Spiders
What Types Of Spiders Are Most Common In Texas?
In Texas, the climate is favorable for many insects and spiders. Read on to learn more about the types of spiders we encounter most in our part of Texas.
Ground Spiders
Ground spiders make up a large group of spiders. Their appearance depends on their specific species. These spiders have the ability to produce silk through their barrel-shaped spinnetts. They do not create webs to trap their prey; instead, ground spiders aggressively “hunt” their prey chasing them along the ground.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are dull-colored and can be black, tan, brown, or gray. They usually have pale to white markings on their body and legs. Despite their dull coloring, the male’s body may glisten in the sunlight. They have a compact body and can grow to be between 1/8th and ¾ of an inch in length; they have 8 short, powerful legs that allow them to jump 25 times their own size.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are black or dark brown and may have cream, gray, or yellow-colored markings. They can grow to be between ¼ and 1 3/8th of an inch in length; the females are bigger than the males. Adults have a stout looking body that is covered in hair; and they have 8 long, spiny legs that give the power that they need to chase after prey. Their 8 eyes are uniquely placed in 3 rows - four small eyes on the bottom row, two large eyes in the middle row, and two medium eyes on the top row.
Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weaver spiders make up the most common group of spiders and are known for the spiral wheel-shaped webs that they create. Their appearance will depend on the specific species. The spinybacked orb weaver is a common species found in our area. Spinybacked orb weavers have a very crab-like appearance due to the red spines that protrude from the edge of the female’s abdomen. Adults grow to be between ¼ and ½ of an inch in length. Their yellowish abdomen has black spots on it, and their legs are black. Males are gray with black spots and do not have large spines like the female.
Crab Spiders
Crab spiders move in a very crab-like manner using their back legs to scuttle sideways. They also utilize their large crab-like front legs to grasp their prey. Crab spiders don’t use webs to catch their prey. Instead, they camouflage themselves to look like the environment, attacking any suitable prey that comes close to them.
Are Spiders Dangerous?
The spiders listed above are not considered to be dangerous; while they do have venom, it is very rare that it is strong enough to cause a problem in a person. Spiders, in general, are not aggressive towards people and want to avoid you just as much as you want to avoid them. A spider bite generally only occurs if they are being directly handled or if they are startled.
Where Am I Likely To Find Spiders?
Spiders living outside can be found hiding and living in woodpiles, gardens, tall grasses, dense landscaping, under piles of organic debris, and between rocks. They can also sometimes be found hiding in sheds, barns, and other outbuildings. Inside a home, they like to hide in dark, quiet areas like closets, bathrooms, cabinets, or under furniture, in basements, in attics, and in crawl spaces.
Does Modern Offer Spider Control?
Modern Pest Control provides pest control solutions for homes and businesses that include treatment for spiders. When you contact our company for your spider problem, we’ll start with a thorough inspection to determine what type of spider is infesting. Based on our findings, we will develop a plan of action that gets rid of spiders! Contact us today for more information about our spider control services in Greater Houston.
How Can I Prevent Spider Infestations?
Keeping spiders out can be tricky. They can enter through the small cracks and crevices in the foundation, around windows and doors, around utility entrances, and around air-conditioners; they can also be introduced inside on potted plants and other items brought inside from the outside. Listed below are some helpful tips to help you prevent spider infestations from occurring.
- Remove piles of debris from your property.
- Keep woodpiles off the ground and place them a distance away from the outside of your home.
- Place garden areas a distance from the outside of your home.
- Trim back trees and shrubs from the exterior of your home; keep your lawn trimmed short.
- Seal cracks in the foundation and caulk gaps around windows, doors, and air-conditioning units.
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Make sure that screens are intact.
- Keep outbuilding doors closed when they are not in use.
- Limit the places spiders have to hide by keeping storage areas inside your home as clutter-free and organized as possible.
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