Spider Identification & Prevention

What are spiders?

Like scorpions, mites, and ticks, spiders are arachnids. Arachnids all have a few things in common, including eight legs, a lack of wings and antennae, two body parts, a head and thorax that are fused, and an abdomen.

Spiders are predators, which means these carnivores feed on other living things. Their presence in our ecosystem ensures that populations of nuisance and dangerous insects do not get out of hand. Though spiders are extremely helpful out in nature, when they find their way to our yards in large populations or into our homes, you need to take action to eliminate spiders and their prey.

Are spiders dangerous?

The old saying "they are more afraid of you than you are of them" is true when it comes to spiders. Spiders are naturally reclusive and want nothing to do with people. The vast majority of spiders that people encounter are harmless. Spiders don't go around trying to bite us; most spider bites are accidental and are the spider's way of letting you know they are there, and please don't squish them.

In Texas, it is important to be aware of spiders and avoid contact with them. Our area is home to the two species in the U.S. that are dangerous — the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Both are dangerous not because they are overly aggressive but because if a bite were to occur, their venom is powerful enough to trigger a reaction in people that requires medical attention.

Texas is also home to tarantulas and wolf spiders; these spiders are often mistaken as dangerous spiders because of their large size. While a bite from either is painful, their venom isn't strong enough to affect a person.

Why do I have a spider problem?

The truth is that spiders are a problem on our Texas properties because these outdoor pests have learned that our yards provide them with everything they need. A spider's basic needs can easily be met when living near people.

• They can hunt insects in our yards and gardens.
• They build their webs and burrows in safe, shelter locations in our outdoor and indoor spaces.
• Our home's clogged gutters and leaky hoses and fixtures provide them with a consistent water source.

Spiders typically only become a problem in our homes when the insects they hunt move inside. Spiders like to live and hunt outside; however, they have no choice but to follow when their prey moves indoors.

Where will I find spiders?

Spiders usually nest and hide out in dark, quiet, and out-of-the-way places where they won't be disturbed. When living outdoors, they make their webs or burrows in areas of tall grass, in bushes and shrubs, in between rocks, underneath decks and porches, in gardens and wood piles, and in the corners of doorways.

Spiders often find their way inside following the insects they feed on. Inside, they are commonly found living in homes and garages, spinning webs inside sheds and barns, and in other outbuildings, and hiding in the corners of dark quiet areas such as basements, closets, attics, crawl spaces, and under furniture.

How do I get rid of spiders?

Leave the job of controlling spiders and ridding them from your home up to a professional. Solve your property's spider problems the easy way; partner with us at Gold Star Exterminators. We will help you eliminate the spiders currently on your property and implement the preventative measures necessary to keep spiders and their insect prey off your property in the future.

Our professionals are committed to our customers and deliver prompt pest control services that are reasonably priced. From our one-time services to regularly scheduled year-round home pest control services, we have a solution for your pest problems. Give Gold Star Exterminators a call today to learn more!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Take advantage of the following tips to help stop spiders from taking over your Texas property:

• Seal spaces in your home's exterior that spiders can use as an entry point. 
• Reduce excess moisture in and around your home by repairing leaky pipes, fixtures, and air conditioners that provide a water source for spiders. 
• Sweep away webs you find in your home. Doing so will both annoy the spiders and prevent new spiders from reusing the webs.
• Clear away leaf piles and other yard debris that will attract spiders to your yard and give them close access to your house.
• Reduce areas of clutter in your home that can mask a problem with spiders.

Helpful Spiders Articles

• How To Keep Spiders Out Of Your New Braunfels Home
• Effectively Keeping Spiders Out Of Your New Braunfels Home
• There's No Need To Be Scared Of The Spiders In New Braunfels