Spiders

What are spiders?

Spiders differ from insects because they have more legs and fewer body parts. Spiders are arachnids, and unlike insects that have three body segments and six legs, adult spiders have eight legs and only two body segments. Other physical features of spiders include being wingless and having many eyes.

Spiders are predatory, feeding on insects and other spiders. They are beneficial in helping to control insect populations but are less beneficial when they decide to live in big numbers in our yards or, even worse, inside of our Bay Area homes!

Two of the more common species of spiders that live in our area are the black widow spider and wolf spider. Black widow spiders are black with a telltale orange-red "hourglass" marking on their belly. Wolf spiders are quite large and have a stout body that is dark brown, or black. Most other species have cream, gray, or yellowish markings. Their bodies have hairs covering them, and they have long spiny legs that they use to chase their prey.

Are spiders dangerous?

All spiders produce venom that they use to paralyze their prey in order to capture and subdue them. But not all spiders possess venom that is strong enough to cause problems for people — most don't.

Wolf spiders, while large and intimidating looking, are harmless spiders and pose us no danger. In contrast, the black widow spider is dangerous to people. Their venom is potent enough to trigger serious health problems.

If spiders have become a problem on your property, it is best to contact a professional so they can accurately identify them and safely eliminate the infestation.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Our homes provide spiders with many places to hide and entry points, as well as plenty of indoor hiding spots. Spiders are most prevalent on properties that provide them with plenty of food, water, and shelter. Properties with lots of tall grass, dense vegetation, trees, gardens, woodpiles, debris, and low lying areas or containers that collect water draw spiders.

Where will I find spiders?

Spiders live outside all around us — in our yards, wooded areas, fields, parks, around lakes, and streams. They are fairly adaptable and will choose any place to live that provides them with plenty of insect activity and sheltered spots for them to borrow or build their nests.

Spiders don't usually look to move into our homes, but rather find their way inside while following their prey. Once inside, though, spiders will stay until forced to leave if there are insects to eat. Another reason spiders look to get into our home, garages, and sheds is that they are looking for a safe place to lay eggs.

Common hiding spots for spiders living in our homes include:

• Wall voids
• Crawlspaces
• Corners of rooms or closets
• Under furniture
• Basements and attics

How do I get rid of spiders?

The most stress-free way to get rid of spiders and other pests from your Bay Area property is to partner with Bay Pest. Meeting our customers' unique pest control needs are our top priority!

Our dedicated professionals can identify your specific pest problem, provide the services needed to get rid of them, and the follow-up services necessary to prevent them from returning! To learn more about our solutions to eliminate pests from your residential or commercial property, reach out to Bay Pest today!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

To prevent problems with spiders on your property or in your home, follow our top prevention tips that are listed below!

• Keep spiders from being drawn to the outside of your home by keeping outdoor lights off when not needed. Outdoor lights attract the insects that hungry spiders love to eat.
• Give the exterior of your home a good once over, caulking any cracks or crevices you discover.
• Place covers over vents and drains leading into your home.
• Repair damaged roof soffits and roof shingles.
• Place door sweeps on exterior doors and weatherstripping around windows and doors.
• If you use mulch in gardens around your home, think about choosing cedar mulch — the smell is unpleasant to spiders.
• Cut back shrubs and bushes from the outside of your home.
• Eliminate sources of water by storing containers upside down when not needed. Keep gutters clear and repair low lying areas that puddle with rainwater.

Helpful Articles

The Best Advice You Could Hear About Spider Control For Your Bay Area Home

San Jose's Complete Guide To Effective Spider Control

San Jose's Complete Guide To Wolf Spider Prevention

The Bay Area's Complete Black Widow Spider Control Guide

What Every Bay Area Resident Should Know About the Brown Recluse Spider

How To Prevent Spiders From Invading Your Bay Area Home

What Should I Do If I Spot Spider Webs Around My Bay Area Home

House Spiders In The Bay Area: Keeping Them Out Of Your Home 

Spiders In The Bay Area: Too Dangerous To Leave Untreated?

House Spider 101: Things To Know About Spider Control In The Bay Area