Spiders do not generally establish stubborn indoor infestations, but pest control professionals are, nevertheless, often called upon to address spider issues within homes. This is because many people have difficulty tolerating an indoor spider presence, and some people will not hesitate to contact a pest control professional after spotting only one or a few spiders within their home. However, in certain circumstances, spiders can become a nuisance within a home, especially when spiders spin a large number of indoor webs. Also, significant indoor spider infestations have been known to occur in homes that provide spiders with easy access indoors, so keeping homes well-sealed from outdoor critters should be every arachnophobic homeowner’s priority.
For those who are deftly afraid of spiders, it is important to remember that spiders will become abundant in any area where insects are also abundant, as spiders rely on insect prey for sustenance. Since insects are prevalent in areas that see long grass and overgrown vegetation, spiders can become a problem in yards that are not well maintained. Once spiders learn that insect prey can be easily obtained within a yard containing abundant vegetation, getting rid of them can be a challenge, and spiders will almost certainly appear within homes that are located around abundant vegetation. Surprisingly, one million individual spiders can be found within each acre of grassland. However, spiders are also known for establishing sizable populations on landscaped lawns due to the many landscaping ornaments, shrubs and other hiding places that landscaped lawns provide for spiders seeking adequate shelter.
The diversity of plant life on most landscaped lawns will also attract a diversity of insects that attract spiders. Spiders are likely to invade homes where shrubs, plants and landscaping ornaments are located in close proximity to the foundation. Residents living in homes located near wooded areas are bound to see occasional arachnid invaders due to the abundance and diversity of spider species that inhabit forests in the northeast. Keeping lawns well maintained will keep spiders out of homes, and while spiders tend to be numerous within homes surrounded by an abundance of plant species, it should be noted that spiders prey upon insect pests that damage valued plants. Therefore, spiders should be embraced by both gardeners and landscapers. Lastly, spiders are among the least threatening and problematic of arthropod pests within and around homes, with the exception of a few potentially dangerous species that are virtually unheard of in the northeast.
Have you ever spotted a black widow on property in the northeast?