spider exterminator

Look around your bedroom on any given day; there’s a fair chance you might see a spider. But even if you don’t, there are still probably several of them creeping around! Studies show that most, if not all, homes have spiders living inside. The good news is, they aren’t there to prey on you, although they are certainly predators. Spiders feed primarily on other insects, so the many small bugs that also typically inhabit your home are their true targets. Spiders are the apex predators of the insect world, at the top of their food chain. In some ways, that can even be beneficial for the homeowner because they will lessen the presence of those other pests.

But the problem with sharing your home with spiders is that not all are harmless to humans. Sometimes we get caught in the crosshairs of those not-so-harmless species, and a couple of them can be found in or around our homes.

The Dangerous Spiders Of Chicago And Hampton Roads

The Brown Recluse Spider is a fairly large, brownish spider with a special “birthmark.” It has a unique violin shape on its back. This predator does not spin a web. Instead, the brown recluse is a skilled hunter. It likes to hide in dark corners and stalk its victims. (Having six eyes and lightning-fast speed probably helps, too!) Its venom is potent and debilitating but rarely deadly to humans. A recluse bite is horrifically painful, however. It begins as a dull throb and turns into burning agony. It’s important to seek medical treatment because that venom also causes necrosis (death) of the surrounding tissue.

The Black Widow Spider, meanwhile, is truly the Queen of Darkness! It is the female, not the male, that is dangerous. She loves the dark and often hides in the nooks and crannies of your home that are not brightly lit. She’s shiny black, has a red hourglass marking on her abdomen, and can grow to 1.5” long. Unlike the recluse, the widow is an artful web spinner, where she captures prey. It’s not unusual to discover her hanging upside down from her web with her red hourglass on full display. Her venom is extremely potent but different from that of the recluse. It is a neurotoxin, meaning it causes pain at the bite site but also radiates to other parts of the body, like the chest and stomach. She rarely kills, but it can happen to pets, children, the elderly, and people with health issues. Just like with the recluse, you should seek medical attention quickly if bitten.

Other Household Spiders

Of course, most of the spiders you might encounter inside your home are not aggressive and are essentially harmless. The roster includes common house spiders (the most common home invader), cellar, sac, daddy longlegs, and more. The biggest you can find in Chicago, almost the size of your hand, are the orb weavers and the dark fishing spider.  While it is true that they all have varying amounts of venom, it won’t be enough to do any actual harm to you (unless you are allergic). You still don’t have to like them or want them in your home, and you probably don’t. And even a nonaggressive creature may bite when startled or threatened. Why would you take that chance?

The Professional Pest Control Help That Every Homeowner Needs

If you have spiders hanging around your home or have spotted either of the two dangerous ones detailed above, don’t let them jeopardize the sanctity of your home. Instead, be proactive and call in Tonys Pest Killers, the area’s leading pest control specialist! We provide the comprehensive pest control solutions that every homeowner needs, and we can help with those spiders, too. Contact us today!