How much do you know about spiders?
Can you consider them your friendly neighbor or your terrifying foe? Are they good or bad for your property?
Well, it depends on the spider species.
Spiders have been inhabitants of Earth for over 400 million years. According to experts, they discovered more than 45,000 species, and around half are yet to be identified. In Southern Utah, there are roughly 600 species of spiders. They are so common that it is not surprising to know a spider or two maybe 10 feet away from you. Pretty much all spiders are venomous. The good thing is most spider venoms affect their prey which is not as enormous as humans.
Let’s get to know more about spiders.
Spiders are members of the large and diverse Arachnid class of animals, including mites, scorpions, and ticks. Sorry to say this, but they are not insects, and they are way different from insects. They have four pairs of legs and two body parts: the cephalothorax (front) and the abdomen (behind). They neither have wings or antennae, although they have 0-4 pairs of eyes depending on the species. Their diameter measures 0.37 mm to 1 ft.
They can live in any continent worldwide, except in Antarctica, which you may have guessed already why.
They are predominantly carnivorous animals. This creepy crawlies feed on insects or other spiders. Because spiders favor insects and other spiders as meals, they function as an effective and natural pest control in your property. Based on a study, spiders can eat 400 to 800 million tons of insects yearly, which is more than what humans can consume in meat and fish. They eat various insects, from ants, flies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and moths to lizards, grasshoppers, frogs, crickets, and even birds depending on the spider species. Aside from reducing pesky pests in your home or building, you can also rest easy with the illnesses that may come along.
One way spiders catch food is through spinning webs. The cobwebs trap insects and other animals. The spider silk in a cobweb is so strong that it is five times stronger than a string of steel! Hence, these creatures play an essential role in the ecosystem.
Although they are beneficial to the environment and humans, there are species of spiders that are detrimental. As much as we like Marvel’s Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff, the black widow spider is one of the types of spider that is dangerous and difficult. The species of spiders also include the brown recluse spider, the camel spider, the hobo spider, the jumping spider, the giant orb spider, the wolf spider, the woodlouse spider, and the yellow sac spider, which are typical in Southern Utah.
Spiders are most active in the late fall as they are searching for possible mates. During winter, they hibernate until spring comes again. If you suspect a vexing spider infestation, here are telltale signs you need to watch out for aside from literally seeing spiders.
- There is an excessive number of cobwebs, especially in dark, cozy, and secluded areas in your home or building.
- A silken sac wraps many spider egg sacs inside the property, which spells more spiders and an enormous population.
- Since spiders prey on insects and other spiders, they will be in a place where there is an abundant supply of their food source.
To prevent spiders from invading your home, garden, or establishment, the best way to address this is to eliminate their food source, primarily pests. You need to bear in mind that we cannot just exterminate spiders. They are valuable creatures in the ecosystem. Preferably, spiders need to be released outdoors when found indoors. If you discover a few spiders inside or outside your home or building, you may do one or a combination of the pest control methods below.
- Get rid of any noteworthy webs frequently.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly.
- Eliminate any clutter.
- Manage clutter through proper storage and systematic organization.
- Use yellow bulbs as exterior lighting. Otherwise, turn off exterior lights when not in use.
- Fill in any cracks, crevices, and gaps with caulk, foam, or screen.
- Place weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Mend or replace any torn window screens.
- Trim or remove shrubs from the base perimeter of your home or building.
- Use sticky spider traps.
In essence, regular cleaning is a crucial chore to prevent any pests from being destructive.
Remember that a spider infestation can have a significant impact on your household or business. Although this creepy crawlies do not harm humans, it is better to be safe at all times. If the spider population is still beyond your control, a professional pest control company like Bairds Pest Control will thoroughly inspect your property on your desired date and efficiently conduct a complete pest extermination service. Therefore, it comes down to whether we manage spiders in our properties as friends or foes.