Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
Spiders may not be bothersome to all homeowners, but people who dislike them share a passionate disdain for these unwanted pests. In most cases, spiders mind their own business and pose no danger to humans. However, a spider-infested home is intolerable, no matter how you feel about the eight-legged invaders. Therefore, our experienced Memphis pest control technicians at AAA Termite and Pest Control share four tips for controlling spiders in your Memphis home.
Spider Types in Memphis
Most spiders in your home are harmless. Although some poisonous varieties can sneak inside, most spider’s venom is weak and poses a minor threat to human life. However, if provoked, the spider can provide a powerful, painful bite.
Our pest control pros in Cordova share below some common spider types you may find in your home.
- Wolf Spiders – As the name suggests, wolf spiders are large, hairy, and hunt for prey on the ground instead of using webs. With a body measurement of up to 1 ½ inches and sometimes longer, the wolf spider can don various color shades from brown to gray.
- Cellar Spiders – With spindly legs and a tiny body, cellar spiders are often quickly identifiable. Commonly discovered in basements, cellar spiders can measure up to two inches long and are typically pale in color.
- House Spiders – House spiders come in a wide variety of colors from mottled gray to reddish-orange, but average ¼ inch in size. Messy webs near windows are where house spiders like to make their home.
- Black Widow Spiders – A dangerous spider species, the black widow is shiny, black, and measures between ¼ to ½ inches in length. Females have a distinct red hourglass marking on their thorax. Black widows love undisturbed areas of your home, such as the shed, porch, garage, or other quiet areas. Black Widow spiders, however, are poisonous and require treatment outside of our quarterly pest control services.
Spider Control Tips
Knowing spider characteristics can help you keep a watchful eye and identify which ones may be harmful to you. However, the best method for controlling pests is through year-round pest control services in Memphis.
However, there are some ways homeowners can reduce the number of spiders in their home and keep from attracting even more indoors.
- Keep Your Kitchen Clean – A clean house reduces tiny pests like flies and ants that spiders love to eat. Therefore, don’t leave dirty dishes in the kitchen overnight, and be sure to wipe down your table, countertops, oven, and sink area to remove tempting food debris. Also, regularly sweep and mop your floors. Lastly, our Cordova pest pros recommend homeowners keep garbage out of and away from their home’s exterior to reduce unwanted pests.
- Clear Home Clutter – Normally, spiders like to hide in places where they remain unseen. Exercise caution when sorting through old clothing, or cardboard boxes, as spiders may lurk inside the items. Outdoor clutter and yard waste can also attract spiders as it provides an optimum place for a home. Our Memphis pest control pros recommend moving firewood or wood scrap piles at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent spiders and other pests from entering.
- Reduce Moisture Levels – Spiders enjoy humid environments, like those found in basements or attics. Ventilating the space by installing a dehumidifier, opening windows for a fresh air flow, or turning on an electric fan to circulate the air can reduce your spider enticing environment. Leaky pipe repair and standing water elimination can also discourage pests and spiders.
- Seal Off Entrances – Spiders enter your home one way or another. Memphis pest control companies agree that keeping bugs and other pests out of your home starts with sealing off possible entrances. Therefore, inspect your property for foundational cracks and obvious openings around pipes or utility lines. Then, seal the areas with silicone caulk or contact a professional for severe concerns. Finally, examine the weather stripping around doors and windows and replace it if damaged.
Pest Control in Cordova and Memphis, Tennessee
Reducing spiders in your Memphis home can begin by reducing their food source (other bugs), making the environment less inhabitable. Follow our above tips to reduce the number of spiders and other pests inside your home. However, if your home’s spider infestation is beyond simple prevention methods, feel free to call a leading pest control company in Cordova, AAA Termite and Pest Control, at (901) 737-7378 or contact us online today.