Introduction
Spiders are beneficial insect
predators. They will not usually bite people unless they are carelessly
handled. The bite of the Black Widow Spider and the Hobo Spider
can cause a serious reaction in some people. All other spiders found in the
Victoria area are harmless. The mouthparts of most spiders are too small or
too soft to penetrate the tough skin of people.
Spiders are often seen running around inside buildings in
the fall. Some types are quite large. Many climb walls and tend to be found
at the ceiling level during the day. Others live on the ground and hunt for
prey at night. Some build cobwebs of intricate designs.
Northern Black Widow Spider
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Northern Black Widow
Spider |
Northern Black Widow spiders are hairless, shiny black and
the female may have a distinctive red hourglass mark on her underside. The
bodies are 12 to 16 mm (1/2 to 5/8 inches) long, and the large females may
measure 37 mm (1 ½ inches) with legs extended. These spiders are seldom
found indoors. They are normally found in dry locations of rural areas such
as under houses, in wood piles, high grass or debris piles. Only the female
Black Widow bites. She is very shy and only bites to defend her eggs or
herself. Her bite may be painful and can result in severe muscle cramping
and spasms, which may be life-threatening to humans. You would have plenty
of time to get to a doctor if you were bitten by a Northern Black Widow
spider
European House Spiders
There are 3 species of European House spiders in Victoria.
They are the most common spider in and around homes. The spiders’ bodies
are brown with gray markings, and some are very large and may appear hairy.
House spiders live in dark, moist areas and their web is funnel shaped.
They are often seen at lower levels in your house such as
basements and at ground level floors as they do not climb. These spiders are
most often seen inside houses in the fall when the males abandon their webs
and spend the rest of their lives wandering in search of females.
The 3 types are:
1. Smaller European House Spider: it has a body
length of 7 to 11 mm (1/4 to 7/16 inches) , and a legspan of 15 to 37 mm
(5/8 to 1 ½ inches).
2. Hobo Spider:: it has a body length of 7 to 14 mm
(1/4 to ½ inches) and a legspan of 27 to 45 mm (1 1/16 to 1 ¾ inches).
3. Large European Spider: the body length is from 12
to 18 mm (1/2 to 11/16 inches) and the legspan is from 35 to 95 mm (1 3/8 to
3 ¾ inches)
The Large European Spider is usually the big spider
people see running quickly across the floor of their basement or the ground
level floor.
Hobo spiders live in houses of many people and the
spiders never bite anyone. When they do bite, the bite is often painless and
"dry" with no venom being injected. When venom is injected, damage
can range from an insignificant area of redness that disappears in a few
days, to large areas of damaged tissue which heal very slowly. Surgery may
be required to repair the wound.
Prevention
Clear away debris and high grass from against the house.
Trim vines trees and shrubs so they do not touch the house. Screen windows
and vents. Seal openings around doors, windows and other holes that could
allow spiders into your house. Wear gloves when handling firewood or other
debris where spiders may be hiding. Use outdoor lighting that is not
attractive to the insects spiders feed on. Vacuum regularly in places where
spiders hide such as under and behind furniture, appliances, furnaces and in
storage areas and basements. Knock down cobwebs on a regular basis using a
broom or other tool.
Control
Pesticides are rarely needed for spider control. Good
control can usually be obtained by following good preventive measures. When
Hobo Spiders or Black Widow Spiders are found indoors, a professional
application of appropriate pesticides may be warranted.
To see some of the application and control equipment and materials we use to
manage insect and bug pests click here.
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If you need service
for controlling a Spider infestation,
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