Some pests in San Diego are venomous, while others are aggravating indoor nuisances. The worst kinds of pests have both of these characteristics – including the many spiders that call San Diego home.
We should start with the bad news first: You can’t completely get rid of spiders around your San Diego home. These are fast-breeding pests with an important role in the ecosystem, which means you can’t completely remove all spiders. However, it’s more than possible to keep spiders out of your home, provided you follow the right prevention steps and partner with a reputable San Diego pest control company such as Green Flash Pest Control.
Let’s take a closer look at the secrets of keeping spiders at bay, starting with a few of the common species you’re likely to find in our area.
Spider Identification: How To Recognize Different Species
San Diego spiders are some of the most frustrating household pests. There are five major species to keep in mind:
- Wolf spiders: These hairy, scary predators choose to hunt their prey on foot rather than spin webs, which means they follow other insects like nomads and may sometimes wind up in your home.
- Black widow spiders: The black widow spider is one of the most venomous species in San Diego, capable of injecting victims with a painful neurotoxin called α-Latrotoxin.
- Orb weaver spiders: These common backyard invaders rarely build webs inside our homes but still create an unsettling atmosphere near porches, patios, and outbuildings.
- Cellar spiders: As the name implies, you’re likely to catch a cellar spider living in your basement, garage, or crawlspace.
- Common house spider: Another species that lives up to its name, you’re likely to see the common house spider building webs inside your house.
Now that you’re familiar with some of the most common spiders in San Diego, let’s take a closer look at what happens if you suffer a bite.
Symptoms Of Spider Bites: What To Expect And How To Treat
Although every spider in San Diego carries some form of venom, only a few are potent enough to affect the human body. Most spider bites feel like bee stings or scorpion stings to victims, and it’s unlikely you need to seek medical attention unless you’re allergic. However, bites from species like the black widow spider may require immediate treatment or even hospitalization.
You may need treatment for a spider bite if:
- You feel itchy or swollen.
- It becomes difficult to breathe.
- You start cramping or sweating uncontrollably.
- You know you’ve been attacked by a black widow spider.
Please seek medical treatment immediately for the above symptoms.
If you aren’t experiencing these symptoms and want to treat your bite at home, you can clean the wound with soap and water and use a cold cloth to reduce the swelling. You can also use anti-itch creams and antihistamines to reduce discomfort as you heal. There’s a good chance you’ll start to feel better within one to three days.
Spider-Proofing: Tips For Preventing Spiders In The House
The best way to prevent a spider bite is to stop letting spiders gain access to your home. This means looking for any potential attractant factors and getting rid of entry points that could be letting them inside.
We recommend using the following spider prevention tips:
- Seal up cracks and gaps in your home with waterproof caulking.
- Repair your window screens and install new ones if needed.
- Sweep away spider webs as soon as you see them.
- Get spider maintenance visits from Green Flash Pest Control.
To reserve your spot for regular spider control treatment, just contact the team at Green Flash Pest Control today.
Professional Spider Control: When To Call In The Experts
As mentioned previously, preventing spiders from getting into your house starts with great prevention. But what happens when an infestation takes over your yard? That’s where Green Flash Pest Control comes in.
Our team of experts provides years of experience treating the spider infestations of San Diego County. Whether you’re looking for extra protection or a way to stop infestations, you can partner with Green Flash Pest Control for results you can see for yourself.
Reach out today for help with spiders and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in San Diego.