Keep an Eye Out for Spiders This Fall

Everyone deals with spiders in their home from time to time. However, more people report spiders in their home in the late summer and early fall than any time of year. Especially here in New Mexico, we are used to spiders being pests all year long. But after hatching in the spring, spider populations are at their largest in August and September. This leads to more sightings in homes as spiders come inside in search of food, water, and shelter. For the most part, spiders in your property are harmless and will avoid you. The black widow and brown recluse, however, are more aggressive and can bite when they feel threatened. For this reason, it’s important to know how to identify them in order to avoid them!

Black Widows and Brown Recluse Spiders

Both of these spiders are known for their bite. It’s important to remember that they are only aggressive when they feel threatened! The black widow has an easily identifiable red hourglass shape on its abdomen. They build webs under wood piles, fences, and eaves. If you are bitten, you may experience slight swelling and faint red marks.

The brown recluse has a darker brown violin-shaped mark on their bodies and they build dome-shaped webs for shelter. If they are handled or threatened, they may bite. Bites usually heal on their own, but people may experience more severe symptoms and pain. If you are experiencing symptoms from a spider bite, it’s important to always consult a medical professional.

5 Ways to Prevent Fall Spiders

Dangerous or not, no one wants spiders of any kind invading their property any time of the year. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to make your property less attractive to these creepy crawlers:

1. Maintain a tidy yard and lawn. Overgrown bushes, shrubs, piles of wood, and more can attract spiders to your property and eventually indoors.
2. Regularly clean your home. Doing so can prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.
3. Seal cracks and crevices. Inspect the inside and outside of your property for tiny spots that may be inviting spiders in, and seal properly.
4. Install or repair screens on doors and windows. Tight-fitting screens are the key to keeping insects, spiders included, out.
5. Inspect boxes and used furniture prior to bringing them inside. Adult spiders or their egg sacs could be hiding inside.

Dangerous Spiders in Santa Fe NM

Here in New Mexico, we are accustomed to spiders. However, no one wants them in your home. Whether you’re noticing spiders on a daily basis or have spotted one of the more dangerous types of spiders, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional spider exterminator. New Mexico Pest Control can help!