Spider Identification
Spiders are found commonly throughout North America. About twelve different species are commonly found in homes. Spiders have two body regions, connected by a restricted waist. The fused head thorax has two jaws, two palps, eight legs and eight or fewer eyes. The abdomen is unsegmented and hold the spinneret. The harvestman or daddy-long-legs spider differs in that its abdomen is segmented.
Spider Habitat
Spiders are generally outdoors. They are often brought indoors on firewood, laundry, and flowers.
Spider Life Cycle
The female house spider lays approximately 250 eggs in a silken hatch and nine eggs sacs care common in a season. These sacs hatch after a week depending on the environment.
Spider Prevention
Since spiders feed on other insects, removing the food source is necessary. Sweeping the basement and crawlspace inside the home will deter infestation.
SPIDERS Q&A
What do spiders eat?
Spiders feed on other insects and are generally thought of as beneficial.
Where do I find spiders?
Spiders are generally found outdoors. They are often brought indoors on firewood, laundry and flowers. They can often be found around windows or around outdoor lighting since other insects are attracted to these areas.
Are spiders active in winter?
Inside spiders are found year round, but are most prevalent during warm months. Outside adult spiders will die in cold months, but the young will over-winter be in a dormant state.
Are spiders poisonous?
Two species of spiders are considered to be dangerous to humans. They are the black widow and the brown recluse. These spiders are basically native to the United States, and very seldom are found in Canada. If bitten by these spiders you should receive immediate medical attention.
What are their breeding habits? Do spiders multiply quickly?
The female house spider lays approximately 50 eggs in a silken sac. Nine egg sacs are common in a season and these sacs hatch after a week depending on environmental conditions.
Do all spiders spin webs?
No. Some spiders spin webs for catching prey while others are ground dwelling.
What can I do to prevent spiders?
Since spiders feed on other insects, removing the food source is necessary. Sweeping of the basement and crawlspace inside the home along with removal of wood piles, high grass and litter around the home will deter infestation.