Arizona spiders range from small house spiders you never see to large hunting spiders, like the wolf spider, or deadly like the black widow. Arachnids have fascinating behaviors and can even help keep other pests, like mosquitoes, out of the home. However, no one wants to invite a spider to stay as a long-term houseguest, especially a deadly one.
At Canopy Pest Control, we always encourage you to call us to ask questions before trying to identify or destroy a potentially dangerous pest. Professional pest control in Queen Creek is the best option for keeping spiders out. Below, we've put together a guide on spider behavior, spider problems, and prevention tips to prevent spiders from becoming an issue in the first place.
Spider Behavior: How They Hunt, Feed, And Mate
Different types of spiders have hunting, feeding, and mating rituals that are just as unique as they are; some spiders in Queen Creek lay webs, and some don't, for instance. Two spiders to be concerned about when living in Arizona are the brown recluse spider and the black widow, which can be dangerous and potentially deadly to humans.
Either a spider will actively hunt and attack its prey or wait for it to get caught in a web. The spider will then inject the prey with venom. Hunting spiders hold their prey, and web-weaving spiders wrap their victims in silken threads. In general, most spiders need to liquefy their food before digesting it.
Black widows don't always kill their mates, and only a small percentage of male spiders get to mate with the female. Interestingly, male black widow spiders aren't above following silk threads released by their male competitors to find a female. Then, if the opportunity arises, they will fight for the chance to mate.
This fighting-to-mate behavior is present among other spider species as well. Female spiders will build a web to entice a male, but some males knock it down to increase their odds. After mating, female spiders may not lay eggs for months. Instead, they may store the sperm until they find a safe spot to reproduce at the right time.
Spider Problems: Why You Don't Want These Arachnids In Your Home
When they stay out of the way of humans, harmless spiders can be welcome arachnids when it comes to keeping bugs out. Most of us are fine with letting a little spider in the window build its web. However, there are serious concerns about allowing spiders to call your home theirs, especially if one's a black widow.
If they can pierce your skin, most spider bites will only cause mild issues, such as swelling and some pain. However, bites from other spiders pose health risks. Brown recluse spider bites kill the tissue around the site, causing an ulcerating sore to form that takes a long time to heal. Black widow spider bites require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if you experience these symptoms:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
If you see one spider, you probably have more, and spiders can emphasize the "ick factor" in a cluttered space. Removing spider webs can be a challenge, and they can leave a smudge on surfaces.
Don't Let Spiders Make Your Home Theirs: Prevention Tips And Tricks
Once spiders establish themselves in your home and grow their population, it can be difficult to get rid of them. Here are a few ways to prevent spiders in your home:
- Cut down overgrown grass near your home, and remove piles of brush.
- Seal any holes and gaps in the foundation, window frames, and exterior walls.
- Store firewood away from the house.
- Remove clutter from the house, especially since that's one of their favorite hiding spots.
- Use essential oils, like eucalyptus and peppermint, to deter spiders from building their webs—try making a peppermint oil spray for spiders.
Quickly take care of any other insect infestation to avoid attracting spiders into your home. Like many pests, spiders enter homes to access food, water, and shelter. When possible, it's good to get rid of spiders naturally.
Professional Spider Control: When To Call In The Experts
Most Arizona house spiders are harmless, but dangerous ones like the black widow can still decide to call your home their own. Identifying house spiders should be simple, but trying to identify a deadly spider can be fatal. Securing professional home pest control in Queen Creek is your best bet to ensure effective spider control.
For years, Canopy Pest Control has offered reliable and trusted services to Queen Creek and surrounding areas. Delivering effective and eco-friendly pest control solutions matters to us. Contact us today for a free consultation.