Aug 26, 2022 | Pest Control
Spider sightings tend to increase when the weather cools off. While most spiders prefer to live outdoors, a few will make their way inside in search of food and water. Most spider species also mate in the fall, increasing the numbers we see as they go in search of their partner. Young spiders are born in the spring, taking the summer to grow and mature. By fall they are bigger, venturing out and starting to build their webs. All of these factors combine to increase the number of spider sightings we see near the end of the year.
There are many types of spiders common to this area, some venomous but most harmless. Here are 9 of the most common spiders in Georgia to look out for this fall.
Joro Spider
Joro spiders are a non-native species originating in Asia that were first spotted in Georgia in 2014. Since then they have started to expand their population throughout the southeastern United States. Joro spider eggs hatch in late spring, with sightings as early as May. They will build their webs anywhere they can find, including decks, porches, houses, plants, landscaping, etc. They are larger than most other spider species in the US. Females can measure up to 4″ in length with males only reaching about 1/4″ in size. Their colors vary – males are usually brown while females can be blue-gray or yellow with red markings on their abdomen and black legs with yellow bands. They are commonly found on the edges of woods and around homes. They are not usually seen indoors and their bites are rare. There is no research to show that Joro spiders are dangerous to humans.
Black Widow
The black widow is one of the few structure-invading species of spiders in our area. Their fangs are big enough to penetrate human skin and their venom is powerful enough to cause side effects in humans. In fact, they are the most venomous spider in North America. Antivenom for their bites does exist. Female black widows grow to lengths of 3/4″ while males are about half that size. They are one of the easiest types of spiders to spot with black bodies and distinctive red hourglass markings on the underside of their abdomen. They have very round body shapes. These spiders can be found indoors and outdoors, preferring protected, sheltered areas to live in. They are most active at night, spinning webs to catch their prey in. Outside they can be found around decks, in barns and outbuildings, under rocks, or in woodpiles. Inside they can usually be found in areas that aren’t disturbed or used frequently, such as garages, basements, closets, and crawlspaces.
Brown Widow
Brown widow spiders are another non-native species, although can now be found throughout the southern and western United States. Bites from the brown widow aren’t as potent as those from their black widow cousins and don’t cause nearly as bad of side effects. Only brown widow spiders bite. Brown widows also prefer undisturbed areas to live in but can often be found in garages and basements, gardens, on patio furniture, on mailboxes, on outdoor toys, and in storage closets. Female brown widows grow to about 1/2″ long while males are about half this size. Both males and females are brown in color with tan and black legs. They also have the hourglass marking like black widows, but theirs are orange in color.
Brown Recluse
Brown recluse spiders are commonly found in the southeastern and midwestern United States. They are also easily identifiable by the distinctive markings found on their bodies. These spiders are known for “secretive” behaviors, preferring to hide in warm, dark, dry habitats. They are commonly found in woodpiles, basements, and closets, especially in old shoes that aren’t worn often. They will bite, with symptoms taking up to 3 hours to show up afterwards. Brown recluses range from 1/4″ to 1/2″ in length. They are tan to dark brown in color with a dark fiddle-shaped marking on their back.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are another common species you may see this fall. These spiders don’t use webs to catch prey; instead they hunt their prey, utilizing their speed to catch them. There are over 100 species in the US and Canada. Female wolf spiders grow from 3/8″ to 1-3/8″ in length while males range from 1/4″ to 3/4″. They are usually dark brown or yellow with striped markings on their legs. They are also very hairy. Wolf spiders hunt at night and hide out during the day. Once inside, they usually stay at lower levels and are often spotted in the floor along walls and under furniture. Outside they are found in woodpiles, under rocks, and other sheltered areas of landscaping. They can be beneficial to have around because they eat other pests that can cause problems around your home. They can bite but it is extremely rare.
Common House Spider
The common house spider gets its name from the fact that it is commonly found inside homes. These spiders are commonly found worldwide. They don’t pose a threat to humans and are more of a nuisance pest. Their webs in your home are the biggest issue they cause. Female house spiders grow from 3/16″ to 5/16″ in length while males range from 1/8″ to 3/16″. They are yellowish-brown in color with dirty white abdomens and dark stripes that meet at an angle.
