Spider Identification & Prevention

What are spiders?

Spiders are predatory arachnids feeding on insects, helping to control nuisance and dangerous insect populations.

Adult spiders have eight legs, two body segments, and lack wings and antennae. The majority of spiders prefer to live outside and won't cause substantial indoor infestations; however, just a few spiders finding their way into our homes is something most people find unpleasant.

Types of spiders that call Omaha home include:

• Brown recluse spiders
• Cellar spiders
• Ground spiders
• Hobo spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Orb weaver spiders
• Wolf spiders
• Yellow sack spider

Most spiders are passive hunters and build webs to capture their prey. However, some spiders are active hunters and, instead of using webs, will chase after and hunt down their prey. Learn about spider control in Omaha and how to keep them away from your home in this pest guide.

Are spiders dangerous?

Most spiders are not aggressive and don't pose a significant threat to people. Spiders typically only bite to defend themselves. Bites usually only occur when a spider is trapped against our skin, and they need to stop themselves from being squished.

If you suspect you or a family member has received a spider bite, follow these first aid steps recommended by the American Red Cross.

• Treat the bite site with an antiseptic to prevent an infection.
• Apply ice to the bite site to reduce pain and swelling.
• If you suspect the bite was from a black widow or brown recluse spider, or if severe symptoms develop, like increasing pain or swelling, consult a physician.

While all spiders produce venom, only a couple of spider species in the United States have venom potent enough to harm a person. If possible, bring the spider you suspect has bitten you to the physician's office so they can accurately identify the species and determine if it is, in fact, a dangerous spider.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Our Omaha yard's trees, shrubs, gardens, lawns, and clutter provide spiders with ample places to live, hunt insect prey, and lay eggs.

While spiders prefer to live outside, when their insect prey move into our homes to forage for food or escape harsh weather conditions, spiders will follow them in.

Common entry points include gaps around windows, doors, and outdoor lights. Additionally, cracks in the foundation, vents, and spaces around utilities entering your home provide an easy way for insects and spiders to get inside.

Where will I find spiders?

When spiders invade our homes, garages, or sheds, they will retreat to dark, quiet areas. Spiders typically hang out in areas of our homes where their insect prey feels most comfortable. Basements, attics, crawl spaces, and the backs of cabinets and closets are where we most commonly discover a problem with spiders in our Omaha homes.

How do I get rid of spiders?

For the most effective pest control for your Omaha property, partner with the local pest control experts at Quality Pest Control. We will remove spiders from your home and the insects they are preying upon using cutting-edge technology and effective treatments. If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of year-round spider control for your home, please feel free to reach out today.

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Use the following tips to help prevent spiders from invading your home in large numbers.

• Keep outdoor lights turned off whenever possible.
• Remove harborage sites from your yard, like woodpiles, rocks, compost, brush piles, and yard debris.
• Caulk cracks and crevices you discover in the foundation of your house.
• Make sure screens are intact, and weatherstripping is around windows and doors.
• Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces free of debris and clutter.
• Regularly vacuum and dust your house to remove spider webs and dislodge hiding spiders.

In conjunction with the above tips, put into place a quality home pest control program to limit the insect prey on your property that will attract the attention of spiders.