Have you ever looked down to see a spider running across the floor of your home? Or, even worse, have you ever had a spider climbing on you? Even if you’re not super freaked out by spiders, seeing them on your person or around your property can be extremely upsetting and leave you feeling afraid. However, while most people assume all spiders are dangerous, they aren’t always going to hurt you. But, just because many home-invading spiders are mostly a nuisance, it doesn’t mean you want them around your Westchester home.
In order to keep spiders out of your home, this guide will give you useful tips and tricks.
What Spiders In Westchester Look Like
Most spiders are harmless because they don’t have potent enough venom to hurt people or pets. They do all possess fangs and venom, and their bites can still hurt. However, you usually won’t have to worry about having any major side effects from a spider bite.
The most common harmless spiders in the area are jumping spiders, wolf spiders, and cellar spiders. Here is how you can identify them:
- Jumping spiders come in a variety of colors and patterns but have large rows of eyes and are able to jump to catch prey.
- Wolf spiders have hairy legs and stout bodies. They are a mix of brown, grey, and black colors. Rather than using a web, they chase down their prey.
- Cellar spiders have spindly legs and are usually a yellow or tan color.
It’s important to note that there are two species in the area that are dangerous. They aren’t as common, but both black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders are occasionally present locally. The black widow spider is jet black with a red hourglass marking on its abdomen, while the brown recluse is a tan color with no markings on its legs. Brown recluse spiders also have a violin-shaped marking behind their heads.
Spider Prevention: The First Steps
The best way to deter spiders is to keep their insect prey from coming around. Unlike many other pests, spiders will enter a home because they are hunting down their prey, so you can prevent them by addressing underlying pest issues. Here are some specific tips:
- Place lids on all trash cans to deter other pests. Remove trash and organic debris from around the yard.
- Clear away old webs.
- Clean up excess clutter around the home and outside around the property.
- Address moisture issues by using dehumidifiers and fixing broken plumbing.
- Keep insects away by cleaning up food and drink spills right after they happen.
Four More Spider Prevention Tips
There are a few more specific steps you can take to specifically address spiders and keep them from getting inside. These include:
- Seal up potential entry points by repairing holes in the walls and foundation with caulk or foam insulation.
- Repair or replace torn screens in doors and windows.
- Store any woodpiles, including firewood, at least 30 feet away from the outside of the home.
- Seek home pest control assistance.
Effective Spider Control In Westchester
Instead of trying to address spider problems on your own, contact the professionals at Parkway Pest Services. In order to really prevent spiders in the long-term, smaller insects will need to be deterred, too. With our residential control plans, we will remove and prevent both spiders and their prey throughout the year.
Find out more and request a quote by giving us a call today.