Why Do I Have A Spider Problem In My Baldwyn Home?

brown recluse spider in house
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Most spiders prefer to live outdoors, but your home can be a perfect environment for these eight-legged pests to spin their webs. Spiders are usually polite house guests and can even help to control the population of bugs on your property. But does anyone actually want to live in a house full of spiders? Of course not. If you’ve been wondering why you have a spider problem in Baldwyn, there could be a simple explanation. 

Types Of Spiders In Baldwyn

Mississippi is home to dozens of spider species but there are a few in particular that you are likely to encounter:

  • Huntsman spiders: As their name implies, these spiders prefer to hunt prey rather than trapping their victims in a web. Huntsman spiders can be quite large with a leg span of up to five inches. They have a crab-like appearance and are typically brownish-gray in color.
  • Golden silk orb-weaver spiders: Also known as “big banana spiders,” these spiders are known for weaving webs with golden-colored silk. They have an elongated abdomen resembling a banana, measuring up to two inches in length. Golden silk orb-weavers are usually a combination of yellow, orange, and black colors.
  • Brown recluse spiders: Often mistaken for other species, brown recluse spiders only measure about ½ inch in length.  They build messy webs in dark, hidden areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed by people or pets. Brown recluse spiders are solid brown or tan in color with a distinct violin pattern on their back. 
  • Black widow spiders: The infamous black widow is easily recognized by its pitch-black color and distinct red hourglass pattern. Black widows weave their webs in low-traffic areas where they won’t be detected. They can measure between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in length. 

How Do Spiders Get Indoors?

Like most pests, spiders are attracted to your home because of food, water, and shelter. But unlike ants or cockroaches who want to munch on the snacks in your pantry, spiders want to eat the other bugs in your house. The more pest insects you have, the more likely a spider infestation becomes. 

Spiders find their way indoors through small gaps around pipes, cracks in the foundation, and under doors and windows with faulty weather stripping. They are also sometimes brought home in grocery bags or in second-hand items. 

Preventing Spiders In Your Home

You can do a few things around the house to make a spider infestation less likely. 

  • Lower moisture levels. Don’t let excess moisture accumulate around your property. Check gutters, drains, and splash blocks to ensure that water is flowing away from your house. Repair any leaking pipes, faucets, or fixtures. Try installing a dehumidifier in your basement.
  • Control the pest population. Get rid of the prey that spiders feed on. Clean up after eating or cooking to reduce the likelihood of attracting pest insects. Take out the trash regularly and store trash in a sturdy receptacle with a tight-fitting lid. Mop, sweep, and vacuum floors often.
  • Repair your property. Inspect the exterior of your home for any points of entry that spiders can use to get in. Seal cracks in your foundation and gaps around pipes with silicone caulk. Replace damaged weather stripping and door sweeps as necessary. 

Getting rid of spiders on your own can be tough because it often means getting rid of the insects that spiders prey on. But with help from McCary Pest Control, you can say goodbye to your spider problem once and for all. Since 1972, we’ve been eliminating pests with reliable service and effective techniques. No matter how big or how small, we’ll take care of your pest problems. Get in touch with us today.