Are Spiders a Sign of Other Pest Problems in Charlottesville?

Spiders are one of those pests that give most people the fright. Sure, they can be helpful out in the world. But let’s be honest—the last place you want to run into a spider is in the comfort of your home, the place where you’re supposed to feel most at peace. So when our customers see an influx of spiders, we’re usually the first call they make, so they can ask about spider control.

But what they don’t always realize is that a spider problem isn’t just a spider problem. Most of the time, it’s actually an indication of other pest problems in your home, some of which may be lurking just below the surface where you can’t identify them. Let’s talk about what these problems could be, and why spiders can signal something else entirely. 

What Does a Spider Infestation Mean?

Spiders are predators, first and foremost. They prey on insects, trapping them in webs and wrapping them up so they can eat them when they’re ready. Around here in the Charlottesville area, we have lots of different spiders. In addition to the common house spider, it’s normal to see wolf spiders and even the occasional brown recluse. 

As we mentioned before, seeing spiders out in the wild—like in fields, on hiking trails, or nearby waterways—is different than seeing them in your home. And not just because you don’t usually expect them inside your house, but because it means your house is probably offering them a food source like flies, ants, gnats, or other insects. Each of these pests is a nuisance, yes, but they can also cause a bit of chaos in other ways. 

Flies, for example, can carry bacteria from whatever they land on outside your home, and can transfer that bacteria to your food if they land there, too. Ants can also be damaging, because carpenter ants, for example, can weaken the structural integrity of your home by nesting in damp wood around your house. 

How Focusing on Pest Control Helps Remove Spiders, Too

When you focus on the underlying pest issues your home may have, you’ll often have a better chance of removing the spiders. Remember, spiders prey on insects, so without food, they won’t have much reason to stick around. Here are a couple ways you can address pest issues throughout your home to help remove infestations and decrease the spiders you find around the house:

• Switch to yellow bulbs near doorways, as cool outdoor lighting attracts insects that spiders feed on.
• Keep storage areas clear, because cluttered garages, basements, and closets can provide a sanctuary for spiders and their prey.
• Remove any standing water in your yard and address excess moisture in your basement that may attract ants.
• Store food properly, change garbage regularly, and don’t leave fruit out on counters. 
• Invest in spider control treatment with Mosquito Squad.

How Home Shield & Yard Defender Help Control Spider and Pest Populations in Your Charlottesville Home

As experts in all things pest control, our team here at Mosquito Squad knows that addressing the underlying insect population is more effective than targeting spiders alone. That’s why our approach to spider control includes combining two of our signature services to create a comprehensive solution. Yard Defender helps reduce outdoor insect populations that attract spiders to your home, while Home Shield treats the entry points and the exterior perimeter where spiders gain access.

Each program uses EPA-registered products formulated for residential use. They last up to 21 days, and we’ll return every three weeks during the season to reapply the treatments and help provide lasting protection from the prey spiders feed on (which, in turn, indirectly reduces spider activity). 

Searching for pest control in Charlottesville?

Ready to stop seeing spiders in your home? Call us today, and we’ll perform your first treatment within 48 hours, or it’s free! Throughout the season, we’ll return every 3 weeks to spray again and help keep them away.

We’ll always serve with integrity, offer transparent pricing, and back all of our expert work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Noticing more spiders in your Charlottesville home? Call Mosquito Squad of Charlottesville at (434) 363-9274 or contact us online for a free quote.