Spider Identification Guide

What are spiders?

Spiders are arachnids. They play a critical role in the eco-system. These predators hunt and feed on many species of insects and spiders, helping to control their populations. They are especially helpful in gardens and fields, helping to limit the pests that damage crops and other plants.

In Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas, we have several species of spiders that live in our yards, homes, and other structures – including hobo spiders, wolf spiders, and black widow spiders. Spiders vary in size and color pattern depending on the species, but all have two body parts, chelicerae (fangs), and eight legs. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, but they all lack antennae and wings.

Are spiders dangerous?

The black widow spider is a dangerous species because they have venom that is strong enough to cause health problems in people. Their venom attacks the nervous system, and while their bites rarely cause long-lasting problems, the symptoms should be managed by a medical professional.

The good news is that black widow spiders are an exception to the rule and most species of spiders that you come across are harmless to people. Nuisance spiders have venom that is not strong enough to cause us any harm. The hobo spider and wolf spider are both examples of nuisance spiders.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Whether you like or not, spiders have been living near people for a long time. Spiders only become a problem for us when they decide to live in our homes or yards in large numbers. Spiders are attracted to homes and outdoor spaces that offer them a lot of secluded shelter and plenty of insects to hunt. Spiders prefer to live outside, but do move indoors when they follow prey inside or to find a spot to lay their eggs.

Where will I find spiders?

Where spiders prefer to build their webs or burrows is unique to their species. Wolf spiders are not web-building spiders. They build burrows in the ground. Outside they burrow under rocks, woodpiles, landscape timbers, and fallen trees. Inside, they nest on the floor along walls, under furniture, and in the bottom of closets.

Hobo spiders create funnel-shaped webs and like to place their webs in areas that support them. Outside, these spiders build their webs between rocks, in woodpiles, and on brick walls. These spiders are poor climbers, so they make their webs at ground level. Inside, hobo spiders seek out damp, dark areas like basements and crawl spaces to live and hunt.

Black widow spiders build their irregular-shaped webs at ground level. Outside, they build their webs under stones, shrubs, decks, woodpiles, and outbuildings. Inside, they prefer quiet out-of-the-way locations like basements, crawl spaces, and spaces under furniture.

How do I get rid of spiders?

A spider infestation is a frustrating pest problem. The easiest way to get rid of cockroaches and other pests is to partner with Pest Pro Pest Control. We provide the effective home pest control and commercial pest control services needed to protect Utah residential and commercial properties from insects, rodents, and other pests.

At Pest Pro Pest Control, we are committed to helping Utah home and business owners maintain spider-free properties with our guaranteed pest control services. We offer two different treatment options based on your needs:

Two Series Treatment

The two-series treatment consists of two treatments, three weeks apart. This back-to-back treatment kills all the live insects and then makes sure there is enough insecticide to kill any babies that may hatch. This breaks the life cycle of the spider population. Our two series treatments are guaranteed for six weeks after the second treatment to guarantee the eradication of the current spider population.

Maintenance Plan

When dealing with larger, more established infestations, we recommend our spider maintenance plan.  Maintenance plans are always guaranteed as long as you are actively doing quarterly spider treatments.

With this yearly maintenance, we will come back anytime you see spiders in between appointments for free. To schedule your spider control treatment for Salt Lake or Park City call now at (801)-810-7378

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Keep your Salt Lake City home and yard protected from spiders with the help of Pest Pro Pest Control and the following prevention tips:

• Remove excess debris and clutter from your yard and home that spiders can use as hiding spots.

• Cut back trees, shrubs, and bushes away from your home’s exterior.

• Place garden areas as far away from the exterior of your house as possible.

• Make sure window and door screens are intact and place weather-stripping around doors.

• Seal up entry points in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your home.

• Place screens over vents and drains entering into your home.

• Keep outdoor lights that attract insects to your home off as much as possible.

• Knockdown webs as soon as you spot them. Knocking down their webs annoys spiders and will encourage them to move along.