A Handy Spider Prevention Guide For Sacramento Homeowners

Nobody likes having to share their living space with a spider, but once these pests move in, how do you get them out? For Sacramento homeowners, spiders can be a huge problem. Here’s what you should know about the types of spiders that may try to invade your house, whether these spiders are dangerous, how to prevent them naturally, and the most effective way to get rid of them.

The Types Of Spiders That Come Into Sacramento Homes

California may house plenty of sun-soaked palm trees and crystal-clear beaches, but it’s also home to a variety of spiders, including:

• Yellow sac spiders: Yellow sac spiders are one of the smaller species to invade your home, usually only growing up to a quarter-inch long. As their name suggests, their coloring ranges from beige to yellow.

• Wolf spiders: Their hairy bodies and large leg size can terrify any homeowner, but the wolf spider’s bite is harmless to people, and they’re rarely aggressive. 

• Cellar spiders: With a small body and long, thin legs, they prefer dark, damp areas where they won’t be disturbed. 

• Orb-weaver spiders: Orb-weaver spiders get their name from the intricate, orb-shaped webs they weave to catch pest prey. 

• Black widow spiders: You can recognize black widows by the bright orange-red hourglass mark on their abdomens, and this is one spider whose bite is a serious threat.

Are Spiders In My Sacramento Home Dangerous?

While any spider you find in your Sacramento home may be unwelcome, the good news is most of them aren’t dangerous to people. Except for the black widow, all the spiders we’ve listed above are harmless to humans.

Remember that a harmless spider bite doesn’t mean it won’t be painful. Spider bites can still cause moderate pain, although most spiders don’t bite unless provoked or threatened. However, the black widow is a dangerous species in California. Black widows aren’t usually aggressive, but if you’re bitten by one, you’ll need to seek medical attention immediately.

Natural Spider Prevention Tips For Sacramento Homes

If you’re nervous about your home becoming a hunting ground for spiders, here are some natural prevention tips to keep these terrifying arachnids away:

• Seal up any cracks or crevices. The tiny holes and gaps in your foundation or wall can serve as entrances for spiders. Using caulk, foam, or another type of sealant to get rid of these cracks can help prevent spiders and their prey from getting in. 

• Keep your home clean. Spiders like to hide in dark, cluttered areas where they won’t come in contact with people. Getting rid of clutter and keeping your home clean can help ensure spiders have limited hiding spots. 

• Make sure you’re storing food properly. Spiders may not be interested in your food scraps, but the pest prey they like to hunt will be.

• Storing food properly in airtight containers will help ensure you won’t have other pest problems that may draw spiders inside. 

• Don’t leave dirty dishes in your sink. Just like leftovers can draw other pests in, dirty dishes with food particles can also be an attraction.

• Wash dirty dishes promptly and avoid leaving them overnight.

• Turn off your porch light. Many pests like light, and leaving your porch light on can be an attraction. 

• Sweep up spider webs. If you find webs around your home, use a vacuum or broom to sweep them up and disrupt the spider’s home.

The Key To Effective Spider Control For Sacramento Homes

While the tips above work to keep new spiders away, they won’t be enough if you’ve got an existing spider problem. The only effective solution to dealing with a spider infestation is to enlist the professional residential pest control experts of Neighborly Pest Management. We’ve dealt with spider infestations, both big and small, and can handle any spider that may be terrorizing your home – especially hazardous species like the black widow.

If you’re finding one too many spiders around your Sacramento home or suspect you could be dealing with the dangerous black widow, in that case, there’s only one call to make – contact us at Neighborly Pest Management to learn more about how our spider control services in Counsman and Sacrament work or to schedule an inspection of your home.