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What are spiders?

Spiders are arachnids, and most are carnivorous predators. We identify spiders by their two body segments, eight legs, fangs, and many eyes. Most spiders have six eyes, but some species can have more. 

Spiders trap their insect prey using webs they build from silk that they produce or by actively chasing after and hunting them down. Spiders can’t eat solids, so after trapping their prey, they inject them with digestive fluids that liquify them. The spiders then use their straw-like mouthpart to suck up and consume their now-liquid prey. 

All spiders produce venom that they use to paralyze their prey. They also produce silk. However, not all spiders use silk to build webs. Spider silk is a strong protein fiber used for many things, including a climbing mechanism, creating egg sacs, wrapping up their prey, and more. The best way to prevent spiders in Massachusetts from becoming a problem on your property is through regular home pest control services. Professional pest control in Boston will control the spiders and the insects that draw them to your property.

Are spiders dangerous?

In general, spiders are a nuisance; they skitter around our homes, and their webs are unsightly and annoying to deal with in your home. While spiders can bite people, bites are usually accidental and happen when they are trying to defend themselves from harm. Spider bites from the majority of spiders leave no long-lasting effects except for some redness around the bites.

However, being bitten by a dangerous spider is a different story. Dangerous spiders in the United States, like brown recluses and black widows, have venom potent enough to paralyze their insect prey and cause harm to people. Bites from dangerous spiders can cause symptoms severe enough to require medical attention. 

Another issue with spiders is that if spiders are coming into your home in large numbers, it is likely because they have been drawn indoors by other pests. If spiders are in your home, so are the insects they eat.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Spiders are a vital part of the ecosystem and are important predators. Outside, in our yards and gardens, spiders usually aren’t problematic. Spiders in outdoor spaces help control insect populations that harm people, trees, and crops.

Unfortunately, spiders are regular visitors to our properties because they provide them with access to their basic needs of food, water, and shelter. Spiders become problematic when these predators take over our yards in large numbers, when dangerous spiders find their way to our properties, or when spiders move into and become comfortable in our homes.

Where will I find spiders?

Like other predators, spiders live most successfully in areas with easy access to their insect prey. Outside, spiders live in wooded areas, meadows, and crop fields. Near our homes, they hang out around trash cans, outdoor eating areas, trees, gardens, and exterior lights. 

Most spiders are shy and naturally reclusive, so when they are in our homes, spiders hang in quiet like crawl spaces, basements, vents, window sills, and light fixtures. Spiders hang out in areas of our homes that usually have the most insect activity, like kitchens, bathrooms, and dining areas.

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