General Pest Frequently Asked Questions

Not all spiders found in your home pose a threat. In fact, the majority of household spiders are harmless and even beneficial as they help control other pests like flies and mosquitoes. Common harmless species include cellar spiders, house spiders, and cobweb spiders. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and correctly identify any unfamiliar spider species. Some venomous spiders, like the black widow or brown recluse, can deliver harmful bites. If you're uncertain about a spider's identity, it's wise to avoid handling it. If you suspect the presence of venomous spiders, consider consulting with a pest control professional who can assess the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure your safety.

Thankfully, most spider species are harmless to humans, and most are essential members of a healthy ecosystem. However, there are a few spiders found in North Carolina that can be rather dangerous to humans, especially young children, and the elderly. The two most common dangerous spiders found here are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse.

The adult Black Widow has a familiar large, shiny black body with a red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on its underside. The body grows to about a half-inch, and their total length, including the legs, is around one and a half inches.

Brown Recluse spiders are brown/tan and blend in with wood and soil. The fiddleback subspecies have a trademark violin-shaped marking.

Spiders are not insects, they are an entirely different family of animals belonging to the class Arachnida.  While spiders and insects are invertebrates with an exoskeleton, they have very different characteristics. 

Insects have six legs, two compound eyes, antennae, and normally have four wings. Spiders have eight legs, eight eyes, and no antennae or wings. 

The body structure is also quite different, as insects have three distinct body parts compared to a spiders two. An example of an insect would be an ant, with separate head, thorax, and abdomen sections. Spiders have a single head and thorax part and a separate abdomen.

The normal lifespan of spiders varies, with most North American spiders living around two years. Small house spiders might only live around a year, while large tarantulas have been known to live as long as an amazing 30 years. 

Spiders do not live in groups; a solitary spider can live long periods between meals, although they eat as much food as possible when prey is available. 

Female spiders usually live longer than males. Most male spiders reach maturity in less than two years and die after mating. Interestingly, in species where mating alone does not kill the male, the female often kills and eats the male after mating.

While spiders are able to live inside our homes throughout the year, spending most of their time tucked away out of sight, there is a season when they are much more active. This happens during their mating cycles, which typically occur in early fall. For a month or two, they are much more visible as they are actively looking for mates. Female spiders normally stay in one place after finding a suitable home. Males wander more, and during mating season, they spend much of their time searching for female spiders. This means they can be much more likely to enter your home. Females of many species often build more webs at this time as part of the mating ritual as well. 

While most spiders are harmless and help control other pests, some species can be venomous and pose risks, especially to individuals with allergies or compromised immune systems. If you're experiencing a spider infestation, it's important to identify the species accurately. Using professional pest control company is advisable, as they can safely remove spiders and provide appropriate treatments to manage the infestation. Additionally, practicing good housekeeping by regularly cleaning and removing clutter can discourage spiders from making your home their habitat.

Spiders are often viewed as pests due to their appearance and the discomfort they can cause in human environments. While some species are harmless, others can pose health risks through venomous bites. Moreover, spider webs can contribute to an untidy appearance in both residential and commercial spaces. 

Not all spiders are harmful to humans; however, certain species such as the Black Widow or the Brown Recluse can deliver venomous bites that may require medical attention. In such instances, pest control becomes essential to manage the population of these dangerous species. 

Apart from the potential health risks from venomous species, spiders can cause psychological discomfort or fear, known as arachnophobia. Their webs can also collect dust and insects, contributing to an unsanitary environment. This can be particularly problematic in settings that require high levels of cleanliness, such as healthcare facilities.

Professional pest control services can identify the species of spiders present and employ targeted treatments to eliminate them. This approach is often more effective and safer than do-it-yourself methods. The use of regulated pesticides ensures that spiders are managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

Preventative pest control measures can be essential in managing recurring spider issues. Regular inspections and treatments can help in keeping the spider population in check and can be particularly beneficial in regions that are prone to infestations of venomous or invasive spider species. 

A group of spiders is known as a "clutter" or a "cluster." While spiders typically prefer solitude, certain species do come together to build communal webs​.

Spiders have four pairs of legs, totaling eight. This distinguishes them from insects, which have only three pairs of legs (six in total)​.

Spiders move by using hydrostatic pressure in their bodies, as they lack muscles in their legs. They control this pressure through their heart rate and use special hairs on their feet for traction on various surfaces. Additionally, spiders use different modes of transport such as jumping, floating on water, or wind ballooning​.

Spider blood is blue due to the presence of copper in the molecule that binds oxygen. This is in contrast to human blood, which is red because of the iron-containing molecule that binds oxygen​.

Yes, spider silk is initially a liquid. It hardens upon contact with air, allowing spiders to construct their webs. This unique transformation from liquid to solid is a key aspect of spider silk​.

Most spiders are venomous to some degree, but very few have venom that is harmful to humans. The venom is usually used to immobilize prey rather than for defense against larger animals like humans.

Spiders typically enter homes in search of food (other insects) or shelter. They are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas where they can set up webs and catch prey.

Yes, spiders can lay eggs in homes, usually in dark, hidden places like basements, attics, or corners. To prevent this, regularly clean and vacuum areas where spiders might hide and remove webs as soon as they appear. Keeping your home free of other insects can also discourage spiders from setting up nests.

While spiders themselves don’t cause structural damage, their webs and droppings can create unsightly messes. Some spiders, like the brown recluse, may also pose a risk due to their venom if they bite.

Spiders can crawl into beds, but they prefer to stay in areas where they are less likely to be disturbed. To minimize the risk, keep your bed away from walls, remove clutter, and regularly clean around your bed.