Spiders

What are spiders?

Physical features that allow a person to identify a spider include two body parts, eight legs, no wings or antennae, and many eyes. They also have specialized mouthparts (chelicerae) and fangs. Spiders use their fangs to inject venom into their prey to paralyze them. Spiders live all around us in fields, gardens, yards, meadows, parks, wooded areas, and the nooks and crannies found on our homes and outbuildings. When not living in our homes or overtaking our yards, spiders help limit the population of nuisance and dangerous insects. Many species of spiders live in our area; most are harmless, but some pose more of a danger. Dangerous spiders living in the Costa Mesa, CA area include brown widow spiders, black widow spiders, and brown recluse spiders.

Are spiders dangerous?

The brown widow spider, brown recluse spider, and black widow spider are dangerous spiders that live in our area of California. Though they are similarly named, brown widow spiders have less potent venom than black widow spiders. Avoiding all three spiders is important as they have venom strong enough to cause health problems in people. Bites from these spiders are rarely fatal, especially in the United States. However, if bitten by a dangerous spider, medical attention should be sought to help manage the symptoms. When it comes to these eight-legged creatures, the good news is that most of the spiders living throughout the United States are harmless nuisance pests.

Why do I have a spider problem?

If you are suddenly noticing an increase in the number of spiders living in your yard, home, or garage, the most likely reason is that insects have infested an area of your property. Spiders are predators and feed on a variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and tiny garden pests. Any increase in insect activity will cause an increase in spider activity on your property. Things that attract insects and, in turn, spiders to your property include open containers of trash, compost, pet food, and standing water. Spiders can successfully live outside throughout the entire year and aren’t normally driven inside because of bad weather. Spiders that do move into our homes, usually do so while following their prey. Spiders may not need to move inside in the winter, but many of their food sources do!

Where will I find spiders?

Spiders like to hide in quiet, undisturbed areas. They want to remain hidden away from both predators and the prey they are hunting. Storage areas, boxes, attics, basements, and outbuildings are common hideouts for many spiders, including black widow spiders, brown widow spiders, and brown recluse spiders.

• Black widow spiders create random, chaotic webs and place them at ground level.
• Brown widow spiders also build their webs at ground level.
• Brown recluse spiders build their webs in any undisturbed area they find, either at ground level or up off the ground.

How do I get rid of spiders?

The smartest way to eliminate spiders and other pests from your property is to partner with Smart Pest Control. We deliver spider control services in Costa Mesa that are comprehensive and detailed, ensuring we get to the root of your pest problem and solve it completely.

To learn more about how our locally owned company will protect your property from pests, reach out to Smart Pest Control today. We can work together to ensure your Costa Mesa home or business becomes and stays free of pests, we guarantee it! Call today to learn more about our spider control solutions!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

The professionals at Smart Pest Control can help you prevent problems with spiders and other pests. In addition, use the following tips to help prevent future issues with spiders.

• Clean your home, including closets, basements, storage areas, and spaces under furniture regularly.
• Keep storage areas free of a lot of clutter and debris that spiders can hide in.
• Close the windows and doors of basements, sheds, and garages when they are not in use.
• Reduce insect activity in and around your home by keeping lids on trash cans and recycling bins.
• Inspect the exterior of your home, sealing any entry points discovered to keep spiders and the insects they hunt from moving inside.
• Cut back overgrown grass or shrubbery from your home’s exterior walls.
• Reduce excess moisture and humidity levels that spiders find attractive. Fix leaky pipes, repair clogged gutters, and use dehumidifiers.