The “City of Oaks” is known for many things; Ranging from the diverse performing arts and music scene, the world’s greatest technological research park to the incredible educational opportunities like North Caroline State University. In addition, the mixed conifer and hardwood forests that make up Raleigh are home to all types of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wood ducks, and Canadian geese. But that’s not all that calls Raleigh home. Spiders are a common pest, both outside and inside. These crawling pests can be frightening, especially if the spiders are potentially dangerous.
Description Of Common Spiders In Raleigh
While most spiders are harmless, they do not belong in your Raleigh home. In Raleigh, the most common spiders are:
Black Widow Spiders: Besides the brown recluse, this spider is also dangerous if it bites humans. Known for its shiny black body and red hourglass markings, this is one spider to avoid. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
House Spiders: They mainly live in basements and attics and produce small webs in the corners of your house. They are known for their striped legs and dark brown bodies.
Brown Recluse Spiders: One of the most dangerous spiders you’ll find, this spider has potent venom that is dangerous to humans. In fact, it’s so dangerous that immediate medical attention should be sought. Look for a grayish-brown body and a violin-shaped marking on its back to identify this spider.
Jumping Spiders: This one is smaller than most of the other spiders and, as its name implies, is known for its jumping ability. They prefer to avoid humans altogether if possible.
Wolf Spiders: The wolf spider has a robust body that it uses to run its prey down since it doesn’t shoot webs. While they will bite if threatened, they are not harmful to humans outside of an allergic reaction.
Why Spiders Enter Your Home
Spiders can enter your Raleigh home in a variety of ways—and for a variety of reasons. Usually, they are looking for necessities such as food and shelter. Spiders enjoy spinning webs and making themselves at home in areas that are mainly undisturbed, such as ceilings, light fixtures, and window seals. Spiders can enter your home through doors, windows, vents, or any unfilled holes or cracks.
Spiders will enter your home mainly because there is a food source for them there. If you’ve found spiders in your bathroom, that may mean other bugs are lurking around that the spider wants for food. It’s wise to keep an eye out for other pests because many spiders will prey on insects that may be carrying diseases into your home.
Most spiders pose no threat to humans and will attempt to hide from the places you frequent most. Spiders living in and around your home will only bite if they feel threatened by you. As long as you keep your distance and the spider isn’t a venomous species, living with spiders can benefit you by killing other pests and reducing your need for chemical insecticides.
Prevention Tips For Both Spiders & Their Pest Prey
Having spiders live far away from your Raleigh home might be acceptable, but the minute they enter your home you’ll likely begin to be unsettled. spiders. That doesn’t mean you have to worry about them, though. Be sure to follow these tips to prevent spiders from invading your home:
Eliminate Webs and Egg Sacs: When you see webs or egg sacks, sweep them away as soon as possible. Be sure to check dark spots around your home, such as the foundation.
Landscaping: Insects like an untamed environment. Since that’s where their prey is, the spider likes it too. You can fix this problem by practicing good landscaping to maintain the overall population.
Food storage: Insects are attracted to your food and the crumbs left behind. If you don’t leave this item out, they won’t want to stick around. If they don’t stick around, then the spiders won’t either. Keep your food stored properly so it doesn’t attract unwanted pests that spiders will prey upon.
Trash storage: Nearly every pest wants to get into your trash. This includes insects. As such, spiders aren’t too far behind if you don’t practice proper trash management.
Clean and Vacuum Routinely: Pay special attention to baseboards, dark corners, and bookshelves. Clean each week routinely.
Eliminate entry points: Spiders hunt and track their prey. If the insect has slipped inside through a crack, then the spider will be able to do the same. Be sure to seal these and other entry points with silicone caulk to keep them outside where they belong.
Remove Potential Hiding Spots: Spiders love dark places, and any piles of leaves, wood, or empty containers are a perfect environment. Keep this debris and materials away from your home’s foundation and, if possible, remove them from your yard entirely.
Limit Outdoor Lighting: It’s common knowledge that light attracts insects. Limit the use of floodlights and porch lights. When you use them, direct the light as far away from your house as possible.
Call The Professionals At Innovative Pest Solutions
Keeping the family safe is a serious responsibility that includes guarding against pests. At Innovative Pest Solutions, we take this seriously, which is why we know that if pests get into your house, they can put your family’s health and safety at risk. We offer pet-friendly pest control services for your home, so you get the results you need while ensuring everything is as safe as possible.
Don’t wait to get the spider control you need for peace of mind. Give our team at Innovative Pest Solutions a call to speak with one of us about our professional spider control options in Durham and surrounding areas or fill out our online form to schedule your free quote.
