Whether you fear them or find them fascinating, spiders are common in Ohio and you’re likely to encounter them fairly frequently. In fact, Ohio is home to a whopping 624 types of spiders and some species prefer to live close to humans. Spiders often get a bad rap and people fear spider bites. Fortunately, the majority of Ohio’s spiders are harmless creatures that are actually beneficial to have around. It’s a good idea to get to know your arachnid neighbors so you can keep your family safe and the spider population under control.
What Is a Spider?
Many people refer to spiders as insects. Although they do share some common features and behaviors, spiders are not insects at all. They belong to a class of animals called arachnids which includes animals like crabs, scorpions, lobsters, and shrimp. Arachnids are easily identified by a few unique characteristics including:
- Spiders and other arachnids have a hard exoskeleton that projects their body.
- Arachnids have 8 segmented, jointed legs. Insects only have 6 legs.
- Spiders have bodies with 2 segments while insects have 3 body segments.
- Arachnids do not grow wings and cannot fly like most insects.
- Spiders are carnivorous hunters while most insects are herbivores.
- All spiders are capable of spinning silk for webs or to protect their eggs.
- Spiders have fangs that can be used for hunting or for defense.
The Most Common Spiders in Ohio
Although there are hundreds of types of spiders in Ohio, you’ll likely only encounter a few of them in your home or yard. Most spiders are extremely beneficial to have around because they hunt or trap harmful pests like flies and cockroaches The most common spiders found in Ohio include:
- Wolf spiders
- Cellar spiders
- Crab spiders
- Jumping spiders
- Grass spiders
- Garden spiders
Are There Poisonous Spiders in Ohio?
While the majority of the spider species found in Ohio are non-venomous, there are a couple species that you could encounter that are not harmless. In Ohio, black widows and the recluse spiders are considered dangerous to humans. Even these potentially dangerous spiders aren’t all bad. They’re skilled bug hunters that aren’t generally aggressive unless defending themselves.
When Are Spiders Considered Pests?
It’s perfectly natural or spiders to weave webs in and around homes and other manmade structures. After all, the environment is perfect for the insects they prey upon. These eight-legged hunters love dark corners of unused spaces where they can hunt in peace. A spider infestation is unsettling, and may even put your family at risk. If spiders are overtaking your home, it’s time to take action.
How to Prevent a Spider Infestation
One of the best ways to deal with spiders in your home is to make it as uninviting as possible. As noted before, spiders like forgotten about, dusty corners and dark spots where they can hide such as a basement, attic, or unopened shed. The more clutter there is, the more at home the spiders feel. Practice good housekeeping, discard old boxes, eliminate clutter, and let the sunshine in to help keep spiders away. Still seeing more spiders than you’re comfortable with? It’s time to take additional actions.
How to Get a Spider Infestation Under Control
One of the fastest, easiest ways to get rid of a nuisance spider or two is to simply vacuum them up. However, you need to quickly empty the vacuum cleaner cup or bag well away from your home. Otherwise, the spider may escape and move back in. Be careful, however, with any pesticides or other over-the-counter treatments. Although labeled as safe and effective, chemical treatments for spiders can be harmful to people and pets. .
Schedule Professional Pest Control in Ohio
If spiders are causing concern for you and your family, contact us At Lu-Crest Pest Control we have solutions for a wide variety of pests, including all of Ohio’s spider species We specialize in pest control treatments that are safe and effective both indoors and outdoors. We accept new pest control clients for residential and commercial properties throughout Ohio. Book an appointment today and we’ll perform a pest inspection to identify the type of pest and severity o the infestation. Then, we’ll develop a custom pest control plan that suits your needs. .
