What are spiders?
Spiders are small arthropods that belong to the class Arachnida. There are thought to be about 40,000 different species of spiders in the world, with about 3500 species being native to North America.
What do they look like?
Like all arachnids, spiders have 8 legs. However, appearances can vary greatly between species. The spiders that we most commonly deal with in Providence, Shrewsbury, and throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts include:
The Sac Spider - The body of the yellow sac spider grows to be about 3/8 of inch and the leg span can reach up to an inch. As the name indicates, the spider is a pale yellow in color. Sac spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows.
The House Spider - The house spider is a very common cobweb spider. Its body generally reaches about 1/4 inch and is characterized by a large, rounded abdomen. They are typically a light brown color.
The Black Widow - Although the black widow is not common in Rhode Island, they can be found here and are the most dangerous spider that we encounter. Their body is about 1/2 inch in length and they have a large round abdomen. They are shiny and black in color. Only the female black widow has the red, hourglass shape that the black widow is known for.
Do spiders bite?
Yes. A spider will not actively hunt humans, as we are much too large to be prey, but when a spider feels threatened they can deliver a painful bite.
Are spiders dangerous?
Very few spiders have enough venom to pose a danger to humans. In New England, only the yellow sac spider and the black widow are considered dangerous. If you believe you have been bitten by either of these species of spiders, seek immediate medical attention.
What are the signs of a spider infestation?
The first and most obvious sign of a spider infestation is actual spider sightings. Spiders enjoy warm, moist and dark places, so they are often found in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. The only real sign other than actually seeing the spiders themselves is seeing the spider's web. Check corners, ceilings and other dark places for cobwebs.
Why do I have a spider problem?
Many spiders find their way into our homes in search of a warm and secure place to make their webs. Insects and other pests in our homes also provide a quick and easy meal for spiders.
How do I get rid of spiders?
Spiders are very difficult to eliminate once they have made their way into your home. They are adept at hiding, making them very difficult to find and kill. If you have a problem with spiders overrunning your home, call Big Blue Bug Solutions today. We can help you get rid of the spiders in your home and prevent them from returning. Fill out our online form to request more information.
Spider prevention tips from Big Blue Bug Solutions
Carefully inspect the outside of your home for cracks, openings around vents and other likely looking entry points that spiders may use to gain entrance to your home. Sealing these entry points can help in lowering the number of spiders and other pests in your house. If this is not enough to keep out the pests, consider a Home Owners Plan from Big Blue Bug Solutions. Our plan provides protection from mice, cockroaches, spiders and many other pests. Contact us today for more information about the plans available in your area.