Spiders are one of those creepy, crawly pests that nobody wants to see in their house. It’s a common fear among many people, and some even take it to the next level and experience an extreme fear of spiders known as arachnophobia. You’ll be glad to know that in most cases, that fear is completely unwarranted. In fact, spiders are just as afraid of you as you are of them, maybe even more.
But one thing everyone in Portsmouth can agree on is that nobody wants them in their home. It also seems like no matter how hard you try, they keep showing up. Contacting your local Portsmouth pest control company is one of the best ways to keep spiders away. Freedom Pest Control is a family-owned business that uses innovative treatment methods with guaranteed results. If you are having spider issues in your home, give us a call.
What Kind Of Spiders Might I Encounter In Portsmouth?
There are over 30 species of spider that call New Hampshire home. A majority of those live outdoors and have no inclination to become your housemates. But there are a few types of spiders that you are likely to encounter in your home. The common house spider, cellar spider, jumping spider, and wolf spider are the four most common.
- Common house spider: These spiders vary in color but are usually yellowish-brown with darker angled markings. The female is approximately 3/16 to 5/16 of an inch long, and the males are about half that size. Their tangled webs are typically found in the upper corners of closets, basements, or garages.
- Cellar spider: As their name implies, these spiders are most likely seen in dark places like basements and cellars. Their coloring can range from pale yellow to light brown. Females range in length from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch, with long skinny legs that can be 1 1/2 inch or longer, and males are much smaller.
- Jumping spider: You might guess where their name came from. They can jump heights of up to 20 times their size, which is 1/8 to ¾ of an inch long. You’ll find them hiding in the cracks of floors, window and door moldings, or curtain pleats. They are dark brown to black with pale markings.
- Wolf spider: These spiders look as frightening as they sound. Their bodies are hairy and can be from 3/8 to 1 3/8 inches long. They are dark brown with light markings or stripes and typically stay around floor level, under furniture, or in corners.
If these common spiders are found in your home and tended to in a timely manner, an infestation is not likely to occur. But if they go unnoticed, they will multiply in numbers and become quite a nuisance.
Are Most House Spiders Dangerous?
The spiders listed above are not considered dangerous spiders and are relatively harmless, as are most spiders you’ll encounter. All but a few spider species do have venom, but the vast majority of them are not potent enough to cause any harm. Although rare, there are a couple of venomous spiders that can be a health risk.
There are black widows and brown recluses present in Portsmouth, but they are infrequently seen. The black widow can be easily identified by the red hourglass on the underside of its black abdomen. Brown recluse spiders are light to dark brown and usually have a violin-shaped marking on their back. Their bites will most often just inflict a painful red welt. But if more serious symptoms begin to appear, seek medical attention right away.
Five Ways To Deter Spiders In Portsmouth
The major key to keeping spiders away is controlling their source of food: insects. The best way to do that is to practice good housekeeping and eliminate any entryways for insects into your home.
- Your kitchen is a good starting place. Be diligent in keeping food pantries, countertops, and kitchen floors clean and free of spills and crumbs.
- Don’t leave pet dishes full of food for extended periods of time.
- Close all windows and doors completely, and seal any small holes or cracks through which insects can enter.
- Use cleaning products that have citrus or vinegar as an additive.
- The use of essential oils like lavender and citronella has proven somewhat successful at deterring spiders and other insects.
These and other similar measures are great at cutting down the number of insects in your house, which in turn will reduce the spider population. But these are never a guarantee to make your home completely spider-free.
Total Spider Control For Your Home Or Business
For total spider control, your best bet is to contact Freedom Pest Control. We have more than 25 years of experience in pest control and have proven control solutions that can put your mind at ease. We have scientifically designed and environmentally safe treatment and prevention plans that are affordable and effective.