Spider Control Services | Rafiki Pest Control

How to Handle a Spider Infestation in Your Home.

Spiders may seem harmless at first glance, but their rapid movements, venomous bites, and ability to create webs throughout your home can quickly turn into a nightmare. While some spiders are beneficial for controlling other pests, others can pose serious risks to your health and safety. This article will walk you through essential information about spider infestations, including fascinating facts, signs of an infestation, how to prevent them, and the best ways to control them.

Fascinating Facts About Spiders You Probably Didn’t Know

Blue Blood: Unlike most animals, spiders have blue blood. This is because their oxygen is bound to copper molecules, as opposed to iron, which gives other creatures' blood its red color.
Romantic Spiders: Male spiders are known to court females by offering gifts, such as insects wrapped in silk, and performing unique dances to win their favor.
Spiders Mimic Ants: Some spiders can imitate ants, even adopting their pheromones. This helps them avoid predators or ambush ants as prey.
Self-Defense Mechanism: To protect themselves from predators, tarantulas use their tiny, irritating hairs to ward off threats, much like a porcupine uses quills.
Male Spiders Want to Be Eaten: The Red Widow Spider exhibits an unusual behavior where the male actively tries to be eaten by the female by repeatedly offering himself to her.

Why Do Spiders Invade Your Home?

Understanding why spiders enter your home can help you prevent an infestation:

Safety: Like any living creature, spiders seek shelter to avoid predators.
Warmth: In cold weather, spiders move indoors, looking for warm, dark places to build webs and nest.
Food: Spiders are predators that feed on insects. If your home is infested with pests, it’s likely that spiders will follow.
Other Pests: If you have a problem with other insects, expect spiders to be nearby as they prey on them.

How to Keep Spiders Away

Keeping spiders at bay requires diligent housekeeping and preventive measures:

Clean Your Home: Regularly vacuum and sweep dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, window sills, and ceilings.
Remove Food Sources: Spiders feed on other insects, so it’s crucial to manage pests like flies and fleas. Call a pest control expert if necessary.
Empty Garbage: Dispose of garbage regularly and ensure bins are kept away from your house.
Seal Cracks and Crevices: Spiders seek shelter in cracks and crevices, so seal any gaps in doors, windows, or walls.
Yard Maintenance: Trim bushes, vegetation, and overhanging branches that might provide a bridge to your home.
Dispose of Dead Plants: Remove rotting plants, leaves, or flowers from around your property.

Dangers Posed by Spiders

Although most spiders only bite in self-defense, their venom can still cause serious health risks, including:

Painful Reactions: Spider bites can result in severe skin reactions, scarring, and swelling.
Symptoms: In some cases, spider bites may cause intense pain, red marks, swelling, and other skin injuries. Some severe bites may require hospitalization.
Business Risks: An infestation of spiders in your workplace can be distressing for clients and staff, leading to potential loss of business.

Common Hiding Spots for Spiders

Spiders are elusive creatures, often hiding in the most unexpected places. Look out for them in:

Basements, garages, and attic spaces
House corners, window sills, and ceilings
Under furniture, especially in dark, hidden spots
In cracks, crevices, and behind cabinets
In cluttered areas, like closets and storage spaces
In vegetation and bushes outside your home

DIY Spider Inspection

If you're concerned about spiders in your home, a thorough inspection is essential. However, remember that spider bites can be dangerous, so take necessary precautions:

Protective Gear: Wear gloves and long sleeves, and use a flashlight to inspect dark areas.
Inspect Quiet, Undisturbed Areas: Check corners, stored boxes, behind furniture, and under beds.
Look for Webs: Spiders often build webs in hidden corners or on the floor in dark spaces.
Search for Spider Tracks: Look for signs of movement, like disturbed webs or shed spider skins.

DIY Spider Control Methods

While professional pest control is always the safest and most effective option, some DIY methods may help control a minor spider infestation:

Spider Sprays: Use specialized spider sprays to kill spiders on contact.
Eliminate Food Sources: Reducing insect pests like flies and ants will make your home less attractive to spiders.
Sticky Traps: Place glue traps in high-traffic areas where spiders are likely to travel.
Manual Removal: If you spot a spider, use a shoe or newspaper to crush it, but be cautious not to disturb others in the area.

Why Professional Spider Control is the Best Solution

If you’re facing a more severe infestation, professional pest control is the safest and most effective way to handle the situation:

Expertise: Professional spider controllers are trained to handle infestations safely, using advanced techniques and protective gear.
Thorough Inspection: Experts will inspect your home and yard for potential hiding spots and infestations.
Tailored Treatment: Based on the severity of the infestation, a pest control expert will recommend the best treatment to eliminate the spiders and prevent re-infestation.
Ongoing Monitoring: Professional services offer follow-up visits to ensure the infestation is completely under control.

Spiders may be beneficial in controlling other pests, but when they invade your home, they can pose serious risks. Whether you try DIY methods or call in the experts, dealing with spiders effectively requires careful attention to detail and a well-thought-out plan. For peace of mind and safety, professional spider control is always the best option.