Spider Identification

What are spiders?

Spiders belong to the class Arachnida; arachnids all share some physical features, including four pairs of legs, no antennae or wings, and two body regions. Spiders produce a strong silk-like material that some species use to create webs. Other spiders use their silk to line their burrows, wrap prey, or to glide from place to place.

Spiders are outdoor pests that often find their way inside when they follow their prey. The most common types of spiders we come into contact with in the West Palm Beach area of Florida are:

• Black widow spiders
• Brown recluse spiders
• Brown widow spiders
• House spiders
• Huntsman spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Wolf spiders

Are spiders dangerous?

Spiders can be dangerous, depending on their species. Both recluse and widow spiders live throughout Florida. They can be hazardous as their venom is potent enough to cause harm and require people to seek medical attention to manage the symptoms.

Spider bites are typically accidental as spiders try their best to stay out of the way of people and other predators. The good news is there are many more nuisance spiders living throughout the United States and Florida than dangerous spiders; most of the spiders you will come into contact with are harmless.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Spiders live in areas that provide them with a lot of shelter and insects to feed on. Having spiders in your yard is helpful because they help to reduce garden pests that cause damage in vegetable or flower gardens or cause harm to fruit trees. They also feed on dangerous pests like mosquitoes and flies.

Spiders become a problem when they discover large amounts of food and take over yards and gardens in large numbers. They are also a problem when they move into our homes following prey or to lay their eggs. No one wants to share their home with lurking, leggy spiders!

Where will I find spiders?

Citrus groves, crop fields, wooded areas, swampland, beaches, grassy areas, and our backyards are where spiders thrive throughout Florida. Depending on the species, spiders build webs to catch their prey or burrow into the ground and chase after prey traveling past their hideout.

Spiders that have found a way into our homes will hide in quiet spots. The corners of rooms, closets, doorways, and windows are favorite hiding spots. Some spiders prefer to live at ground level and hide under furniture, the bottom of closets, and cabinets under sinks.

How do I get rid of spiders?

To get rid of current problems you are experiencing with spiders or prevent future issues, reach out to the experts at Empire Pest Defense. We will protect your home or business from dangerous and nuisance spiders and other pests through detailed inspections, effective interior and exterior treatments, and ongoing services.

Empire Pest Defense is a local company with a deep commitment to our community and to providing our customers with top-notch services to keep properties free of pests. Reach out today and learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Reduce spider numbers on your Florida property with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense, our effective pest control solutions, and our practical prevention tips:

• Spiders use branches to gain access to the outside of your home. Cut back shrubs, bushes, and tree branches away from your home’s exterior.
• Remove clutter from your yard where spiders can hide like leaf piles, brush piles, fallen trees, and construction debris.
• Maintain gardens and fruit trees to prevent them from being overtaken by garden pests that spiders want to eat.
• Seal spaces in your home’s exterior walls, along rooflines, windows, and doors, and around exterior lights.
• Keep outdoor lights off as much as possible to avoid attracting lots of insects to your home’s exterior.
• Remove clutter from your home where spiders can hide.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.