If there’s one pest in Savannah, GA, that has a bad reputation, it’s the spider. A lot of people are scared of these eight-legged arachnids, and even those who aren’t terrified find them to be off-putting. One of the main reasons people are afraid of spiders is because they assume spiders are aggressive and dangerous. However, the truth is that most spiders we encounter in our homes are harmless.
In fact, there are only two spider species in the United States that are considered medically dangerous to humans, so the vast majority of spiders you see aren’t going to hurt you. However, they are still an unwelcome sight, and they can still bite. All spiders have fangs and venom that they use to attack and eat their prey, but most just don’t have potent enough venom to harm people or pests.
Despite not being as bad as they look, it’s still important to know how to identify spider species, especially how to tell apart the dangerous ones from the harmless ones.
Common Spiders In Savannah
While each spider on this list looks different and has unique characteristics, they all have one thing in common when it comes to why they get inside homes. Spiders, unlike many other pests, come inside in search of their prey while on the hunt. So having underlying pest problems is the main reason you’re dealing with spiders.
Two of the most common harmless species in the area are wolf spiders and house spiders. Wolf spiders have stout bodies and hairy legs, and while they look formidable, they aren’t dangerous. They have brown, black, and grey coloration. House spiders are a yellowish-brown color with striped markings and thin legs.
On the other hand, black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders are the two spiders that do have potent enough venom to harm humans. Black widow spiders are easy to identify because of their jet-black color and red hourglass marking on their underbellies. Brown recluse spiders, however, are often mistaken for other species. You can identify them by their tan to brown coloration and the lack of markings on their legs.
Five Effective Spider Prevention Tips
Because spiders get indoors while hunting their prey, the overall best approach to preventing them is to address the factors that lead to general pest problems. Here are some steps you should take:
1. Keep smaller pests out by covering all trash cans with lids and taking out the trash often.
2. Remove clutter from around your home and your yard to prevent spiders and other pests.
3. Clean away old webs from inside as well as around the property.
4. Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home in a dry area. Black widow spiders often live in woodpiles. Make sure to keep firewood stacked neatly.
5. Keep kitchen areas free of food and drink spills, and clean regularly to prevent pests like ants and other small insects.
The Most Effective Way To Keep Spiders Out
If you’ve noticed more spiders around your Savannah home, the best way to remove them and prevent future infestations is through ongoing residential pest control. By addressing underlying pest problems, Prestige Pest Control will ensure that your home is spider- and pest-free.
Contact us today to learn more or to request your free quote.