Spider Identification & Prevention

Spiders are incredibly beneficial to the ecosystem. They are predatory insects and, by feeding on insects, act as natural exterminators. Spiders help to control the number of insects that can cause harm to people and our food supply.

A type of arachnid, most people can easily identify a spider by its eight legs, two distinct body segments, and the silk it produces.

The silk is vital to a spider's success, and they use it for many things, including:

• Building webs
• As a tether
• As a bungee cord
• To wrap their prey
• A soft lining for the burrows of non-web-building spiders

Like other common household pests, spiders have discovered that living near people benefits them. Our indoor and outdoor spaces provide them with ample access to their basic needs.

The types of spiders people come into contact with on a regular basis are not dangerous. While all spiders produce venom, only a couple of species in the United States have venom strong enough to cause significant health risks to people.

In general, there are two concerns with spiders. The first is the ease with which they enter our homes and, once inside, how difficult they are to remove. The second concern is that spiders only live where their prey does. If there are large numbers of spiders in or around your home, there is likely a widespread pest problem you need to address.

If you ever find yourself asking, "Why are there so many spiders in my home?" the answer is pretty simple. Spiders prefer to live outside; unfortunately, our yards and gardens provide a habitat where they can live successfully and have plenty of access to their insect prey.

When spiders live near our homes, it is generally only a matter of time before they move inside, either while following their insect prey or as a safe place to lay their eggs. If your home offers spiders easy hunting opportunities and safe places to rest and lay their eggs, getting them to leave will be a challenge.

Spiders are naturally reclusive and prefer to live and hang out in cluttered areas that provide them with a sense of safety and easy access to their insect prey.

Outside in our yards, spiders hang out and build their webs in gardens, sheds, and garages, under decks, roofs, and around outdoor light fixtures. Play structures and the underside of outdoor furniture are other favorite spiders hangouts.

Inside our homes, people regularly spot spiders around windows, in vents, under furniture, and in attics and basements. In general, the more cluttered an area is, the more likely it is to attract spiders.

Spiders live all around us and can enter our Chicago homes any time of the year. The most stress-free way to get rid of spiders and stop them from returning is to partner with a local and experienced residential pest control professional. At Sleep Tight Extermination, we solve pest problems using quality products and, when possible, eco-friendly treatments. We understand how stressful issues with spiders and other pests can be and will work quickly to remove them from your Chicago property. To learn more about our Chicago year-round pest control offerings, contact us today!

To prevent problems with spiders in Chicago, utilize the following prevention tips.

• Reduce as much clutter as possible from your yard and inside your home, paying particular attention to your storage areas. 
• Maintain your yard. Keep the grass cut short and cut back shrubs and bushes from your home's exterior. 
• Quickly repair leaky pipes, air conditioners, and fixtures to avoid providing siders and insect prey with a water source.
• Make sure to regularly inspect the exterior of your home, sealing any openings you discover. 
• Inspect your doors and windows, ensuring screens and weatherstripping are intact.

If you are tired of sharing your home with spiders, we can help. Call today to learn more about spider control in Chicago.