The entertainment industry has traditionally portrayed spiders as creepy and dangerous creatures. Today, many individuals have developed a fear or phobia related specifically to spiders known as arachnophobia. Researchers suggest that spiders exist in more than 45,000 various species. The Missouri Department of Conservation estimates that our state is home to roughly 300 different types.
What should I do to get rid of spiders? The presence of spiders inside your home may indicate that other, underlying pest-related problems exist; therefore, reaching a local pest control company is the best option. Well-trained spider exterminators are familiar with the behavior of these unwanted creatures and have tools for removing them from the premises.
Types Of Dangerous Spiders In Columbia
Fortunately, most common house spiders found in Columbia are primarily considered nuisance pests that pose very minimal human health risks; yet, there are a couple of exceptions. Black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders are the two primary species of spiders that possess venom with the potency to threaten humans.
Female black widow spiders have a distinctive, shiny, black appearance and an orange or reddish marking. Two types of black widow spiders exist in Missouri: the southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) and the northern black widow (L. variolus). In general, males are smaller than females, and black widows create very sticky webs.
Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) typically appear yellowish-brown, and they have a marking that resembles a violin. Including their legs, brown recluse spiders often measure 1 inch long.
Some Spider Bites Are More Dangerous Than Others
Among black widow spiders, only the females pose human health risks when biting humans. Usually, black widow spiders are not aggressive and fearful of humans, yet they will bite if provoked.
Those bitten by a brown recluse spider often initially experience very mild symptoms; however, the area of the skin might become increasingly red and swollen hours later. People who endure a bite from these venomous spiders and experience more significant symptoms such as nausea or fever should promptly seek medical attention.
How To Prevent Future Dangerous Spider Problems
Are you wondering how to prevent spiders from infiltrating your home? Property owners in the Columbia area should consider the following tips:
Keep all trash bags containing food scraps inside sealed receptacles to avoid attracting many of the pests that spiders prey upon.
Limit the use of bright outdoor lights, especially near entryways, as they attract a variety of flying pests that spiders eat.
Implement exclusionary measures to keep spiders out by placing sweeps along the bases of entry doors and repairing torn window screens.
These preventative measures are viable options, but they are not foolproof. Homeowners in this region who are finding an excessive number of spiders inside or around their homes should consult with a pest management professional.
Call The Pros At The First Sign Of Dangerous Spiders Around Your Home
Which of the home spider control products sold by local retailers is the best? Each year in Columbia, homeowners who are operating with good intentions try taking matters into their own hands when struggling with spiders. Often, these efforts prove to be fruitless, as the store-bought, do-it-yourself sprays, traps, and other options are “one-size-fits-all” solutions to problems that require a more customized approach.
If you are a Columbia property owner who is tired of regularly finding spiders inside your home, get a hold of a local provider of residential spider control near you. The local professionals with BugOut Pest Control remain among the best providers of solutions to pest-related problems for residents in the Columbia region. We understand the frustration involved with home-invading spiders and have a trained staff who will respond promptly and get the job done.
To speak with one of our friendly professionals, contact our office today.