As the temperature increases, so do the number of pests. Many insects thrive in warmer temperatures. In turn, this draws out their natural predator; spiders. Spiders will feed on smaller insects, other spiders and even small mammals, birds, and fish. Spiders like the wolf spider which can reach large sizes. Spiders will eat anything they can kill. Whereas most spiders are non-toxic, there are a few that are a cause for concern. Some of the local spiders with venomous bites are the Southern Black Widow, the Brown Recluse and the Sac spider. There are many more that can cause a painful bite. However, most spider bites are non-threatening and more treatments are available. However, no one wants to have spiders crawling around their homes. With that in mind, Stewart Termite & Pest Control will share how to reduce a spider population and prevent them from invading your home.
Treat for Insects to Control Spiders
When spiders invade a home, often they are either accidentally brought into the home or they wander in looking for food. The more successful spiders are in finding food, the less likely they are to leave the site. To help control and reduce spider population, essentially you will want to reduce their food source. By controlling other insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and cockroaches, you will have less spiders. Spiders will feed on any insect and even smaller spiders.
How to Prevent Spiders in Your Yard
Start with the outside of the home and in the yard. You will want to avoid leaving yard debris, overgrowth and clutter outside and near your home. Insects love to hide in junk and clutter, in dense vegetation, and in yard debris. By having a well maintained and clean yard you will reduce the number of insects and spiders outside your home. You can’t stop all insects, which is why you will want to prevent as many as you can from entering inside your home. At night avoid leaving the porch light on. Consider installing a motion sensor light to provide light when needed, but one that does not glow all night long. Too many insects are dawn to light during the nighttime such as cockroaches, moths and other flying insects. The more insects you have around your home the more spiders you will have.
Spider Prevention in Your Home
Next you will want to keep insects and spiders out. Make sure to have your home properly sealed. Sealing your home starts at the windows and doors. Make sure the exterior doors seal when they are closed. Often the weather stripping gets damaged and small holes will allow spiders and insects to enter. Replace weather stripping when needed. Windows often provide access to pests, so make sure the window screens are seated tightly and that they are in good condition. Additionally, make sure windows close tightly. Windows and door frames can develop small cracks where the adhesives wear down. Repair the door and window frames with silicone caulking glue. Cover dryer vents, attic vents and chimneys with a fine screen to allow proper air flow but won’t allow pests to enter the home. As a last step to keep pest out, make sure to apply an insecticide or pesticide around the outside perimeter of the home which will kill any wandering insect or spider.
Spider Control
If you don’t want spiders invading your home this summer, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control for all other your pest control and inspection needs.