Spiders are helpful assets to gardens everywhere, especially in the United States, where dangerous spiders are rare. However, seeing spiders can be disconcerting, and having them around in plenty is usually an indication of a larger problem. If you’re looking for the best way to get rid of spiders around your Maine home, keep reading to learn more about them and why they’re sticking around.
How Many Spiders Are In The World?
There are over 45,000 known spider species in the world, and less than 30 have venom that has killed a human being. With so many harmless spiders, why is it that we are so afraid of them? Perhaps because mistaking dangerous spiders for harmless spiders could have severe health consequences, even in the United States. As rare as they are, a few types of spiders are capable of harming humans in North America, though neither black widows nor brown recluses are native to Maine.
In Maine, there are a lot of spiders that look far more dangerous than they are. A common species of spider that looks scarier than it is, is called an orb-weaver. Some species one might see in their garden include:
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A marbled orb-weaver
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A six-spotted orb-weaver
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A shamrock orb-weaver
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A barn orb-weaver
These spiders are quite round, like an orb, and tend to have bright colors and intricate patterns on their backs. Seeing them on their large, spoked webs can cause a fright, but these spiders are harmless to humans and enthusiastic garden protectors. Another common type of spider is the jumping spider.
Some jumping spiders you might see in Maine include:
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The zebra jumper
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The tan jumping spider
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The bold jumper
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The bronze jumper
These spiders have characteristic large front eyes, usually fuzzy legs, and for the most part, are quite small. However, their cuteness relative to other species doesn’t mean it isn’t alarming if they jump at or on you. Like wolf and nursery spiders, jumping spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey; rather, they sneak up and jump on them.
Finally, cellar spiders, often called daddy-long-legs, are common household spiders all over the US, and their hugely long legs can be very disconcerting to see hanging over you in the basement. The long-bodied cellar spider is also harmless to humans. However, they make webs that are a nuisance. While these guys are efficient hunters, they aren’t fun to stumble upon.
While most common household spiders are harmless, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask that they not live in your house. The only problem is, if you’ve got spiders, you’ve probably got the goods to draw them in.
Why Do I Have So Many Spiders In My House?
Spiders, unlike many household pests, don’t need shelter from the weather. They aren’t likely to come indoors for heat or shelter, so if they’re coming indoors or are hanging around your outside doors and walkways, something is tempting them to stay. That something is called pest prey.
To get rid of spiders, the answer is more simple than you think. The number one thing that will reduce your spider population, besides home maintenance that creates a home defense for spiders, is: reduce your insect population. If they don’t have insects to hunt and eat, spiders have no reason to stay.
Along the same vein, the best way to get rid of spiders naturally is to practice pest prevention methods that will keep them out of your home and make your home less attractive to pests.
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Seal any cracks, crevices, or holes around the outside of your home with silicone-based caulk. Keep door and window screens well-maintained and free of holes, and make sure doors and windows fully seal.
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Keep outdoor trash far away from the house. Indoor and outdoor trash should be sealed, taken out regularly, and sanitized once a week.
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Vacuum and sanitize surfaces regularly. Don’t leave spills to sit, even outside.
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Fix anything outside your home or in your basement that could cause an excess of moisture.
Prevention may be the best way to get rid of spiders naturally, but sometimes an infestation is too large and other methods may be required.
How To Get Rid Of Spiders
If prevention doesn’t do the trick, the best way to get rid of spiders and their pest prey is by calling the professionals at Big Blue Bug Solutions. Regular visits from pest control professionals like Big Blue Bug Solutions can create a home defense for spiders that keeps your home safe from pests year-round. With over 80 years of experience serving the New England area, we are confident we can find a service plan that works for your needs. To get started, give Big Blue Bug Solutions a call today.
