Spiders are a common house pest throughout the year. They can be difficult to get rid of, and they cause a lot of problems for homeowners, from increasing stress and anxiety to the possible health concerns from spider bites.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to handle these pests. We’ll give you a rundown of the basics of pest control in Ventura County, California, starting with how spiders generally behave. Once we’ve discussed their general hunting, feeding, and mating habits, we’ll move on to spider bites and how to deal with them. Next, we’ll discuss how you can prevent spiders from getting into your home by following some simple steps.
Finally, we'll talk about the best option available to you when trying to get rid of spiders in and around your home – professional pest control. Our team at Ventura Pest Control has been serving the Ventura County area for decades, and we have all the tools and treatments needed to get rid of these pests for good and make sure they can’t come back.
Spider Behavior: How They Hunt, Feed, And Mate
To start, let’s learn a bit about spiders and how they generally behave. Spiders are arachnids, not insects, meaning they have eight legs and a body with two segments. They tend to spend most of their time in sheltered areas that allow them access to their prey.
Most species of spiders catch their prey by spinning webs made of silk they secrete from their abdomens. These webs are exceptionally strong and sticky; any insect stuck in one becomes the spider’s meal. Spiders don’t have the ability to chew, so they have to break down their prey first before consuming them. Some species of spider, such as the wolf spider, hunt without using webs, instead using superior speed or mobility to chase down their prey and disable them with their venom. While most spiders are venomous, they usually only use this venom on their prey or when threatened.
Spiders in Ventura County are generally solitary creatures, but, when it’s time to mate, the males tend to seek out the females. After the mating process is complete, the female will sometimes eat the male. Female spiders will lay an egg sac that later hatches a large number of tiny spiderlings. These spiderlings often use small web strands to glide through the air to new locations. Now that you’ve learned how most common house spiders behave, let’s talk about spider bites and how to handle them.
Spider Bite Symptoms: Warning Signs To Watch For
As previously mentioned, spiders only tend to bite humans when they feel cornered or threatened in some way. If a spider bites you, the best thing to do is wash the bite wound with soap and water. You may want to apply a cold compress to reduce heat and swelling. The bite may hurt or itch for a few days, but usually these bites aren’t anything to worry about.
If you start experiencing more severe symptoms, such as fever, trouble breathing, muscle aches, or nausea, you should seek medical care. The bite of some venomous spiders, such as the black widow, can cause fatalities in rare cases.
Preventing Spiders In The House: Practical Tips And Tricks
Now that you know about spiders and the risks that may come with spider bites, let’s talk about what you can do to keep spiders away from your home. As with most pests, it’s best to take preventative measures ahead of time. Here are a few practical tips:
- Seal any cracks or gaps in the exterior of your home.
- Make sure window and door screens are working.
- Don’t bring secondhand furniture into the house.
- Keep attics, garages, and basements as clean as possible.
- Store food in tightly sealed containers.
Keeping insects out will also help to prevent spiders, as flies, fleas, ants, and other similar pests can draw spiders to your home. If you need to get rid of spiders quickly, look no further than Ventura Pest Control for the best spider removal services.
Professional Pest Control: A Great Spider Control Solution
Since 1959, Ventura Pest Control has provided top-notch pest control services to the Ventura County area. In fact, we’re the oldest and largest pest control company in the area. Our professional, competitively priced services have consistently impressed and satisfied our customers for decades. Our work is guaranteed; you can count on our local pest expertise.
Contact Ventura Pest Control today for help with spiders and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Ventura County.
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