If we asked you how many people you know that aren’t at least a little nervous around spiders, how many could you list? Probably not many. Arachnophobia is one of the most common fears in the world, and for good reason! Spiders can look quite frightening. There are also a few venomous spiders in Florida, so it makes sense that you’d want to keep spiders out of your home.
While reaching out for professional spider control is the safest and most effective way to remove spiders from your home, we’ve put together a list of our top five spider prevention tips that can be used in combination with pest control in Fort Myers to boost your home’s defenses against invading spiders.
Habits And Behaviors Of Common Spiders
Florida is home to a wide variety of spider species—some venomous, some not. Knowing what the dangerous spiders in your area look like, what they eat, and where to find them is helpful information for Fort Myers residents to know.
Identification
The two types of spiders found in Fort Myers that you should be worried about are:
Black Widow Spiders: These venomous spiders range in size from 1 ½ to 1 ¾ inches long. The most defining features of female black widows are their jet-black coloring; large, rounded abdomens; and the bright red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomens. Male black widow spiders are smaller than the females, are typically brown or gray, and lack the characteristic red hourglass marking, though they may have red spots on their abdomens.
Brown Recluse Spiders: These spiders measure between ¼ and ½ of an inch long and can be tan or dark brown. Also called the fiddleback spider, this species’ most defining feature is the violin-shaped marking behind its head.
Hiding Spots
Now that you know the types of spiders in Fort Myers that pose a health threat to humans, you may be wondering, “Where do spiders live?” Inside, you’ll find spiders hiding in dark, secluded areas like basements, crawl spaces, closets, storage areas, and under furniture; you may also find them in outbuildings like your garage or shed. These spiders may be found outdoors around decks, rocks, woodpiles, tree stumps, and other yard clutter.
Bites
Most spiders aren’t aggressive and will only bite when threatened or trapped, so spider bites are rare and usually harmless. However, if a black widow or brown recluse bites you, the affected area will become swollen and painful and may cause the following symptoms: fever, sweating, raised blood pressure, nausea, and ulcers. If you are bitten by a venomous spider, we recommend seeking medical attention.
What It Means If You’re Seeing Spiders In Your Home
If you find spiders in your house, it means that something is drawing them inside. The most likely cause of spider activity in your home is the presence of another pest problem. Spiders prey on insects like cockroaches, crickets, flies, and moths, so if spiders are around, one of those other pests probably is too.
If you’re dealing with a spider infestation, that also means that you need to schedule a spider removal service from a trusted pest control company like Stat Pest Control. We’d be happy to get rid of any spiders you’re seeing!
Five Easy And Effective Spider Prevention Tips
Below, we’ve listed some tips we recommend to make your property less attractive to nuisance and venomous spiders alike:
- Seal any entry points in your home’s exterior (cracks, crevices, holes, or gaps) with caulk and repair or replace damaged window and door screens to keep spiders from getting inside.
- Reduce any excess clutter in your home, basement, garage, storage areas, and yard to reduce potential hiding spots for spiders and other pests.
- Keep your clothes off the floor and check clothing items and shoes for spiders before putting them on to avoid spider bites, especially if they have been in storage.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the exterior of your home, garage, or shed; woodpiles are one of the most common hiding spots for spiders.
- Take steps to prevent the pests that spiders feed on, and sign up for a year-round pest control plan for your home.
However, even after taking these precautions, spiders can still become a problem for you if you’re simply unlucky – or if there’s something on your property the spiders are feeding on. Whichever case, the best solution is to call a professional spider removal expert for help.
Professional Pest Control Makes For The Best Spider Control
Trying to kill spiders on your own just isn’t worth the risk. It can be hard to tell at the moment whether the spider you’re looking at is venomous or not, and in the worst-case scenario, you may find yourself with a nasty spider bite that requires medical attention.
If you’re seeing spiders around your home or yard, the Fort Myers pest control experts at Stat Pest Control can help! We offer professional pest control services to remove spiders and their webs as well as prevent future spider problems. Contact us today to get started with spider control near you.
