Spiders aren’t just for Halloween. If you live in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you know these 8-legged critters are part of the landscape all year round. Spiders aren’t just found in creepy old houses—they can be found in all types of homes.
Spiders are helpful for controlling the insect population, so they are important. What happens when the insects are under control, but you now have a spider infestation in your home or backyard? Should you worry?
Here, we’ll look at the various species of spiders found in Northeastern Pennsylvania, how they come into homes, and how to get rid of them before they become real pests.
Types of spiders found in Northeastern Pennsylvania
There are over 3,000 species of spiders in the United States; 37 are found in Pennsylvania alone. Most spiders are venomous, but their fangs are too small to bite humans.
The most common species found in Northeast Pennsylvania include:
- Daddy Long Legs
- Wolf spider
- Jumping spider
- Grass spider
- Yellow Garden Spider
The black widow and brown recluse spiders are two of the most dangerous, although you are unlikely to encounter either. (Although if you do, seek medical attention immediately).
Black widow spiders prefer cool, dark places in the outdoors, like under rocks. The brown recluse is native to Pennsylvania but rarely found here except in science labs. This species is mostly found in the southern United States.
Why do I have so many spiders this year?
If you think you’re seeing more spiders than usual this year, you’re right. There has been a spike in the spider population which we can attribute directly to environmental factors. The summer of 2021 was hotter and drier than other years, which led to a spike in spider reproduction.
2021 has also been a record-breaking year for natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and drought. These weather events destroyed vegetation, driving creatures of all kinds (including spiders) from their homes and forcing them to find shelter in other areas.
What attracts spiders to the outside of my house?
Backyards are the main draw for spiders, with insects their primary food source. They follow their food supply into the grass, flowers, and plants of the average backyard, and sometimes they stick around.
Keeping your lawn and garden trimmed and discarding the clippings should minimize the number of spiders in your backyard.
Spiders can find their way into a house easily. They can come in through the smallest crack in a wall or door, a window opened a fraction of an inch, or they can land on a windowsill if the screen is torn or missing.
If you have spiders in your home, they are likely living in a dark, cool area like the attic or basement. Webs are easy to remove. The best method is to use a standard vacuum cleaner (and it’s a great reason to use all those attachments). Or simply knock them down, then sweep them away with a broom.
Most homeowners are concerned with the aesthetic impact of spiders and spider webs. The webs can make a house look shabby or uncared for.
Many homeowners are also concerned about spiders breeding in the beams or woodwork of their attics or basements. And with so many people terrified of spiders, it’s understandable that most would rather not have them as permanent house guests.
What kind of damage can spiders cause?
Fortunately, spiders will not cause any structural damage to your house, nor are they a health risk.
What can I do to get rid of the spiders?
Take a close look at your house’s exterior and try to identify potential entry points for the spiders. Repair or replace your window screens. Seal any cracks along walls; caulk drafty spots along your windows. These small fixes will not only deter spiders from entering your house, they’ll make it more energy efficient!
Products like spider traps and sprays are effective methods for exterminating spiders inside your house. These products should never be used in areas where food is stored or prepared and should always be kept out of children’s reach.
There are also several natural DIY remedies for getting rid of spiders:
- Peppermint is one of the most effective ways of repelling spiders. Simply pour a few drops of peppermint oil into a spray bottle. Mix it with standard dishwashing liquid and some water, and spray the areas of your home where you see the spiders.
- Another way to kill spiders: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on any you see.
If the problem persists, or if you’d rather not get rid of the spiders yourself, contact our pest control experts below.
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