Are you seeing more and more spiders around your Lubbock property? If so, there are some important things you should know about these eight-legged pests, including the different types of spiders you are likely to encounter, which of these spiders are dangerous, what attracts spiders into our homes, and how pest control in Lubbock can help you get rid of spiders and prevent them from returning.
How Many Different Types Of Spiders Are There?
There are tens of thousands of different types of spiders in the world, and almost 900 of those species live here in Texas. While this may seem like a lot, many of these spiders live primarily outdoors, and of those that come inside, the majority are nuisance spiders. There are only a couple of different types of spiders that you will want to be aware of and able to quickly identify for your safety.
What Kind Of Spiders Are Dangerous To Find In My Home?
Of all the common house spiders, the only truly dangerous spiders in Texas are the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider.
Black widow spiders are more easily recognized by their black bulbous bodies and the signature red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomens. These spiders have a venom that is 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom, and their bites can cause severe reactions that require prompt medical attention. Symptoms of a black widow bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating, nausea, and pain. Fatalities from black widow bites are rare, but they do occur.
Brown recluse spiders can be harder to differentiate from other common house spiders. They are light brown and nondescript, aside from a slightly darker violin-shaped mark on their backs. One defining characteristic of brown recluse spiders is a lack of markings on their legs. Brown recluse spider bites can lead to necrosis or tissue death around the site of the bite. These bites also require medical intervention.
What Attracts Spiders To Come Inside People's Homes?
If you are seeing spiders everywhere in your home, it's not because they are after your leftovers or trying to escape harsh outdoor conditions. The most common reason that spiders enter our homes is that they are searching for pest prey. Homes that have an increase in spider populations are more likely to have underlying pest issues, such as flies or cockroaches.
To get rid of spiders naturally or prevent spiders in your home, it's important to eliminate the pests that may be attracting them into your home in the first place. You can lessen the chances of spiders and other pests in your home with the following tips:
- Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers.
- Cover trash cans with tight-fitting lids and empty them on a regular basis.
- Fix leaks, maintain drainage systems, address condensation issues, and dehumidifiers to minimize excess moisture.
- Seal cracks and crevices in your foundation and exterior walls.
- Install weatherstripping and door sweeps to minimize gaps around windows and doors.
- Sweep away spider webs as you find them to discourage spiders from sticking around.
Eliminating factors that attract pests and limiting their options for getting inside your home can be effective strategies in preventing spiders and other pests.
What Can I Do To Get Rid Of The Spiders In My Home Permanently?
There is a lot you can do on your own to deter spiders in your house. However, once spiders have moved into your home, it can be helpful to work with a pest control professional to get them out. The service professionals at EnviroGuard know all about local spiders and the pests that attract them. We can help you get spiders and other pests out of your Lubbock home and keep them out for good. Call today to request a free quote!