From black widow to brown recluse, there are many spiders that can be found in Phoenix and surrounding areas. The key is to be educated about spiders, what they look like, how they get in your house, and how you can keep them out. Not all spiders are bad. While spiders do have some benefits (they lower the population of other pests in your yard and home such as flies and mosquitoes), they have a lot more drawbacks.
And yes, most spiders are harmless, but there are some Arizona species that can and will bite, resulting in reactions such as sores, rashes, body aches and fevers. That’s why we have compiled this spider pest control guide. We hope you find it helpful. And as always, if you spot a spider infestation, call a pest control company in Phoenix AZ immediately.
What to Look For
Here are some of the most common signs of spiders:
- Webs: Second only to seeing the spiders themselves, webs are the most popular way of knowing you have them. If you see an abundance of webs (ornate or plain), you have an infestation.
- Egg Sacs: Spiders can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, all wrapped in a silk ball. These will eventually hatch and deliver hundreds more spiders throughout your home.
- Flying Insects: Have you been dealing with more flies, mosquitoes, and moths? They’re probably drawing the attention of spiders because that’s their food source.
- Molts: Just like snakes, spiders molt their exoskeletons as they grow. Look for these on your porch or in your garage.
- Unexplained Bites: Larger spider species may bite humans when disturbed. Sometimes you haven’t even realized you have disturbed them, such as when they’re in your shoe or you’re just sleeping and roll over.
Causes and Prevention
By knowing the causes of spider infestation, you can better understand how to prevent them. Here are the top ways spiders get into your home:
- Easy Access to the Home – Spiders, like all pests, will get in via unsealed entry points, such as cracks in the foundation, loose vents, and poorly-fitting doors. Sealing those entrance points is a key step, as it keeps them from getting inside in the first place.
- Indoor Food Sources – Spiders are in search of food, which is usually other insects. When you do your part to keep other insect populations under control, you can keep the spider populations under control too.
- Cluttered and Unused Rooms – Spiders want spaces where they can spin their webs in peace, which is why little-used rooms are popular with them. If there’s clutter in the room, so much the better because they are able to hide even further from humans.
- Plants in the Home – Spiders will hide in plants, debris, and compost piles in and around the home. Be sure to move plants, debris, and compost away from your house.
- Webs and Egg Sacs – Vacuum spider webs and egg sacs whenever you see them.
Treatment for Spiders
While professional pest control is always the most effective way to get rid of spiders, there are a few things you can do on your own first.
You can:
- Set spider traps with sticky glue.
- Vacuum webs.
- Use peppermint oil and water and spritz it around the home.
- Spray a mixture of vinegar and water into corners.
- Install screens and repair holes.
- Use store-bought insecticides and spray treatments along baseboards and in corners.
- Keep your home tidy.
- Use a spider catcher (hand-operated wand)
- Clean up crumbs and wipe up spills promptly.
If all else fails, call your trusted Arizona pest control technician in Phoenix & Mesa for a more targeted, proven approach.
Popular Spiders in Phoenix
The most common types of spiders found in the Phoenix area include:
- Black widow
- Brown recluse
- Wolf spider
- Jumping spider
- Black and yellow garden spider
- Tarantula
- Giant crab spider
Phoenix Spider Treatment & Prevention
If you suspect you have a spider infestation in your Arizona home or business, Frontino Pest Control can inspect the area and recommend the best course of treatment. Contact us for a free quote and spider inspection at 602-338-9223.