What Kind of Spider is That?

Spiders, they just won’t go away. They are that one pest that seems to plague our homes no matter what time of year it is. Unfortunately, this prevalent creature is also one of the most frightening! Before you scream at the mere sight of our eight legged friends, take a deep breath. Most spiders around Chicagoland are harmless.

That being said… whether it’s thick and black, brown and hairy or has unusual markings, properly identifying spiders is the first step in getting rid of them. At Aerex Pest Control, we’re familiar with the habits and characteristics of these creepy crawlers.

Black Widow: If there’s a spider to look out for, it’s this. Notoriously known for the red “hourglass” markings on its back, the Black Widow is also poisonous. Luckily for us, these arachnoids have a habit of remaining in their webs, thus making bites uncommon. Should a bite occur, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms of a black widow bite could occur for up to several weeks.

Brown Recluse: This arachnoid is native to the United States. While most brown recluses are found in southern states such as Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, these spiders can and do spread. Once inside a home, brown recluses can be seen in bathtubs/showers, garages, closets, cellars and storage boxes. If you’re not sure if the spider found in your home is a brown recluse, notice its color. Like its name, a brown recluse spider will be brown with thin legs.

Common House Spider: Yellowish brown in color, the common house spider is true to its name. It is the spider you will most often encounter indoors, and they mostly are harmless to humans. Cobwebs around the home are typically due to the common house spider, and you will find them in cracks, corners or between an eave and a wall. Always keep in mind the common house spider is more afraid of you than you are of them. They will actually feign death when threatened or cornered!

Sac Spider: If you’ve ever had a spider bite that you believe happened inside your own home, it was most likely caused by a sac spider. Often pale yellow, grey or green in color, they lurk around the home year round and can be found in ceiling corners, woodpiles, behind picture frames and other relatively undisturbed places.

We know it’s hard not to freak out when you see a spider. More often than not, the spider you encounter at home won’t pose a threat. But always remember help is available if you need it. As a leader in Chicago Pest Control Services, Aerex will diffuse a spider problem in no time.
