Nobody ever wants to see a spider in their home. Spiders are one of the most feared insects that are found in Texas homes. The good news is that most of the spiders that are found in Austin and the surrounding areas are completely harmless, but there are a couple of species that can be dangerous. At Aeries Pest Control, our main goals are to provide exceptional pest control in Austin and keep all of the residents in this area safe. Here is everything you need to know about how to identify the spiders that are commonly found in Austin.
How Can I Tell What Kind Of Spiders Are In My House?
All spiders have eight legs and either six or eight eyes. However, every spider has unique features that allow you to identify it easily.
Some of the most common spiders that are found in Austin include:
- Yellow garden spider: This species is quite large and can grow to be a little over one inch long. They have large black bodies and bright yellow markings that come in a wide range of designs and patterns.
- American grass spider: These spiders are also large and can grow to be around 1 1/4 inches long. They have light brown bodies with dark brown lines on the head, abdomen, and legs. They build concave webs that resemble a funnel on one end.
- Wolf spiders: These spiders have thick and broad bodies that are covered in thin hairs. Usually, wolf spiders are dark brown or black and have lighter-colored markings. Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders do not build nests to trap their prey. Instead, they are hunters that seek out their food. They are not great climbers, and will often live under rocks or other large objects on the ground.
- Jumping spiders: There are over 100 different species of jumping spiders in Texas alone. The most common type that is found in Austin is the grey wall jumping spider. This spider is not very big. A fully grown jumping spider is only about 1/3 of an inch long. They have light-brown and gray bodies that are covered in thick, gray hair. These spiders look scary, but they are known as one of the friendliest species in Texas.
All of the spiders on this list can bite humans. However, they are not aggressive and will only bite if they feel their life depends on it. While they do possess venom, it is not considered to be harmful to humans. If you are bitten by one of these spiders, you may experience a stinging sensation and slight swelling around the site of the bite.
What Kind Of Spiders Are Dangerous In My Home?
While all spiders may look creepy and scary, most of them don't pose a direct health risk to humans. However, there are two types of spiders in Austin that are considered to be dangerous to humans.
The brown recluse spiders are a type of spider that you need to look out for. Although being bitten by a brown recluse is rare, it could cause serious health complications in some people. As its name suggests, the brown recluse has a brown body that is about half an inch long. It has six eyes that are sectioned into three groups with two eyes in each group. It also has a distinctive marking on its back that looks like a violin. People commonly get bit by these dangerous brown spiders when they accidentally step on them or touch them.
The black widow is another harmful spider that can be found in Austin. The male black widow has a dark brown body with a small red spot. The female black widow has a shiny black body with a bright red or orange marking in the shape of an hourglass on her abdomen. Both the male and the female black widow are venomous spiders. But it is only the female black widow that poses a health risk to humans. Some of the symptoms that you could experience if you are bitten by a black widow spider include nausea, fever, weakness, pain and swelling around the bite, and body cramps. These symptoms could lead to serious complications if they are not treated properly by a doctor.
How To Deter Future Spider Infestation In Austin
Spiders can find a way into your home all year long. Some things that you can do to prevent a spider infestation include:
- Seal up any cracks or gaps around your home.
- Keep stacks of firewood away from your home.
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes in your home as soon as possible.
- Clean up all food crumbs properly.
- Don't leave boxes and other clutter lying around your home.
Spiders like to eat small insects, including ants, moths, and flies. By taking steps to prevent those insects from coming into your home, you will essentially be taking steps to prevent a spider infestation.
How Do I Permanently Get Rid Of All Spiders In My Home?
It can be hard to get rid of all spiders in your home. At Aries Pest Control, we have years of experience identifying and eliminating dangerous spiders in Austin, Texas. If you see spiders in your home, don't hesitate to contact us today.