Spider Infestation Signs
Spiders are one of the most feared and unwelcome insects. Although they are feared, not all of them pose a threat. However, if you are experiencing a spider infestation, you need to leave it to a professional to take care of things. Here are the most common house spiders to look out for:
Parasteatoda tepidariorum is the most common house spider. You may also see brown recluse and black widow spiders from time to time. If you happen to see those, you need to seek a pest control specialist right away. Unlike parasteatoda tepidariorum spiders, brown recluse and black widow spiders are more dangerous, and if you are bitten, you may result in you needing medical attention. If you are experiencing spider issues, please call our team right away.
Staying Safe & Spider Pest Control
Most spiders can be safely ignored, but if you start to notice that the spiders in your home are brown recluse or black widow species, it’s time to call in the exterminators at IMEL Pest Control. We offer a variety of spider treatments for your home or commercial space.
In the meantime, consider these tips to help prevent future infestations:
- Keep Your Yard Clear of Firewood and Piles of Debris.
- Keep Your Home Clean and Cracks Sealed.
- Keep Clothes Off the Floor to Prevent Spiders From Hiding in Them.
- Shake Your Clothing When Picking It Up.
FAQ
Q: How do I identify a brown recluse spider?
A: Light-to-medium brown, about the size of a quarter with legs extended, a dark violin-shaped marking on its back pointing toward the abdomen — and, distinctively, six eyes in three pairs rather than the usual eight. They favor undisturbed storage: boxes, closets, basements, garages. Shake out stored clothing and gloves in our region; it’s a habit worth having.
Q: Which spiders in Illinois are actually dangerous?
A: Two species of concern are the brown recluse and black widow spiders. Both live in Southern Illinois, both prefer undisturbed areas, and neither is aggressive — bites happen when they’re pressed against skin in clothing or boxes. Everything else you’ll see (wolf spiders, cellar spiders, orb weavers) is harmless to people, if unwelcome.
Q: Why does my basement have so many spiders?
A: Spiders go where prey is. Damp basements breed the insects they eat — crickets, sowbugs, silverfish — so the lasting fix targets the food supply and harborage, not just the spiders. That’s how our spider treatments are built.
Q: What is fogging service and when is it needed?
A: Fogging treats severe, widespread infestations — we use it for heavy roach, flea, and spider situations where crack-and-crevice treatment alone won’t reach the population. Our staff can tell you over the phone whether your situation calls for it: (618) 377-9839.
Q: What can I do to prevent spiders from entering my home?
A: Reduce what attracts them: seal foundation gaps and door sweeps, switch exterior lights to yellow “bug” bulbs (fewer insects = fewer spiders), store items in sealed plastic totes instead of cardboard, and keep storage areas periodically disturbed. A perimeter treatment program handles the pressure that remains.