Of all household pests, spiders are perhaps the most dreaded. Virginia is home to 57 different species of spiders, some of which are poisonous.

Do you know how to control an infestation? Does spraying for spiders really work?

It’s crucial to know how to identify a spider infestation and how to control it. This article will explain the key things you need to know about controlling pests in your Virginia home.

Spiders in Maryland and Virginia

Among the 57 species of spider in Virginia are a few poisonous pests. Be on the lookout for these potential houseguests.

Brown Recluse Spider

The Brown Recluse spider is about the size of a penny and flocks to cramped, dark spaces like closets, garages, and attics. While Brown Recluses are not aggressive, they may bite if they feel cornered.

Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are large arachnids that typically dwell in grassy areas but may make their way inside during colder months. They can be identified by their hairy body and grey and brown markings.

They eat other bugs, which could be a sign of a bigger problem, and hide in protected areas such as basements or under floorboards.

Southern Black Widow

Southern Black Widows are easily identified by the red hourglass on the underside of their torso. They typically create nests in dark corners or cluttered areas.

Virginia is also home to a type of Widow spider called the False Widow. The False Widow is a non-aggressive species differentiated from Black Widows by their lack of an hourglass on the torso.

Controlling a Spider Infestation

Finding webs, multiple spiders, or egg sacks, could be a sign of an infestation. To get a spider-free home, you should know what treatments are and are not effective.

Spraying for Spiders

Spraying for spiders using store-bought chemical sprays is not a very effective treatment. Spraying insecticide on a surface means only the spider’s feet will pick up the chemicals. Their torsos are too high off the ground to be affected by the chemicals, making it a potentially ineffective treatment.

The chemicals in these sprays are also potentially dangerous to your pets and harmful to the environment.

Glue Traps

Glue traps are a more effective treatment for dealing with a spider infestation. Putting glue traps down near nests or areas you suspect spiders are hiding could help point you to where they are coming in while controlling the current population.

Perimeter Treatments

If you don’t know where the spiders are or how they came into your home, your best bet may be hiring a professional to do a perimeter treatment. A perimeter treatment involves stopping pests from coming into your home in the first place.

By putting down a pest-control product around the outside of your home, you can focus on eliminating the problem in your home as well.

Bugs Be Gone

Spiders don’t make the best roommates. If you have a potential infestation on your hand, simply spraying for spiders yourself may not be enough. It’s time to call the experts.

Contact us today for an eco-friendly pest control solution in Maryland and Virginia.