Spider Control
Spiders are solitary hunters rather than colony pests so they rarely cause damaging infestations. However, when large numbers gather indoors due to seasonal mating and food availability they can pose a problem - especially if you suffer from Arachnophobia.
If you are a business, heavy webbing and spider sightings can also make your premises untidy and harm your reputation.
How to identify spiders in your property
Webbing is often the first sign of spiders being present. There are approximately 650 to 680 species found in the UK. Some of the most common are the Giant House Spider, Garden Spider, Cellar Spider and the False Widow Spider.
Giant House Spider: One of the largest UK spiders can be identified by its dark hairy body and distinctive large legs. This species is very docile and not dangerous to humans; they prefer to run and hide and are very fast moving.
Garden Spider: Identified by its greyish/reddish-brown body with distinctive white cross markings. The first sign is often their large circular webs which are usually found in bushes and doorframes. These spiders aren’t dangerous to humans and possess a very mild venom which rarely affects humans.
Cellar Spiders: Recognised by their tiny body and extremely thin, long legs. They’re often found hanging upside down in ceiling corners. They are not dangerous to humans and pose no health threat.
False Widow: These spiders have a shiny, bulbous, dark brown body with pale markings. They are generally docile and not dangerous to humans, but they can bite if handled; the pain is compared to the feeling of a wasp sting. It’s encouraged you seek help or advice when dealing with a False Widow to prevent getting biten.
How to get rid of a spider problem
Ensure all entry points are sealed around doors and windows, block any gaps and cover vents. Remove any cobwebs as spiders will stay near to their food source (eg flies caught in a web). Avoid too much clutter as this is an ideal hiding place.
When to call for professional help?
Multiple spider sightings in a day or recurring webs and egg sacs indoors could be a sign of an underlying pest issue. Severe spider infestations can mean insects are abundant which means it’s time to call in a professional. For people with phobias, these
sightings can also cause extreme distress.
If you find potentially harmful species that can bite, like the False Widow, near vulnerable people like children you’ll need professional help.
If you find an unusual species of spider (or a non-native species), you should seek help from a skilled professional who will be able to identify it and deal with the problem appropriately.
Contact us today for more information and advice about spider control services >
Photo: False Widow Spider / B. Schoenmakers, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0.CC BY-SA 3.0