In movies and television shows, spiders are often depicted as monstrous and dangerous creatures. Many people are very afraid of these eight-legged arachnids. However, spiders may be getting a bad rap. They can be useful cohabitants of our homes. To help you understand more about spiders below is some information on which spiders are common in homes, which could be dangerous and which spider control techniques are effective.

What Spiders Are Common in Ontario Homes?

As you likely know, there are many different species of spiders. In North America, there are around 4,000 species that can be found around humans. In Ontario, you can expect to see some of the following types of spiders:

• Common house spider
• Long-bodied cellar spider
• Sac spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Wolf spiders
• Barn funnel weaver
• Grass spider

These are some of the most common species and types of spiders to live in and around homes. You may find some other species in the garden, the garage or other exterior parts of the home. For the most part, these species are relatively small and pose no danger to humans.

Some spiders weave webs that catch flies and other insects. Other types of spiders, including wolf and jumping spiders, are hunters that look for and attack insects and other pests. Crab spiders, which may be found in the garden and on flowers, ambush unsuspecting insects that fly by.

Are Spiders Dangerous?

Despite what you may have seen in scary movies, spiders almost universally pose no threat to humans. There are only two species of spiders in North America that are considered significantly dangerous to humans, the brown recluse spider, and the black widow. Neither of the species is known to commonly live in Ontario.

A black widow spider has a black and shiny body with a telltale, red hourglass pattern on its pack. They are most likely to be found in undisturbed areas like woodpiles. Brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped marking on its brown thorax. They mostly live in warmer areas in attics and crawl spaces. Again, neither of these species typically live in Ontario.

In fact, there is only one species of spider that is native to Ontario that can be dangerous, the northern widow spider. This cousin of the black widow is very rare and shy. Although it can bite and harm humans, the bite is very unlikely to be fatal, especially with prompt medical attention.

What Do Spiders Do?

Although people are often very afraid of spiders, they may be more of our friends than our enemies. They hunt and kill insects, including potential disease carriers such as mosquitoes. Furthermore, they play an important role in the natural balance of pest populations. If you do any gardening, spiders in it may be keeping your flowers and other plants safe from pests.

Spiders lay eggs protected by a silk egg sac. Some spiders also use their silk to make webs to catch prey. While most spiders may be helpful in combating pest populations, it is understandable that many people do not want webs and numerous spiders around their homes.

Typically, spiders do not cause significant damage to homes. However, they certainly can make a mess. They also may worsen cracks and rotten areas that they use to get in and out of the house.

What Can Be Done About Spiders?

To eliminate a spider infestation, the most important method of reducing the population is to get rid of their prey. Spiders will naturally leave if they do not have a sufficient food source. Other strategies include preventative measures such as repairing possible entrances for spiders, sanitation and targeted chemical application.

Contact Truly Nolen Pest Control

At Truly Nolen Pest Control, we are experienced in handling all manner of pest infestation, including spiders. We will apply a multi-faceted spider control strategy to ensure your home is clear of any arachnids. Contact us today to learn more.