Everything You Need To Know About Spiders

At All-American Pest Control we believe we have a unique perspective when it comes to the families we serve because All-American is owned and run by a mom who loves her family and is always looking for ways to protect them. She also happens to be an expert in pest control. If you live in Tennessee, and you have questions about protecting your family from spiders, the following questions and answers (from a mom's perspective) should help.

Where in your home, aside from the attic, would you find spiders?

Spiders can be anywhere in a home. They can be in the crawl space underneath, where kids crawl around and play. They can be in the basement, where many moms do their laundry. They can be in the wall voids, from bottom to top. And they can be in any room. But each spider has its preference for where it likes to weave webs, and hide. Spiders that eat flies build their webs high. Spiders that eat crawling bugs establish low, tangled webs.

What is the most common spider found, in our area, that bites?

While not especially painful or dangerous to humans, the common house spider is the spider that is most likely to bite us here in Tennessee. This is because the common house spider is just as its name implies; it is common. While they are considered by some people to be beneficial because they catch and eat flying pests, as a mom, I prefer to have no bugs my house.

Is there a typical season for them or are they found year-round?

There is no spider season. Spiders can come inside any time outside conditions are unfavorable. They can also come in just to explore. But, if we were to give those arachnids a season, it would be fall. Many spiders enter our homes in fall when food options outside become scarce.

What can you do to prevent spiders from coming into your home?

Since spiders are looking for flying insects and crawling bugs, a general reduction of pests can make your home less attractive to spiders. This can be partially accomplished by sealing exterior trash, replacing outside lights with insect-resistant light bulbs, keeping curtains closed at night, and reducing the conditions that allow moisture to develop.

How should you store stuff, in places where spiders can be found?

Spiders love clutter. The more hiding places, the better. Stacking stored packages and keeping things neat can help to make these areas less attractive. And, if you see webs in your storage areas, remove them, as an added measure.

What can you do to prevent yourself from getting bitten by a spider if you are getting stuff out of the attic, or handling stuff that you've already retrieved from the attic?

There are many times during the year that we get things out of the attic. Holidays are a great example. When you do, it is a good idea to open those boxes in the garage, or somewhere outside. If a spider has gotten in, this will allow them to escape into the great outdoors, rather than into a nook in your living room. It is also a good idea to wear a pair of gloves. Some box-loving spiders have a potent venom, like the brown recluse. It is better to be safe than sorry.

If you didn't find your question here, give us a call. When it comes to protecting homes in Middle Tennessee from dangerous pest threats, you can trust the QualityPro Certified team here at All-American Pest Control.