Are House Spiders in Western Massachusetts Dangerous?

All spiders have venom. They use their venom to subdue their prey. But the creatures spiders prey on are much smaller than the size of a human. Therefore, the venom of most spiders will do little more than produce a tiny, red welt on your skin. In our service area of Connecticut and Massachusetts, spiders are considered nuisance pests. They build webs everywhere and are generally icky critters to have around, but they aren't dangerous. If you would prefer to not have spiders in your home, even though they're not dangerous, here are a few ideas that can help.

DIY Spider Control

When it comes to keeping spiders out of a home, you're fighting a losing battle. Without a strategic application of EPA-approved products, the best you can hope to accomplish is a reduction of the number of spiders you have in your home. Here are some ways you can reduce invading spiders:

• Remove clutter away from your perimeter wall. Spiders hide in clutter.

• Fix leaky spigots and hoses. If you have water near your foundation walls, you'll invite moisture pests. And spiders find moisture pests to be tasty.

• Fix obstructed or broken gutters. When water runs down the side of your home, it creates conditions for wood rot. Spiders eat the bugs that like to chew on rotting wood.

• Do a detailed inspection of your exterior walls and fill in any gaps, cracks, or holes you find.

• Keep leaves raked away from your perimeter. Leaves create a harborage for bugs and spiders alike.

• Keep exterior trash in sealed cans. Spiders will be drawn to the bugs that feed on exposed trash.

• Consider replacing exterior white lights with yellow insect-resistant lighting. Many flying insects are drawn to light, and those spiders will set up webs to catch those flying insects.

• Install door sweeps to keep spiders from slipping underneath.

• If you bring packages into your home from an exterior storage area, do a check for spiders first. Spiders use boxes as harborage.

• Inspect your door and window screens. If you see any damage, patch them or replace those screens.

Spider Deterrent

Almost every home that does not have ongoing pest control service has spiders in it. But, that isn't too much of a big deal as long as those spiders stay hidden. If your goal is just to keep spiders from coming out into your common areas, you can have some success by reducing flying insects inside your home. These tips should help you reduce or eliminate those flying pests:

• Spiders love fruit flies. When you bring fruit home from the grocery store, put it in the fridge. This will prevent fruit fly eggs from hatching--if there are any eggs present.

• Spiders love fungus gnats. If you bring potted plants into your home from the outside, be aware that you could bring fungus gnats in with them. When you treat for fungus flies, you reduce your chances of getting an infestation that will draw spiders out of your walls and into your common areas.

• A trash can with a lid will go a long way toward reducing all flies in your kitchen.

Professional Spider Control

When it comes to excluding spiders from a home, the best solution is to invest in ongoing pest control service. Here are some reasons why:

• Pest control service is comprehensive. It may seem like spiders are good to have around because they catch flies but spiders are horrible at pest control. It is better to have a professional keep both of these pests out of your home.

• Pest control professionals use professional products and trusted methods. Spiders and many other pests can only be excluded with an application of pesticides. Since chemicals can be hazardous when applied improperly, it is always best to have them applied by someone who knows what they're doing.

• When you have a professional take care of things, you don't have to worry about remembering to do it. Pests don't take a break. Neither should your pest control.

If you have questions or need assistance with pest control in Connecticut or Massachusetts, chat with us. American Pest Solutions has over 100 years of experience in pest control. We'll help you get the right plan in place to keep those pests out.