Spiders are a pest that no one wants to see. Some of the spiders are venomous and when they bite they can cause some irritation to the person or pet that may need to be treated by a medical professional. Spiders are not only found outdoors in the bushes and trees but they can easily take up a web or space to hide in your home too. Spider is a very general term and there are many species of spiders that vary in size, color and where they live and what they eat. One of the ways that you can help treat and get rid of spiders in and around your home is to know what kind of spiders you are dealing with. Charleston County, South Carolina, is home to diverse spider species suited for its humid Lowcountry climate, ranging from harmless garden orb-weavers and wolf spiders to medically significant pests like the southern black widow.
Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider is the most commonly talked about spider and they deservedly strike some fear. They are venomous but fortunately the amount of venom they inflict is not substantial enough to cause any real serious health concerns unless there is an allergic reaction. Black widows are shiny black in color and have a bright red hour glass figure on their belly that sets them apart from other black spiders. They feed on insects that are caught in their web. They are not an aggressive species of spiders and will run off if they see someone coming their way. People are usually only bitten by an accident when someone grabs a shoe or piece of clothing that the spider is hiding in.
Wolf Spider
This is a scary spider for people to come across since they care quite large. They are big and hairy and they have extremely thick legs that can be pretty intimidating. If you have seen one hanging around it was probably in the ground since they do not live in a web but in ground burrows. They will wait for prey to walk by and jump on them when the time is right. They are usually a tan or grey color and have some darker lines and markings in them that set them apart and identifiable. Wolf spiders can bite if they are handled, squeezed or trapped against the skin, but they are not aggressive and prefer to run away. Their venom is not dangerous to humans, and most bites feel similar to a bee sting.
Orb Weaver Spider
If there was a poster child for spiders, it would probably be the orb-weaver, which builds the familiar circular-shaped webs often found in gardens, fields and forests. These arachnids are large, conspicuous, and many are very colorful. They spin elaborate webs in concentric circles in the garden and wait for nearby prey to become entangled. Orb-weavers can bite, but seldom do and their bite is not toxic to humans. They are generally harmless but can be a nuisance when they build large webs in places inconvenient for humans. Occasionally, they will wander into a home and build a web in a doorway or window sill.
Spider Control in Charleston, North Charleston, James Island and Greater Mt Pleasant, South Carolina
A spider problem is often a sign of a bigger pest on the premises. Spiders often enter homes and businesses because their main food source, i.e. insects, are already active there. At SaniQuest Pest Solutions, we know that controlling spiders starts with our general pest control service – treating the food source of spiders – insect hiding zones and entry points. If you are seeing spiders around your home or business, call us to come out treat your premises to help get rid of pests including insects and spiders.
