Spiders

What are spiders?

Spiders are those eight-legged arachnids that most Arizona home and business owners would rather not have lurking around their properties. While most species are harmless, their presence in large numbers is never welcome, and because they are predators, they are often an indicator of an overall pest problem on your property.

Two of the biggest physical features that help us identify spiders from insects are that spiders only have two body segments, while insects have three, and adult spiders have eight legs, whereas insects only have six!

Spiders also have chelicerae or fangs they use to inject their venom into their prey. Spiders all produce silk, but not all spiders build webs; many create burrows in the soil or under things like woodpiles.

Are spiders dangerous?

Most of the spiders we come across do not pose big problems for people; however, it is essential to realize there are dangerous spiders living in the Tucson area and across the United States. Luckily even dangerous spiders are shy and reclusive, and a bite is usually accidental.

An example of a dangerous spider living in our area is the black widow spider. The venom from a black widow spider attacks the central nervous system and results in a person experiencing symptoms like pain and swelling around the bite site, stomach cramps, chills, fever, chest pain, or back pain. Symptoms produced by a black widow spider bite should always be managed by a medical professional.

In Tucson, we also have the Arizona brown spider, which is part of the recluse spider family. Like the brown recluse spider, venom from the Arizona brown spider will cause necrosis (death) of the tissue around the bite site. Wounds from Arizona brown widow spiders are slow healing and can be prone to infection.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Some spiders will establish themselves indoors, but most spiders live outside, moving in and out of structures following their prey. In Arizona, the heat and a lack of water often cause insects to move indoors; spiders then have no choice but to migrate wherever their food sources take them.

Where will I find spiders?

Spiders are most prevalent outside, with our yards making a perfect habitat for these pests to live and hunt for prey. You’ll regularly find them gathering in flowerbeds, gardens, dense vegetation, and around shrubs and trees, all spaces that provide them with moisture and easy access to their insect prey.

Our homes, garages, sheds, and pool houses also provide spiders with a place to call home. Below are some of their favorite indoor hiding spots:

• Areas behind sinks and tubs
• In cabinets and closets
• Under furniture
• Inside boxes and other storage containers
• Inside folded linens and towels
• Under rugs 
• Behind baseboards

How do I get rid of spiders?

Nobody wants their Arizona yard or home overrun with spiders. If you are spotting spiders on your Tucson area property, the professionals at Pest Friends are ready to help. We know the spiders that live in our area, where they like to live, and how to keep them at bay. 

Our professionals will clear your property of pesky spiders through our modern pest control solutions, eco-friendly approach, and innovative services. To learn more about ridding your indoor and outdoor spaces of unwelcome spiders in Tucson, AZ, call Pest Friends today!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Spiders live outside all around us; to control their numbers in your yard and keep them out of your home is difficult. While the best solution is a professional solution, there are some things you can do around your property to make it less attractive to spiders.

Spiders are naturally reclusive creatures, so taking away as many hiding and in your yard is important. Keep shrubs, tree branches, and bushes trimmed back, keep gardens from overgrowing, and remove woodpiles and brush piles.

Keep the prey that spiders are hunting from being attracted to your yard by removing their easy access to food. Keep lids on trash cans, keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris, and maintain gardens.

Take the following steps to keep spiders and the prey they hunt out of your home:

• Place screens of chimneys and vents.
• Make sure you have weatherstripping around windows and doors.
• Put door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Caulk gaps in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
• Seal spaces around utilities like wires and cables that are entering your house.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.