How to Identify Spiders In Your Home

House spiders that are commonly found in Canada are nowhere near as harmful as the venomous ones you hear about south of the border. Instead, house spiders are no larger than your pinky finger and hide in areas that allow them to spin their web without being bothered.

Sign of Spiders and Spider Infestations

A spider web is the most obvious sign that a spider is living with you. Since spiders are loners, you’ll usually see only one or maybe a few in different places, like the corner of a basement, outhouse, or shed. Many people don’t mind having spiders around since they are natural pest control for earwigs, flies, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, fleas, and moths. If you see more than a few, though, you may be dealing with a spider infestation.

Another sign of a spider infestation is seeing tiny silk sacs underneath furniture or cardboard boxes. Each sac is protecting hundreds of spider eggs, so you will need to act quickly to avoid a pest problem.

Prevention and Maintenance

Are Spiders Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

Spiders do not prey on humans, dogs, or cats, but they will bite in self-defense if they feel threatened. The pain of a spider bite is similar to a bee sting. In most cases, washing the area and applying a topical antibiotic and ice pack should heal the wound. However, if the skin turns purple or the red area expands, seek medical attention.

A dog or cat that eats a spider should be fine but keep an eye on them to be safe. If you notice a change in their behaviour, call the vet. If your pet suffers a bite from a brown recluse or black widow spider, it could be dangerous. Take your dog or cat to the vet if you notice vomiting, tremors, or muscle paralysis.

How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home

• Whether you see one spider or multiple signs of a spider infestation, get rid of them with these pest control methods for spiders. Always wear protective gloves when dealing with insects or spiders.
• Vacuum the spider, web, and egg sacs. After you suck up the undesirables, run the vacuum for a few seconds longer to make sure the sticky silk makes its way into the vacuum bag or dust container. Then dispose of everything in an outdoor trash bin.
• A rolled-up magazine or fly swatter is an old-fashioned, but effective, spider killer.
• If you see just one spider, grab a broom to sweep it into a dustpan then relocate it outside.
• Capture single spiders underneath a bowl or jar, slide a piece of stiff paper underneath, and release it outdoors.
• Use a Insect control insecticide

How to Prevent Spiders From Coming Back

After you complete your spider pest control tasks, use these tips to learn how to prevent spiders from coming back:

• Make sure there are no pests for spiders to eat by cleaning food crumbs off counters, tables, and floors right away and shutting unscreened doors and windows.
• Remove empty boxes from your basement so spiders can’t hide or lay egg sacs underneath them.· Keep firewood outside until needed.· Dispose of leaves and grass clippings away from the house.
• Spiders do not like the smell of cinnamon. Make a natural spider spray with distilled water and cinnamon oil and spray the area where you last saw a spider.
• Weatherstrip or caulk windows and doors.
• Keep a clean outhouse and seal any cracks where spiders can enter.
• Spray