Signs of Spider Infestations in Homes

There are nearly 3,500 spider species throughout the United States, most of which are not dangerous to people or pets, but all of which may find their way into our homes. Spiders come inside our homes for two reasons: to get out of the cold and to search for their next meal. Thankfully, spider infestations are easy to identify and even easier to remedy. If you suspect you have a spider infestation in your home, check for the following signs:

Webs 

Not all spiders weave webs, but the ones that do tend to also be the ones that invade our homes. When spiders are building their webs, they choose spaces that are either out of reach of predators or tightly secured on all sides. That’s why we often see spider webs around the home in the corners of ceilings or behind furniture as opposed to strung from wall to wall in the middle of a room. Webs take time and energy to build, so spiders are fairly particular with where they choose to build them.

The other thing spiders consider when building their webs is a nearby food source. Spiders use their sticky webs to catch their prey, so spiders are more likely to build webs in areas with lots of insect activity. This might include near entry points where pests like stink bugs are getting inside from, above garbage cans where flies are buzzing around, and behind furniture where other pests like roaches may hide.

Check for spider webs in the corners of your home, both near the ceiling and floor, as well as in closets, attics, basements, and near trash receptacles.

Dead Insects

As we mentioned above, spiders hunt and eat other insects. Unfortunately for the spiders, not all parts of a bug are easy to eat – spiders will feed on the soft parts of an insect and discard the hard parts they can’t chew through. Fortunately for us, these dead insects and stern about body parts can tell us if we have a cryptic spider location and where the spiders might be hiding.

This is especially the case for hunting spiders that do not build webs. Hunting spiders usually enter homes accidentally as they wander about in search of prey. However, in homes with lots of insect activity, these spiders may choose to camp out behind furniture or in dark attics and basements and feed on the bugs they find. Finding dead or eaten insects in these areas lets us know that there are likely spiders nearby. 

Spiders

Lastly, as with all pest problems, if you see a pest, you know you have a pest. In small spider infestations, spiders may stay well hidden. Even web-building spiders may make their webs in places that are less frequently visited and thereby rarely noticed. However, in larger infestations with lots of spiders competing for hiding spots, spiders may be more active around the home and easier to see.

Despite being creepy and crawly, it’s important to pay attention to the kinds of spiders you see around your home. Most spiders are not dangerous to people or pets; some spiders, like the black widow and the brown recluse, have venom that can lead to serious medical emergencies. 

Spiders Got You Squeamish?

The Squad is here to help! With our integrated approach to pest management and our expertise in the industry for over 20 years, each Mosquito Squad Plus location is ready to help you protect your home, no matter the pest. Call a Squad near you today for a free quote and to schedule your next treatment. Services vary by location.