Orb Weaver
Orb weaver spiders are named for the orb-shaped webs they create. There are over 2800 species of these spiders worldwide. Adults range in size from 1/2″ to 1″. Their coloring varies greatly among species; they are mostly reddish-brown to gray but some varieties are a vibrant yellow color. Because there is such variation among species, the best way to identify an orb weaver is by it’s large, circular, wagon-wheel shaped web. Orb weavers don’t pose any threats to humans but their large webs can be problematic around your home.
Crevice Spider
The crevice spider, also known as the southern house spider, are commonly found in the southeastern United States. They are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders. They range in size from 1/2″ to 3/4″. Males are usually brown or amber in color while females are black or gray and resemble tarantulas. They prefer to build their webs at higher elevations and are usually found on the outside of houses, outbuildings, and barns. They are known to crawl across anything in their path, including humans! They do not pose a threat to humans, however.
Trapdoor Spider
The trapdoor spider is a large, hairy spider that can range in color from yellowish brown to reddish brown to black. They have powerful jaws and sharp fangs. Trapdoor spiders get their name from the burrows they construct with a cork-like trapdoor made of soil, vegetation and silk. They spend most of their lives underground and usually hunt at night. Trapdoor spiders are not aggressive and, in fact, are often timid when confronted. They can bite but this is rare. They do not pose a significant threat to humans.
Once you’ve identified the spider(s) you have around your home, the next step is preventing them. You can prevent spiders by:
- Getting rid of webs as soon as you spot them.
- Decluttering your home to help eliminate hiding spaces.
- Sweeping and dusting frequently.
- Using natural spider repellents like peppermint oil and cinnamon.
- Keeping firewood away from your home.
- Shaking out clothes and shoes before wearing them.
- Storing unused or seldom used items in sealed bags or boxes.
- Contacting your local pest control company for a thorough evaluation, treatment, and prevention plan.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Fall Spider Identification Guide
American Cockroaches: How To Identify and Prevent
Are Mosquitoes Still Active in the Fall?
What Attracts Centipedes To Your Home?
7 Signs You Have Cockroaches
Aug 22, 2022 | Pest Control
In the southern states, there are many species of spiders found and there is a good chance you’ve seen some of them. Many spiders make themselves at home in our yards, gardens, flower beds, and inside our homes. But as the weather gets cooler, you’re bound to see more spiders come inside to seek shelter from the cooler weather. Here are a few common spiders that may invade your home when the temperatures drop.
House Spiders
A house spider is a common name given to spiders that are primarily found inside your house. They vary in color, but most are yellow to brown with elongated abdomens. They can usually be found in ceiling corners, under furniture, and inside closets, basements, garages, and crawl spaces. When outdoors, they are often found in windows, under eaves, and near light sources.
They can be a nuisance to have but are not a threat to humans. Because of the low humidity in newer homes, house spiders are becoming less common in houses and more likely to be found in garages, sheds, barns, and warehouses.
Brown Recluse
A brown recluse spider is light to dark brown, with a signature dark brown violin shape on its back. They are commonly found outdoors in debris and woodpiles but can be found indoors usually underneath furniture, inside storage bins, and in dark recesses like baseboards. The brown recluse can also be found hiding out in closets, attics, and crawl spaces.
This spider species is one you should look out for as its bite is painful. If cornered, they will bite, leaving an ulcerating sore that must be treated by a medical professional immediately.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are typically dark brown with pale markings or stripes. Their legs are long and spiny, and most have hair on their bodies. If found indoors, they are typically on the floor, especially along walls and under furniture. If found outdoors, they are usually under leaves, woodpiles, yard debris, and stones.
They can bite, but it is very rare for them to do so; even if they do it doesn’t pose a significant threat to humans. They are unique in that they don’t catch their prey in webs but will chase them down using their speed.
Black Widow
One of the most easily identifiable spiders in the US, these shiny, black spiders are one of the most fearsome out there. Most can identify them by their prominent red hourglass shape on their back. Black widow spiders are commonly found around woodpiles and can easily access your home by hitching a ride on your firewood. They are also found in garages, eaves, empty boxes, and even shoes that are stored away.
Females are more aggressive than males and will bite. They can be extremely harmful to humans and their bite should be taken seriously. Symptoms from a bite include fever, elevated blood pressure, nausea, and sweats. It should be treated immediately to stop any further neurological damage.
