It’s kind of funny that my husband, the pest control expert, is afraid of spiders. But that’s what led him to his profession! When people hear about his fear they sometimes ask how he continues to do his job. Kevin’s answer: “Spiders are not a problem because I kill them!”
Many people are afraid of some type of animal, but spiders and snakes are the undisputed leaders. Given the number of folks who don’t like spiders, I think it’s interesting they are the only organism found in every residence*! With so many people afraid of them, something has to give!
In Oklahoma, few spiders compare to the infamous brown recluse. Most people know them as the spider with the “fiddle on the back.” Some even call them “fiddleback spiders.” Brown recluse spiders crawl out of their winter homes in April and May, and return to seclusion around October. They typically live three to five years…much longer than the average house spider, which has a lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
When you discover a spider infestation we recommend this plan to remove them:
First, clear all spaces of clutter. Spiders thrive in crowded places like attics, garages, and basements. Outside they like to live next to the main building. Move outside items off the ground and away from your house. When you eliminate their “staging area” you make it harder for spiders to find a way inside.
Identification is the next step. It’s a good idea for a pest control professional to look at your home. We know where to look and what to look for. We use both visual inspection and sticky traps to see what kinds of spiders are in your home.
Finally, all spider webs should be removed. Professionals are able to get to webs you can’t reach, and find webs you may not have noticed. By removing all webbing we can see if any new activity has occurred when we return.
Of course every situation is different. At KC Pest Control we choose procedures based on many factors such as the type, age, and condition of the structure…the extent of the infestation…and places spiders are or might be living.
Some customers cancel pest management services as the spider population becomes less visible. It’s important to continue monitoring to keep populations in check…especially when brown recluse spiders are present.
Whether you see them or not, spiders ARE lurking in your home. To protect your family from potential harm like brown recluse spider bites, preventative action is your best choice. If you need the help of an expert, please give KC Pest Control a call at 405-679-8729. We are always happy to assess your spider problem and treat your infestation!
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(Hite et al. 1966, Horner and Stewart 1967)
