Biology and Life Habits
Spiders are found throughout Canada and the majority of them are harmless. Many of the spiders we see outdoors are very beneficial to you, as they feed on a number of other insects thereby reducing the number of pests that may enter your home.
Due to the movement of commodities from southern warmer climates, the number of exotic spiders species now seen in Canada have included such species as the Black Widow spider and the Brown Recluse spider. Both of these can be fatal to an elderly or young person. The twelve different species normally found in our homes are relatively harmless.
Spiders can be found indoors year round while outdoors the adults die in the winter. In the fall the female spins a silken egg sac, which holds 250 eggs and these will hatch in the spring.
Questions and Answers
Q. Can weather conditions affect the size of a spider infestation?
A. Because spiders trap and eat other insects, ideal conditions for a spider infestation exist when their food is readily available.
Q. What can I do to prevent an infestation of spiders?
A. Good housekeeping, including sweeping and vacuuming basement or other unused areas of the home, as well as, removing wood piles and high grasses away from the home will limit spider activity. However, since they feed on other insects, it is necessary to remove their source of food to ensure proper control.
Q. Are spiders dangerous?
A. The presence of spiders and their webs are considered a nuisance. Exceptions to this rule are the poisonous species, of which two are the most dangerous – the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Bites from any spider should receive immediate medical attention.
Q. Do all spiders build webs?
A. No. Many varieties of spiders do spin webs for catching their prey, but an equal number are ground dwelling.
Q. When are spiders most common?
A. Spiders are found year-round, but are more prevalent during warmer months when their prey is readily available. In cold months spider activity drops off dramatically due to the lack of food. However, if the home has an infestation of another insect pest, spider activity will continue. Outside, the adult spider will die in cold months, but the young will over winter in a dormant state.
Q. When am I most likely to see spiders?
A. Spiders are generally shy and more likely to be found in lesser used areas of the home and property, such as basements, crawl spaces, closets, wood piles and under debris.
Preparation for a Spider Treatment
1. The Reliable technician will treat the attic with an aerosol insecticide, as well as corners of the rooms throughout the house.
2. A crack and crevice treatment will be applied inside and outside the home to likely harborage areas, i.e., under porches, in windowsills, and around eaves.
3. Vacate the premises during the service and do not re-enter until at least 4 hours after treatment. Open windows for 20 minutes after re-enter if possible.
4. Ensure all pets are removed from the property for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Remove all children’s toys from around the exterior walls of the home.