Spiders are more common in the fall and winter as they make their way indoors, so be on the lookout for these spiders once the temperature begins to drop. If you suspect a spider problem, contact your local pest control company who can help identify the type of spider you have and provide you with a thorough inspection and treatment plan that is right for you and your property.
Oct 27, 2021 | Pest Control
Nothing says “Halloween” like spotting a few cobwebs around the house! While it’s always fun to see cobweb decorations during this time of year, it’s not as fun having to deal with them year-round. Since the temperatures have cooled off, many spiders are looking indoors to inhabit a warmer environment. It’s important to understand common types of spiders in order to provide the best treatment if they’ve infested your home.
Brown Recluse
The brown recluse spider is light to dark brown, with a signature brown violin shape on its backs. If threatened, these spiders will bite, which can be painful and leave an open sore. If bitten, some can experience fever, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Brown recluse spiders can be found in debris and woodpiles. If they’ve snuck inside your home, they can often be found under furniture, inside storage items, in baseboards, closets, and crawlspaces.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are dark brown with paler stripes or markings and long, spiny legs. These spiders are large and hairy across their bodies. While these spiders will bite, it’s rare that they do and are not a significant threat to humans. Inside homes, wolf spiders tend to stay near or on the floor, especially along walls and under furniture where they chase their prey instead of capturing them in their webs. If outside, they like to inhabit firewood piles, leaves, yard debris, and stones.
Common House Spider
House spiders can vary in color but are usually yellow to brown with elongated abdomens. Although not a threat to humans, they are a nuisance to have in the home as they can produce and leave behind webs throughout the house. They can often be found in ceiling corners, under furniture, and inside closets, basements, garages, and crawlspaces. If outside, you will commonly find them spinning webs around windows, under eaves, and near light sources that attract food.
By recognizing each spider species and knowing where they most often inhabit, you can utilize the correct preventative measures to eliminate the chance of an infestation. Check out some of these easy do-it-yourself spider prevention tips:
- Keep garages, attics, and basements clutter-free.
- Avoid leaving clothes and shoes on the floor.
- Seal any cracks and crevices around the home.
- Call a professional pest control company. They will perform an inspection and provide you with the correct treatment and prevention plan for any spiders seen throughout your property.
Aug 26, 2020 | Pest Control
When we see a spider, many of us will run away or immediately call the local pest control company to remove them! Certainly spiders are not the most popular of pests, but some are beneficial to us. While we can agree that we don’t want these pests inside our home, it’s important to know the impact they can have on our environment. Here are some spiders that are actually beneficial to have around!
Crevice Spiders
Light to dark brown in color, these spiders are often mistaken for the brown recluse spider. The difference, however, is that the crevice spider does not have the signature violin shape marking that the brown recluse has. These spiders can be found in corners and crevices (where they get their name), especially in areas like ceiling corners, baseboards, and window frames. While these spiders are not venomous, they will bite if they feel threatened. This is very rare, though. The crevice spider is beneficial to humans as they will typically eat common household pests like flies, roaches, beetles, and wasps. This spider can be considered a “free” exterminator!
Yellow Garden Spider
The yellow garden spider likes to be outdoors in sunny areas. They will spin large circular webs and anchor them to plants. Females are black with bright yellow patches on their abdomens while the males are much smaller with less yellow on their abdomen. These spiders don’t pose a threat to humans; they do, however, produce venom that is harmless to humans. The venom they produce helps them to immobilize prey such as flies, bees, and other flying insects. These spiders are perfect for helping keep these flying pest populations from getting into your home!
Lynx Spider
Like a plant leaf, this spider has bright green coloring and can sometimes have orange and black dots on their legs. The lynx spider is known for its quick movements, often jumping large distances to capture their prey. These spiders are found in open fields, especially those with tall grass. While they bite only for defensive purposes, they don’t pose a threat to humans. These spiders are extremely useful in agricultural management as they will eat crop-destroying pests like nectarine insects, helping protect crops from destruction.
While it’s nice to have some helpful spiders outside of the house, that doesn’t mean we want them on the inside. If you notice one of these spiders frequenting your home, reach out to your local pest control company who can safely eliminate them and recommend a prevention plan.
