Spiders are commonly found in our homes, summer homes, boats, and businesses. While appearing very creepy, spiders are smart, industrious, and able hunters. They feed on common household pests such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and roaches.
Are spiders insects?
Spiders are not insects, they are arachnids. Unlike insects, spiders have eight legs, not six and possess two body segments not three. Most spiders are web makers although some hunt about for prey without the benefit of a web to catch them.
What are the common types of spiders in the Capital District and Adirondacks?
Wolf Spiders: Wolf spiders are named for their ability to run after their prey. They are furry and brown in appearance, like a wolf. They are plentiful in New York State and are known to feed on the ground or beneath plants and shrubs. Wolf spiders are nocturnal, but often forage for food and hunt in the morning.
A large spider with babies clinging to its back.
Jumping Spiders: Jumping spiders are easily identified by their portly bodies, large eyes, and heavy legs. They get their name from their capability to jump when in search of food. They like the great outdoors and you may see them in our around your garden, fencing or decking.
Black and Yellow Garden Spider: These are among the largest in our state and the easiest to see. They are happiest in sunny fields and gardens. Like all orb weavers, its web is an architectural wonder, designed to greatly extend the spider’s sensory system while using a minimal amount of silk to trap or slow down flying prey.
Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders: New York is home to the Black Widow and Brown Recluse spider. Dangerously poisonous, they transmit venom through their fangs or, rudely spit at their prey!
Brown Recluse, a venomous spider in dry winter grass
Are you feeling the heebie-jeebies yet?
Do spiders bite?
They do not bite because have no teeth but the reaction to the venom from a fang or spit is what causes the reaction.
- Jumping spider bites are not poisonous but can cause itching and irritation.
- Venom from the brown recluse spider often causes local tissue damage.
- Black widow spiders release a toxin. This can harm your central nervous system.
If you are bitten by a spider, seek medical attention right away. If you are unsure of your reaction to the venom and cannot get to an emergency room, you can call the poison control hotline at 800-222-1222 for advice over the phone.
How do I get rid of spiders?
A trained technician from Accurate Pest Control will come to your home and perform an inspection of the home, discuss indoor and outdoor treatments and removal, and suggest options for continued service to prevent new infestations.
- We recommend keeping the lights off outside or using yellow bug lights at night because the lights draw insects to them, and the insects draw the spiders to them.
- Consistent removal of spider webs is the most effective. Vacuum and dust regularly keeping notice for returning or new webs.
- Sealing up cracks around screens, windows, and doors helps keep spiders and other pests from gaining entry.
- Use a dehumidifier and be sure to ventilate areas and eliminate the moist environment these spiders love to live in.
Contact us for assistance in determining the nature and seriousness of the spider infestation. Again, if you are bitten by a spider and are unsure of the impact on your health, please seek medical attention immediately.
*Resources:?https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/commonspiders.pdf????
