Spider Biology Spiders are the most feared creature in the United States. An unfortunate truth, sustained in our society mainly because they are poorly understood. Spiders are actually very beneficial, and a crucial part of the fauna in nature, and play an important role. Though all but two families of spiders have poison glands, very few are considered particularly dangerous. When it comes to living with spiders, their presence is not appreciated by most property owners in most structures, and control is often requested.
Female Brown Recluse Spider – poisonous arachnid
Spiders belong in group of animals called Arthropods, which means “jointed Legs”. This group includes crustaceans (shrimp, etc.), Insects, as well as spiders and scorpions, among others. The more specific group that contains spiders and their kin is called the Order Arachnida, which includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites, daddy longlegs and some other creepy crawly cousins.
Distinctive features of spiders Spiders have two main body parts: The Cephalothorax (a combined head and thorax) Cephalothorax contains:
Feeding structures- spider mouthparts
Fangs-containing venom glands
Eyes- range from simple light receptors to eyesight that rivals human vision, depending on the species. Eye size, patterns, and arrangement are important in identification
4 pairs of legs- important in identification. Some spiders will even mimic other things such as insects, but they always have eight legs.
The Abdomen contains:
The heart, and digestive organs
Contains spinnerets, which are the organs through which silk is emitted for building webs.
Important organs that are part of spider anatomy include: Eyes- Most spiders have eight eyes in two rows of four, in a curved or straight formation. Chelicerae- mouthparts on the cephalothorax
Spider Behavior Spiders are predators. They eat everything from small insects, other spiders, to even FISH depending on the species. The one thing is common with virtually all spiders we encounter in structures is that they are predators, seeking prey.
Our Unique Approach To Spider Control & Removal Service
As with all pests, identification is key. Control will be determined first by proper identification, which will determine the type of control method.
Key points of our Spider Control and prevention plans include:
Identify areas that are resource sites for spiders. Such things as overgrowth in lawn and landscape, mulch and grass clippings piled against foundation, “junk piles” on exterior of home and on property and storage areas, and…. dark places, where spiders like to spend time.
Inspect and treat structure with emphasis on such hiding places as attic spaces, utility closets, wall and masonry voids, storage areas and the items in storage, items leaning against walls and any such items that create dark hiding places.
Focus on areas that provide food sources for spiders such as any area that is infested with such things as flies, silverfish, stored product pests, etc.
Inspecting and treating areas that are conducive to spider infestation, which can include the structure’s interior, exterior, attic area, crawl space, basement, and storage areas. Also the exterior of a property will be inspected and treated, and plays a role in infestation because of such things as outdoor lighting and landscape features on the perimeter of structures. Separate buildings can be infested, including everything from pool houses to storage sheds.
1. SPIDER SITE INSPECTION
Inspection and identification are two sides of the same coin in spider management. Inspection and treatment go hand in hand in our service. Our inspection for spiders always begins with an ID of spiders. Spider ID is not a simple task. It takes extensive knowledge of spider biology, anatomy, and habits. However, most spider problems that occur in structures involve just a few species. For the most part, the main spiders to be concerned with regarding envemonization are the Brown Recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, and the Black Widow spider, Latrodectus mactans. Both of these are common in Eastern Oklahoma, and we are very experienced in both identification and control measures.
2. Interior Spider Treatment
Spiders present an additional control challenge because they do not have chewing mouthparts, they do not groom themselves, and they walk on pinpoint legs, all of which equates to less exposure to traditional residual pest control materials. Specific products and formulations are chosen that increase the ability to control them, such as dust and microencapsulated products. You’ll be happy to know that this can be done with essentially no-odor products.
Every treatment is a prescription treatment for your particular structure and spider problem. Following the initial inspection and identification, some of the steps we will take for control could be:
Treatment of attic spaces and crawl spaces for both spiders, and the pests they feed on, such as silverfish.
Treatment of cracks, crevices, dark places, out-of-the-way places in the interior and basements where spiders spend time.
ULV application (fogging) with non-residual materials labeled for such areas as crawl spaces and attics, when needed.
Use of desiccant dusts and botanical-based spider control materials are often used.
3. Exterior SPIDER TREATMENT
Exterior sweeping/knock-down of webbing, as needed.
Residual pesticide application of the eaves, foundation and perimeter with the spider control materials chosen that will provide the most effective control for the identified spider(s).
4. SPIDER MONITORING
Glue boards are often used to monitor for spider activity in key areas such as utility closets and garages. This also serves as a monitor for the pests that the spiders use for food sources, giving some clues about additional control measures that may be in order. Attention is always paid to the exterior’s outdoor lighting, which can play a key role in attracting insects, and ultimately spiders.
Value
After your pest inspection, we’ll provide you with a quote that makes sense for your budget and unique needs.
Service
We’re not happy unless you are. So if you’re not satisfied with your most recent service, we’ll make it right.
Trust
We know you are putting a lot of trust in our hands. So we promise to treat you and your home with respect.
Depending on the spider species, they could migrate in from outdoors, especially during times of heavy rain, drought, and seasonal change. They can be brought in on almost any item, but especially stored items brought into the structure. Spiders can migrate from attics, crawl spaces, and basements, voids in the home, such as masonry, etc.
Always know that it is possible to transport spiders from other areas of the country and the world, which can lead to being bitten by non-native spiders that are poisonous.
The two spiders in our area that are of greatest concern are:
Brown Recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, a member of the Violin spiders in the family Loxoscelidae. The danger with the Brown Recluse is a type of bite, or envenomization that is cytotoxic, meaning the toxin breaks down tissues at the site of the bite. The result can be very serious, and suspected bites should be addressed by medical professionals. Brown Recluse spiders do not agressively bite humans, and bites are virtually always an unfortunate accidental contact with the spider. This can be anything from rolling over on them in bed, putting on an old pair of boots from the garage, reaching around an item in storage without observing what you’re grabbing, etc.
Black Widow spider, Latrodectus mactans, a member of the Comb-footed spiders in the family Theridiidae. The danger with this spider is being bitten, introducing a venom that is a neurotoxin. The bite known as “Latrodectism” is systemic in nature, and immediate medical attention should be taken in the event of a suspected bite.
A good rule of thumb when gardening, working in the garage, etc. is to wear long sleeves, gloves, and long pants. And to inspect and “shake out” shoes, boots, clothing etc. that have been in storage. They have even been found in such things as stored Christmas decorations. A good argument for sealed storage boxes!
The solution to your spider problem is to sign up for one of our pest control service plans, designed to both rid your structure of spiders, and prevent future infestations.
Pest Management materials are regulated products, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, as they are known by in our industry. All pest control materials used by Pest Medic Pest Control for pest control are EPA registered and labeled for such use. Some products we use are what are known as 25-B products, which are typically Botanically derives pest management materials, which are so low in relative toxicity to humans that they are exempted for EPA registration. Our policy is to use the products that are the most effective and the lowest relative toxicity to humans. You can feel comfortable with our service being rendered in your home, and feel that it’s safe for you, your loved ones, and your pets.
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Joel is excellent! He is very professional and friendly! Always fun to listen to his knowledge of bugs! He does a great job of getting rid of your pest problems!– Micah P. in Tulsa, OK
We’ve been using Joel for a couple of years now, and he is exactly what you are looking for in Pest control. Don’t hesitate to call him.– Chris S. in Tulsa, OK
Joel is amazing! Great value, kind, knowledgeable, and very professional. I would recommend him and his service to friends, family, and business associates.– Richard Z. in Tulsa, OK