Jun 16, 2017 | Pest Control
Common Spiders in the Southeast:
Where Do They Live, What Do They Look Like, Are They Dangerous, and How To Prevent Them
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Woodpiles and sheds
- Closets, garages, and cellars
- Any places that are dry and undisturbed
- Favor cardboard indoors because it mimics tree bark
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adults are 1/4″ to 3/4″ body length
- Dark violin shaped image on body at leg attachment
- Has 6 eyes arranged in pairs (most spiders have 8 eyes)
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Bite is severely toxic to humans
- Can cause significant injury
- Can cause tissue loss and necrosis
BLACK WIDOW SPIDER
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Woodpiles and piles of rubble
- Under rocks and in hollow tree stumps
- In sheds, garages, basements, and crawl spaces
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adults are 1/2″ in body length
- Female is shiny black with a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen
- Hourglass marking may range in color from yellow orange to red
- Marking shape may range from an hourglass to a dot
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Toxic to humans
- Potentially fatal, especially to the young and the elderly
- Venom affects the nervous system
- Most common symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pyrexia, and hypertension
- Anti-venom is available
MOUSE SPIDER
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Ground dwellers with burrows more than 3 feet deep
- Male wanders during the day, often in search of females
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adult is up to 1-1/2″ in body length
- Male often has a bright red head and elongated fangs
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Known to cause severe illness, especially to young children
- Usually not aggressive unless provoked
BLACK HOUSE SPIDER
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Dry habitats in secluded locations
- In window framing, under eaves and gutters, and in brickwork
- In sheds and toilets
- Among rocks and bark
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adult is about 1/2″ in body length
- Dark brown to black velvet textured appearance
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Poisonous but not lethal
- Can cause severe pain around the bite, heavy sweating, muscle pain, vomiting, and headache
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Ground dwellers with burrow retreats
- Commonly found around the home in garden areas
- Has a silk lined burrow that is sometimes covered by leaves or grass
- Roams at night to hunt prey
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adult is 1/2″ to more than 1″ in body length
- Mottled gray to brown in color
- Distinct Union Jack marking on its back
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Poisonous but not lethal
- Can cause a painful bite
- Usually non-aggressive but will bite if provoked
TRAPDOOR SPIDER
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Ground dweller with burrow retreat
- Burrow is usually lined with silk and about 10″ deep x 1″ wide
- Prefers nesting in drier exposed locations around the home
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adult is about 1-1/2″ in body length
- Brown to dark brown in color
- Heavily covered in fine hair
- Male has boxing glove shaped “feelers” at front of its head
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Nontoxic to humans
- Usually timid and rarely bites
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Often found in summer garden areas around the home
- Spin large circular web that can be 6 feet or more
- Web is often between buildings or shrubs
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adults are 2/3″ to more than 1″ in body length
- Has a bulbous abdomen
- Often colorful with a dark brown to light brown pattern
- Most common has a purplish bulbous abdomen with fine hairs
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Nontoxic to humans
- Non-aggressive and rarely bite
ST. ANDREWS CROSS SPIDER
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Web weaver
- Usually found in summer garden areas around the home
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adult is 1/4″ to 1/2″ in body length
- Abdomen is striped yellow and brown
- Usually sits upside down in the middle of its web forming a cross
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Nontoxic to humans
- Usually non-aggressive
HUNTSMAN SPIDER
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
- Prefer to live under the flaking bark of trees
- Also found under flat rocks and under eaves or within roof spaces of buildings
- Often wanders into homes and is found perched on a wall
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
- Adult is around 1/2″ in body length
- Has long legs
- Hairy
- Buff to beige in color with dark patterns on body
ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
- Nontoxic to humans
- Usually non-aggressive except in summer when females are guarding egg sacs or young
How Can You Prevent Spiders?
Follow these six tips to prevent spiders from coming into and around your home:
- Remove nesting sources like clutter and debris in your yard and crawl spaces.
- Trim weeds around your building foundation.
- Eliminate or shield outdoor lights as these attract other insects which are a source of food for spiders.
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home and install screens and door sweeps. This eliminates points of entry for spiders.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove webs, spiders, and egg sacs from your home.
- Call a pest control professional for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan for your home.
