Spiders are everywhere, even if you can’t see them. The eight-legged arachnids can live in almost any environment or climate. You may come across one of these creatures in your home or out in the wild at some point. After all, the US National Library of Medicine reports that there are over 40,000 different types of spiders in the world. Although spiders are generally afraid of humans, they will bite if they feel threatened.
The severity of your bite wound depends on the type of spider that bit you. Some spider bites are safe, while others are not. If you have been bitten by a poisonous spider, such as a brown recluse spider or the infamous black widow spider, you will most likely know right away. The bite and surrounding area will be painful and will get worse over time.
Here are the signs of a spider bite
You have pain near the bite
This is one of the most common symptoms of a poisonous spider bite.
Pain from a black widow spider bite usually appears 60 minutes after the bite. According to the Mayo Clinic, pain can radiate from the wound to your abdomen, back, or chest. A brown recluse spider bite causes pain as well, but it is a gradual process that takes about eight hours to rear its horns. However, not all pain is harmful. A wolf spider bite is painful but not toxic.
According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also provide relief. Before treating the wound, consult your doctor.
You can’t stop itching a certain area of your body
Tarantulas may appear frightening, but hairy spiders are not poisonous. According to US News & World Report, tarantula bites can cause an allergic reaction. The bite and surrounding area may become itchy as a result. This is a typical symptom of a spider bite.
You develop a blister
Most spider bites in the United States do not result in blisters, but brown recluse spiders do. Clean the blister and surrounding area with warm water and mild soap to treat the infection. Utilize an antibiotic cream. This will aid in the fight against infection. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice the blister and the surrounding area turning blue, purple, or black.
Your muscles feel achy and are cramping
According to MedBroadcast, if you have been bitten by a poisonous spider, such as the black widow spider, you may experience muscle spasms and cramps. The venom can also cause muscle pain. This usually starts in the bite area and lasts 30 to 60 minutes after the bite.
You feel hot or have the chills
If you don’t treat a spider bite right away, it can cause a fever or chills. A rise in body temperature may indicate that you have been bitten by a poisonous spider. According to Healthline, spider venom can destroy tissue in the area of the bite and cause your body to raise a fever. Chills occur when the body begins to combat an infection.
These are just a few of the signs of a spider bite. Fall is spider season, so protect your home and family by giving Official Pest Prevention a call today and let us ensure your home is spider-free this season.
How to Avoid Getting Spiders in Your Home
Spiders are a common sight in homes across California, especially during the fall months when cooler temperatures drive them indoors in search of warmth and food. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial (as they prey on other pests), many people would prefer not to share their living spaces with these eight-legged arachnids. In some cases, dangerous species like black widows or brown recluse spiders can pose serious health risks if they bite.
Preventing spiders from entering your home is easier than dealing with them once they’ve settled in. Below, we’ll explore practical tips for keeping spiders out and maintaining a spider-free home.
Why Do Spiders Enter Your Home?
Spiders come indoors for the same reasons most pests do: food, water, and shelter. Here are some specific factors that attract spiders to your home:
- Abundant Insects: Spiders are predators and will gravitate to homes with a high population of other pests like flies, ants, or moths.
- Clutter and Hiding Spots: Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, attics, and closets.
- Open Entry Points: Cracks, gaps, and unsealed windows or doors provide easy access for spiders to enter your home.
- Seasonal Shifts: During colder months, spiders seek the warmth and safety of indoor spaces.
Understanding these factors will help you take the right steps to prevent spiders from becoming unwelcome houseguests.
Effective Ways to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home
Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Spiders can enter your home through tiny openings in walls, doors, windows, and foundations. To keep them out:
- Inspect your home for cracks and gaps and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
- Repair or replace torn window and door screens.
- Install door sweeps to block gaps beneath exterior doors.
Declutter Your Home
Spiders love to hide in cluttered spaces where they can build webs undisturbed. Reduce their hiding spots by:
- Removing piles of boxes, newspapers, and unused items from basements, closets, and garages.
- Keeping storage areas tidy and using plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes.
- Regularly vacuuming under furniture, in corners, and along baseboards.
Turn Off Outdoor Lights
Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. To minimize this problem:
- Use motion-activated or yellow “bug” lights that are less appealing to insects.
- Turn off porch lights and other outdoor lights when they’re not needed.
- Close curtains or blinds at night to prevent indoor lights from drawing bugs to windows.
Keep Your Home Clean
A clean home is less appealing to both spiders and their prey. Regular cleaning reduces the chances of spiders settling in:
- Sweep and vacuum floors regularly, especially in corners and under furniture.
- Wipe down countertops and dining tables to eliminate crumbs and food particles.
- Empty trash bins frequently and keep them covered with tight-fitting lids.
Eliminate Other Pests
Since spiders feed on insects, controlling other pests in your home will make it less attractive to them. To do this:
- Use pest control methods to eliminate common pests like ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
- Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills immediately.
- Repair leaky pipes and faucets to reduce moisture, which can attract pests.
Use Natural Spider Repellents
Certain scents and substances are known to repel spiders. You can use these natural remedies to deter them:
- Peppermint Oil: Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water and spray it around windows, doors, and corners.
- Citrus: Spiders dislike the smell of citrus. Rub lemon or orange peels along windowsills or use citrus-scented cleaners.
- Vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where spiders are likely to enter.
- Cedar: Place cedar chips or blocks in closets, storage areas, and attics to repel spiders.
Maintain Your Yard
Your yard can be a gateway for spiders to enter your home. To prevent this:
- Keep grass trimmed and remove weeds, which can harbor spiders.
- Clear away debris like woodpiles, rocks, and leaves near your home’s foundation.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs that are close to windows and doors.
Install Spider Traps
Glue traps designed for spiders can help monitor and reduce their population. Place these traps in high-activity areas such as basements, attics, and behind furniture. Check the traps regularly and replace them as needed.
Keep Windows and Doors Closed
When the weather is nice, it’s tempting to leave windows and doors open, but this invites spiders and other pests inside. If you must open windows, ensure they have intact screens to block entry.
Call a Professional Pest Control Service
If you’re dealing with a persistent spider problem or want to ensure your home stays spider-free, professional pest control is your best option. Experts can identify and eliminate spider habitats while addressing the underlying pest issues that attract them.
At Official Pest Prevention, we provide specialized treatments for spider prevention and removal, tailored to the unique pest challenges in California homes.
Why Spider Prevention Matters
While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial outdoors, having them indoors can be a source of fear and discomfort for many homeowners. Certain spider species, such as black widows and brown recluse spiders, pose a real danger due to their venomous bites. By taking proactive steps to prevent spiders, you can:
- Reduce the risk of spider bites.
- Avoid encountering webs and egg sacs inside your home.
- Create a more comfortable and pest-free living environment.
Let Official Pest Prevention Help You Keep Spiders Out
Spiders can be tricky to keep out of your home, but with the right prevention methods and professional help, you can enjoy a spider-free space. At Official Pest Prevention, we’re experts in spider prevention and removal, offering customized solutions to protect your home and family.
Don’t wait for spider season to get worse. Contact Official Pest Prevention today for a free inspection and let us help you take control of your home!
