Common House Spiders In Massachusetts

March 8, 2016

In: Residential Pest Control  |  Spiders

Perhaps you have heard the nursery rhyme about the old lady who swallowed a fly, and a spider, and a bird...

“She swallowed the bird to catch the spider
That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her
She swallowed the spider to catch the fly
But I don't know why she swallowed that fly…”

It is a silly song, but it makes a good point. Spiders are really good at catching flies. It's what they are designed to do. They set up housekeeping in the corners of doorways, ceilings, between furniture, and anywhere else that is convenient for them, and they catch all the flies they can. If you've ever watched a spider wrap up a fly in its web, we're sure you can agree, it is fascinating. But do you really want all those spiders and flies in your house?

Some folks believe that having spiders in their home is a good thing because it means fewer flies. But the reality is, it is far better to NOT have any flies OR spiders in your home. Flies can carry diseases such as salmonella, anthrax and tuberculosis. And, spiders not only scare the wits out of us at times and leave unsightly cobwebs everywhere, some may also bite if brought into contact with the skin.

So what are some things you can do, as a homeowner, to keep flies AND spiders out of your home?

• Examine the outside of your home and seal up all gaps and cracks. Don't give spiders an easy way in.

• Use a caulking gun to seal cracks around windows and doors and utility entrances.

• Make sure all screens and door sweeps are in good working order.

• Cut bushes and trees and other vegetation well away from the outside of your house. Spiders and other pests use these as bridges to get inside.

• Carefully inspect all packages before bringing them inside to make sure they do not contain hidden spiders.

• De-clutter your home, garage and yard. Spiders love to hide in clutter.

• Repair any leaky pipes or fixtures. Spiders and other pests need water to survive.

• Carefully clean your home, especially areas where food particles may be present. Also, store all food in the refrigerator or in sealed containers. Don't give pests a food source.

• Keep all garbage in tightly sealed containers so as to not attract flies and other pests.

But what if your home is already infested with spiders?

The best way to control spiders in your home is with year-round pest control services from a professional pest control company. Here at American Pest Solutions we’ve been around since 1913 and we have learned a few things about controlling spiders, which is why we offer the best in residential year round pest control with our Pest Guard home pest control plan. So why not let spiders and flies, and other household pests, stay outside where they belong? Contact us for help today.