Spider Identification

All spiders have eight legs, two body parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), and no antennae. They have fang-like mouthparts called "chelicerae.” They use their “fangs” to inject venom into their prey to subdue them. Spiders don't have chewing mouthparts. Instead, they use digestive enzymes in their saliva to break down their food before eating it.

Four of the most common spider species found in Saint Clair County, Michigan, are black widow, brown recluse, house, and wolf spiders.

Black widow spiders Black widow spiders are usually identified by an orangish-red "hourglass" mark on the underside of their abdomen. They also have light red or white markings on their abdomen and backs. Their round bodies are black in color and shiny.

Brown recluse spiders Brown recluse spiders range in color from yellowish-gray to black. Their long legs are darker in color than their bodies. They have a distinct "violin-like" pattern on the top of their bodies. Brown recluses also have three pairs of eyes that are noticeably arranged in a semi-circle.

House spiders House spiders are yellowish-brown in color with an off-white colored abdomen. Males are generally darker and smaller than females. Their bodies and legs have dark stripes that form a chevron pattern. As their name suggests, they are common household invaders.

Wolf spiders Wolf spiders are large, fast-moving spiders. Instead of using a web to catch their prey, they chase and hunt down their prey. They are dark brown in color and have two dark stripes on their back. Wolf spiders have great eyesight. They have stout bodies, long legs, and are covered in hair.

All spiders possess venom. Most spider species, including wolf spiders and house spiders, are not considered dangerous because their venom is not strong enough to cause health problems in people. Other spider species like the black widow and brown recluse are dangerous spider species. Their venom is strong enough to trigger health problems. If you are ever bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, you should seek treatment from a medical professional. Spiders are shy and reclusive by nature and typically only bite when you make accidental contact with them or when they become startled.

Spiders are attracted to properties that offer them places to live and forage for food. Most residential properties make good homes for spiders. Properties with gardens, trees, shrubs, bushes, water sources, woodpiles, heavy vegetation, and a large population of insects attract spiders and allow them to thrive. While spiders prefer to live outside, they may become a problem inside your home after finding their way in while foraging for food, or when the weather outside becomes too hot, cold, or wet.

Spiders are shy and reclusive and like to take up residence in places that are quiet, dark, and secluded. Outside, they create webs or burrows (depending on the species) in garden areas, shrubs, bushes, overgrown vegetation, tall grasses, in the ground, between rocks and stones, underneath decks and porches, and in woodpiles. Spiders that have found their way inside homes and other buildings like to nest in corners of closets, in basements, in crawlspaces, in boxes, in clothing and shoes, under bedding, in potted plants, under furniture, in attics, behind wall voids, and under sinks.

The best way to control and prevent spiders is with the help of a qualified and experienced professional. At Eco Pest Control, our knowledgeable technicians provide the effective and environmentally-responsible residential and commercial pest control services needed to rid your Michigan property of spiders. Eco Pest Control is committed to exceeding customer expectations and using state-of-the-art solutions to get rid of spiders and prevent their return. To learn more about ridding your Port Huron or Imlay City area home of spiders, reach out to Eco Pest Control.

In conjunction with professional services, doing the following can help to prevent problems with spiders:

• Make sure screens are completely intact.

• Eliminate water sources.

• Maintain your lawn and keep your grass cut short.

• Caulk cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.

• Place weather stripping around exterior windows and doors.

• Trim tree limbs, shrubs, and bushes away from the outside of your home.

• Remove excess piles of debris like woodpiles, rock piles, leaf piles, and grass piles from your property.

• Regularly clean and remove spider webs that have been created inside your home.