Everyone has seen a spider skittering across the floor at night or sitting in a web in the corner of the room. But no matter how many times you see them, spiders are still creepy! Many types of home-invading pests invade during specific seasons, but spiders during all parts of the year. But, unfortunately, spider infestations do become more common as the weather gets colder.
Throughout most of the year, spiders invade while searching for their main source of food: insects. But as temperatures drop, spiders are looking for food and shelter in our Westchester homes. The most common spider species in our area include jumping spiders, cellar spiders, wolf spiders, and common house spiders. Occasionally you may find black widow spiders or brown recluse spiders around your property as well, although these are less common.
Are spiders in Westchester dangerous?
Despite how frightening spiders may appear, most spiders aren’t dangerous. While all spiders are venomous, only two species in New York are dangerous. But black widows and brown recluses are rare in this area. Most home-invading spiders would rather hide from you than bite you, though they will bite if they feel threatened or are trapped, or provoked. Bites from wolf spiders, common house spiders, and most other spider species are usually painful but they aren’t dangerous. If you are bitten, the most common symptoms include mild pain, redness, and swelling around the location of the bite.
Invading spiders prefer to hide in areas that are dark, musty, and undisturbed by human activity. Common areas spiders hide in Westchester homes include attics, wall spaces, closets, high shelves, and basements.
How to Prevent Spiders
While spider infestations are more common during fall and winter as spiders seek out shelter, spiders invade throughout the rest of the year as well. If more insect pests are able to invade your home, your property becomes much more attractive to spiders. A good way to deter spiders from your home is by removing other pest problems that could attract them. Keep spiders out of your home by:
- Sealing all possible entry points. This includes gaps under doors, torn window screens, cracks in your foundation, and holes made for utilities.
- Removing sources of excess moisture. Clear your gutters of debris, dump out items that collect rainwater, repair leaky pipes, and fill in low-lying areas of your lawn.
- Keeping your garbage cans sealed and stored away from your exterior walls. Many insects are attracted to garbage. If more insects are attracted to your Westchester property, more spiders will be too.
- Cutting thick foliage, shrubs, tree branches, and other vegetation away from your home. Insects and spiders love hiding in these areas.
No matter how many prevention tips you follow, DIY spider prevention often fails. The only sure way to keep your Westchester home 100% spider-free is with professional pest control. For the best spider control and treatment services, turn to the professionals here at Parkway Pest Services. We offer several effective residential pest control programs and pest treatment plans. No matter what pest you’re dealing with, we have a solution for you. Reach out to Parkway Pest Services to get started on your pest-free journey.