Spiders tend to cause fear and disgust for many homeowners, despite being somewhat beneficial to have around. But the benefits of living with spiders don’t outweigh the downsides of sharing your home with uninvited arachnids. A spider infestation in your home could be a sign of a bigger pest problem, and nobody wants to walk down to their basement and get a face full of webs. If you’re wondering why there are spiders in your Denver home, here’s what you need to know.
Spiders In Denver
Colorado is home to at least 28 unique spider species that vary wildly in their appearance and behaviors. There are a few spiders that are likely to inhabit your Denver home, in particular:
Wolf spiders: These spiders live up to their name. These hairy hunters prefer to stalk prey on foot, rather than trapping them in a sticky web. They are known for their speed and usually measure 1 inch or longer.
Cellar spiders: Commonly known as “daddy longlegs,” these spiders have especially elongated limbs and bodies. They are typically yellowish-brown in color and can grow between ¼ inch to well over 2 inches in size, including their leg span.
Black widow spiders: Considered to be one of the most dangerous spiders in North America, the black widow can be recognized by its deep black color and distinct red hourglass pattern. They prefer to hide out of sight but can deliver a powerful and harmful bite if threatened.
Funnel weaver spiders: Although not likely to harm you, funnel weaver spiders can be a nuisance due to the heavy, dense webs they weave. Accidentally getting stuck on one of these webs can be an unwelcome surprise. Funnel weaver spiders measure between 1/5 and 3/4 inches with brown or gray bodies and striped legs.
Why Do I Have Spiders?
Excessive moisture and abundant food attract spiders to your home. Many spiders are most comfortable in dark, humid environments like your basement. The availability of water is often a key factor in spider infestations, which is why they can often be found around bathrooms and beneath sinks.
Spiders are predators and rely on prey insects to survive. The main reason most homes get spiders is because of the presence of the bugs that spiders feed on. If you have an existing infestation of flies or cockroaches, the availability of that prey can convince spiders to move in.
How You Can Prevent Spiders In Your Home
Fortunately, you can prevent spiders from infesting your home with a few minor adjustments to your routine.
- Get rid of other pests. The best thing you can do to control the spider population on your property is to eliminate their prey. Make your home less appealing to prey insects by cleaning regularly, disposing of trash often, and storing your pantry food in sturdy pest-proof containers.
- Reduce moisture. The less moisture in your home, the less likely spiders are to appear. Clear clogged drains or gutters to prevent moisture from accumulating. Fix leaky faucets and dripping pipes. If you can, try installing a dehumidifier in your basement.
- Close entrances. Make sure spiders can’t get indoors. Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices that spiders can crawl through and seal them with silicone caulk. Be sure to focus on plumbing, pipes, and the foundation.
For relief from spiders and the pests they prey on, you need Beeline Pest Control. With year-round pest control available for your home, we aim to prevent pest problems while eliminating any existing infestations. Our residential pest control plans cover spiders and the bugs they feed on and treat both the interior and exterior of your home. Services can be performed as one-time treatments or recurring quarterly treatments. Contact us today for your free quote.