What is a spider?

Spiders are invertebrate anthropods that are part of the Araneae order and the class Arachnids. There are about 40,000 types of spiders known worldwide. Their shape, size, and color are very varied.

Spiders create silk from spinneret glands in their abdomen. This silk is very strong and they mainly use it to create webs to catch their prey (usually insects) and to move around.

Like all spiders, the species that make homes in our houses have eight legs. Their body is divided into two parts: the cephalothorax (welded head and thorax) and the abdomen. They never have wings.

Spiders in Quebec: little risk of bite!

There are nearly 700 different species of spiders in Quebec. However, only the Cheiracanthium Mildei, a small greenish or yellowish spider, can cause a bite that triggers a cutaneous reaction in humans. If you have bites or skin reactions, they are more likely to have been caused by bed bugs, ticks or fleas.

Development and Behaviours

Female spiders usually lay their eggs in a bag woven with silk threads. They deposit the bag in a sheltered place or keep it with them. They hibernate, no matter what stage they are at in their life cycle. 

The eggs usually hatch a few weeks after they are laid. The young who hatch already look like adults. They do not undergo metamorphosis but will molt a few times before reaching their adult size. While most spiders come from the outside, a few species tend to make their homes inside our houses. 

They feed on insects that they hunt or that they capture in their webs. They also have silk-producing organs that spin webs used to build nests, capture prey or build cocoons that protect the eggs. Spiders may have up to eight eyes, but, interestingly enough, most of them are myopic. Most spiders are nocturnal and timid, and they prefer fleeing to confrontation.

Where do spiders hide in your house?

Spiders like dark, dirty and crowded places, they like to find good spots to hide. Some spiders are attracted to moisture and are usually found in kitchens, bathrooms and wet basements. Other spiders prefer drier environments so they can be found in the garage, the air vents, the upper corners of the rooms, etc. Spiders like to hide in vegetation or under rocks, heaps of wood, etc., but when it gets cold, they may try to move inside your house. 

Here are the most common places where you could find spiders in your home:

• In the corners near your ceiling: This is the most common place where spiders are found in a house. It's not really a hiding place, but they tend to spend a lot of time in the corners so they can spot their prey more easily. If you're not proactive and do not vacuum your ceilings, spiders could lay eggs and cause an infestation.
• In your plants: If you have a lot of vegetation inside your house, there is a good chance that you will face spiders in a regular way
• Under your furniture: Spiders love dark places where no one can see them. Be sure to vacuum regularly and clean the surfaces under your furniture.
• Inside your closets: Most spiders prefer black so they can often be hidden in your closet.
• In your clutter: If you have a lot of clutter in your house, such as stacks of books, etc., it is recommended that you put your things in order in boxes to get rid of spiders.
• In the garage: Your garage is likely to be invaded by spiders. Make sure to check it regularly and seal all entry points.

Prevention

Here are some practical tips to prevent the appearance of spiders:

• It is recommended, both before and after treatment, to limit outdoor lighting in the evening to the essentials and not to direct it towards the doors or windows. The light attracts insects which, in turn, attract spiders.
• In order to prevent the appearance of spiders, you should regularly clean the dusty places behind your furniture.
• Install mosquito nets to prevent insects and spiders from entering when you leave the doors open
• Outside, be sure to regularly check the upper part of the walls of the house as well as the plants and shrubs. An infestation could destroy your plants.

Recommendations

Spiders are very adept at finding the best hiding spots in and around your home. To prevent them from moving into your home and causing an infestation, it is recommended that you act proactively to control spiders:

• Using a broom or vacuum, frequently clean baseboards and corners of rooms to remove food debris.
• Outside, yellow light bulbs attract fewer insects and, as a result, fewer spiders near the house.

If you notice an infestation inside or outside your home or if you are afraid of being alone with spiders, contact us to determine if a spider population control program is needed.

Our Certified Exterminators are trained in the use of safe and effective methods and products to get rid of these unwanted beings.