Spiders belong to the phylum Arthropoda, the scientific order Araneae, and the class Arachnida. They are eight-legged invertebrates with two distinct parts to their bodies: the cephalothorax (head and thorax) and abdomen. They typically have three to four sets of eyes on their heads and range in body length from 0.02 to 3.5 inches. Most are smaller than an inch.
While they are mostly harmless and control populations of other pests, spider egg sacs can contain hundreds of offspring. What starts as a small problem can quickly turn into a widespread recurring infestation, requiring professional spider control.
Wolf spiders do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they tend to roam lawns and gardens, but can wander indoors.
The most common spiders in the United States, brown recluse spiders, are mostly harmless, but they can bite.
Yellow sac spiders are often the source of many indoor spider bites and are known to seek out warmth and shelter in homes.
With its beetle-black body and bright red markings, the black widow spider is one of the most recognizable spider species.
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Most spiders prefer dark, damp places like basements, garages, or outdoor piles of wood and brush. Check the high-up corners, building eaves, and secluded crevices for activity, as spiders enjoy such environments. Spiders build webs around insect thoroughfares, where they’re most likely to catch prey. You might see cobwebs around door frames, window wells, baseboards, storage containers, and vent systems. One exception is the wolf spider, a ground-dwelling hunter that uses natural cover for protection.
Spiders are carnivorous and mostly only eat living or very recently killed prey. Their usual food source is insects. All spiders have spinneret glands and the ability to create webbing, but not all spiders build webs. Most species hunt by catching prey in their webs, but some use their venom and natural agility to hunt instead.
Specific reproductive and life cycle details depend largely on the species. Once fertilized, many females can lay up to 3,000 eggs in one or more silken egg sacs during a single reproductive cycle. Newly hatched spiders, or “spiderlings,” look like smaller versions of the adult spider.
Most mother spiders personally care for their brood after birth until their children are fully grown. Spiderlings remain on their home webs and even occasionally latch onto the mother for protection and guidance. When spiderlings are fully grown, they leave the web to seek mates or build webs of their own. Most adult spiders can live for a year or longer.
While most spiders build webs in secluded, shaded areas like cracks, corners, and door frames to monitor for prey, others seek shelter nearby. Although web styles vary by species, they often accumulate in clumps on the floors of basements, crawl spaces, or warehouses if dislodged. Spiders prefer undisturbed environments, making these out-of-the-way spots prime locations.
However, some species deviate from this behavior:
Spiders are not poisonous; they’re venomous, meaning they inject toxins directly into the bloodstream. The only native venomous spider in the New York area is the sac spider. Sac spiders are only moderately venomous with a necrotic venom that can cause painful sores. A spider bite rarely requires medical attention, and it’s not usually life-threatening. However, they can still cause a significant workplace safety concern among employees.
The nocturnal orb-weaving spider is mildly venomous but isn’t considered a threat to humans. The two relatively common spider species that could pose a serious risk to human health are the black widow and the brown recluse spider. Neither is native to New York or the wider Tri-State Area, but both have been spotted, most likely hitching rides in cargo from a warmer climate.
Both spiders have highly venomous bites. Many people confuse sac spiders with brown recluses. If you think you see a black widow or brown recluse, contact Assured Environments right away.
The most effective way to keep spiders out is to ensure all outdoor cracks are properly sealed. Store-bought solutions, like spider traps, have limited results, while pest exclusion is a powerful tool against any infestation.
Remove vegetation from the perimeter of the site, and ensure cleaning teams keep the interiors of commercial properties well-maintained. This makes it harder for spiders to get inside or find food nearby. The tougher you make it for them to settle in, the less likely they are to stay.
Signs of a Spider Infestation
The average lifespan of most spiders is about one year, though some have been known to live over forty years. The typical spider life cycle is: hatch in spring, become adults in summer, lay eggs in fall, die in winter. If a spider finds its way inside before winter, it may live another year or two.
Spiders primarily eat insects. They seek dark, warm hunting grounds where they won’t be disturbed. When the weather turns cold, they’re more likely to be attracted to your warm home.
They can be either. Poisonous means that they are harmful if you ingest them. Venomous means that their bite is toxic.
If your bite is red and painful or if you experience cramping, nausea, vomiting, or tremors, you should see your physician. Untreated spider bites with severe symptoms can be life-threatening. Follow the Mayo Clinic’s guidelines.
Most importantly, keep the bite clean. Use a cold compress or aloe vera to soothe the affected area. If you experience inflammation or itchiness, an antihistamine can help.
Similarly to humans. Keep the bite clean and use a compress or aloe vera to soothe inflammation. If your dog exhibits odd behavior or shows severe symptoms, schedule a vet visit immediately.