When choosing Halloween decorations, many turn to large swathes of white flowy cobwebs to cover their bushes, trees, and porches. Cobwebs, and the spiders that create them, are viewed as a perfect addition to a scary Halloween scene. But if your cobwebs didn’t come from the store, there may be nothing entertaining about them. Spiders if left unchecked can become one scary problem.
The Facts on Arachnids
There are about 3,000 species of spiders in the United States and the good news is that only two – the recluse and the black widow – are dangerous to humans. The rest serve a helpful role in keeping other pests, like mosquitoes, wasps, and flies, in check by eating them. Spiders are predators, but unfortunately not big eaters, so don’t expect them to clear your yard of biting insects. They can go weeks without food. The other problem is that they are nocturnal or active at night when most other bugs are snug in bed.
Contrary to what you may hear, spider bites are not that common as spiders only bite if they’re provoked. When you’re reaching under the bed to pull out those winter shoes for the season, or you’re lifting out firewood for that first of the fall fire, your hand may land a bit too close to a spider’s mouth. Unless your attacker was a Black Widow or Recluse you will have nothing more than a small red bump. If a bite results in something more, check in with a doctor who can prescribe an anti-toxin for those more dangerous spider bites.
If they live on other pests and are not harmful to humans, why are we so quick to want to kill the spider? Some people have a diagnosed fear of spiders called arachnophobia while others just have a general wariness of the spindly-legged pests which is why they work so well for Halloween. Outside of fear, spiders that get inside leave sticky webs and dead bugs, and, really, no one wants to sit around watching spiders swing from the chandelier or skitter down the walls.
Removing Spiders From Your Home
There are safe home remedies for tackling a spider problem such as using peppermint oil or white vinegar to repel. Use your vacuum to suck up and dispose of the spider, its egg case, and its webs. Don’t ignore areas behind and under furniture, and also air ducts and registers. Keeping ceilings, lights, bookshelves, and hard-to-reach corners dust-free can also dissuade spiders from moving in.
If despite the home remedies, the problem has grown into a full infestation, call in the experts. Northwest Pest can send in our team to clear out the spiders and help make sure they stay outside where they belong. There’s a reason spiders play a role in spooky décor but make sure when Halloween is over the spiders and webs are safely packed away. Call us for a quote to handle your spider problem.