders means they can enter our homes through the smallest cracks and crevices. Seal any openings regardless of the size that you discover in your home's exterior. 

• Cut back shrubs, bushes, and trees from your home's exterior where spiders like to build their webs.

• Keep porch lights off as much as possible; they attract the insects that spiders like to hunt. 

• Vacuum and dust your house regularly.

• Keep indoor and outdoor eating areas free of food debris that attract insect activity. The more insects on your property, the more problems with spiders you will have.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management options.