What Are Spiders?

Spiders are commonly found invading homes and businesses in the Tennessee area. And though there is quite a wide variety of different spiders, no matter the species, all spiders have two body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen), eight legs, and fangs called chelicerae.

Most spiders have eight eyes, though some species only have six. Depending on their species, spiders come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes; additionally, some spiders are hairy while others are smooth and shiny. Like insects, spiders are arthropods and have exoskeletons, meaning their skeleton is located on the outside of their body. Spiders are often divided into two different categories, depending on their hunting style - web-building spiders or hunting spiders. Hunting spiders do not build webs to catch their prey, but instead chase and hunt down their prey while web-building spiders create webs to catch their unsuspecting prey.

Are spiders dangerous?

Most species of spiders living in and around homes are considered nuisance spiders and are not viewed as dangerous. The venom injected from the bite of a nuisance spider isn't strong enough to cause health problems in people. However, there are a few species of dangerous spiders that can be found living throughout the United States, including in West Tennessee. These spiders are a threat to both people and their pets as their venom is strong enough to cause significant health problems in people. A bite from a venomous spider species such as the brown recluse spider or black widow spider will require medical intervention to treat the serious symptoms that their venom can cause.

Spiders are naturally reclusive and tend to stay away from people as much as possible. As a result, spider bites typically only occur when you make accidental contact with a spider or if you attempt to handle them directly, which can be dangerous and is never recommended.

Why do I have a spider problem?

If you are experiencing a spider problem in or around your home, it is most likely because your home environment is providing them with the conditions that they need to thrive. Spiders are attracted to properties that offer them plentiful places to create their webs and forage for food. The presence of gardens, woodpiles, heavy vegetation, and large populations of the insects they like to feed on can all attract spiders to a property. And once on your property, it is usually only a matter of time until they find their way inside!

Where are spiders commonly found?

Outside, spiders often create their webs or burrows in gardens, shrubs, bushes, overgrown vegetation, tall grasses, between rocks and stones, and in woodpiles. These environments provide them with safe shelter and access to plenty of insects for them to feed on. Spiders often find their way inside homes, garages, sheds, and other buildings accidentally while foraging for food. They may also intentionally enter homes in the late fall as they follow the insects that they feed on, which tend to move inside during the colder months to seek a warm, safe spot to overwinter in. Once inside, spiders prefer to hide out in dark, quiet places like in the corners of closets, in basements and attic areas, inside boxes, in clothing and shoes, under bedding and furniture, behind wall voids, in crawl spaces, in storage areas, underneath sinks, and in other unvisited areas.

How do I get rid of spiders?

The best way to deal with a spider problem is to partner with a quality pest control provider, like us at HTP Termite & Pest Control, Inc.! Here at HTP, we offer the responsive services needed to provide customized commercial and residential treatment programs for all our customers. Our experienced professionals utilize modern treatments as well as eco-friendly and EPA-registered products to solve spider problems. To learn more about our guaranteed pest control services and how they can protect your West Tennessee home or business from spiders, reach out to us today!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Preventing problems with spiders can be a difficult task, but there are several things you can do in and around your home to discourage their presence:

• Cut back tree branches and bushes that are touching the outside of your home.
• Move wood piles away from the foundation of your home.
• Trim back or remove overgrown vegetation from your property.
• Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
• Make sure that weather stripping is in place around all exterior windows and doors.
• Place door sweeps on all exterior doors or replace any that are damaged.
• Replace any torn window or door screens to keep spiders from getting in.

Areas We Serve

We get rid of spiders in the following areas: