Only a couple of species of spiders in the United States pose an actual danger to people. The black widow spider is one of them. They have venom that is potent enough to paralyze their insect prey and cause harm to people.

The venom from black widow spiders affects the nervous system and, in people, causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fevers, and tremors. If bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention so the symptoms can be treated appropriately.

The good news about spiders is that they are shy, reclusive creatures. They don't seek out contact with people; in fact, they try their best to stay away from us. Bites typically only occur when spiders try to guard themselves against harm.

Spiders are outdoor pests; like other predators, they live in areas that offer easy access to their prey. Since spiders primarily feed on insects and other spiders, our yards provide them plenty of prey to keep their stomach full. In our yards, things like gardens, grass, trees, flowerbeds, yard debris, and trash cans are common hunting grounds for spiders.

Though spiders like to live outside, they are regularly found inside homes and other structures. They usually move inside following their insect prey; if food and suitable shelter are available, spiders will make themselves at home.

Spiders are usually only a problem for people when they move from their outside environments into our homes. Some of their most common entry points are openings under doors, openings around wires or pipes, and cracks in a home's exterior. Torn screens, vents, and chimneys are other places that provide a point of entry for spiders and their insect prey.

Inside our houses, spiders hang out in areas where their insect prey live and forage for food. Homeowners regularly notice spider activity in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics. Spiders like to hang out around windows and doors, light fixtures, the corners of rooms, and under furniture.

Use the following four tips to prevent spiders from taking over your property. 

1. Use caulk or foam to seal openings that develop in your home's exterior.
2. Turn off exterior lights when they are not needed – outside light attracts insects and, in turn, spiders to your home.
3. Cut back overgrown landscaping and tree branches away from your home's exterior. 
4. Spiders find cedar mulch unpleasant – use it in the gardens surrounding your home's perimeter. 

Partner with us today; we can work together to keep these eight-legged intruders away from your home.