Quick Spider Identification Reference Guide For Dallas Residents

Types Of Spiders In Dallas

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I identify a spider?” or if you are wondering, “What are the most common spiders found in the house?” We have answers! There are over 900 species of spiders that live in Texas. Luckily, not all of these will venture into your home. And thankfully, only two are considered dangerous. Here are some of the most common spiders you’ll find in your Dallas home:

• Black widows: these spiders are usually black or dark brown. Their identifying feature is a red or orange hourglass shape found on their abdomen.
  
  
• Brown recluse spiders: these are brown or grey spiders recognized by a darker violin shape on their back.
  
  
• Wolf spiders: unlike other spiders, wolf spiders don’t spin webs. Instead, they stalk and hunt their prey. They’re brown or grey with darker stripes and markings, and they are hairy.
  
  
• Jumping spiders: these tiny spiders are often black or brown in color. You can easily tell that you’re dealing with a jumping spider because, as their name suggests, they’re excellent jumpers!
  
  
• Tarantulas: these spiders look a lot like wolf spiders and are also hairy. However, they’re much larger and can grow up to 30cm long! They have telltale striped legs that make them easy to identify.
  
  
• House spiders: these spiders are yellowish or tan. Their abdomen is often white with dark lines. Their legs are also striped.

The Problems Spiders Can Cause

The only spiders considered dangerous to humans here in Dallas are black widows and brown recluse spiders. These spiders are venomous. If you are bitten, it is wise to seek medical attention. Other spiders shouldn’t be ignored, however, even if they’re only creepy and disturbing. Spiders might be a sign that you have other pests hidden away in wall voids and other hidden places. Spiders go where they find food. Plus, an excess of spiders in your home may attract additional pests that wish to eat those spiders. It's a bug-eat-bug world out there.

Spiders are also nuisance pests. Their webs get in the way and are uncomfortable to encounter. Plus, while only black widows and brown recluse spiders have a dangerous bite, other spiders may still bite if threatened, and their bites can be itchy and/or painful.

Helpful Spider Prevention Tips

In order to prevent spiders, you need to make sure to eliminate their food sources. Flies, mosquitoes, and ants could all be attracting spiders, so make sure you are taking care of those pests first. The next step is to eliminate their entry points. Seal any cracks and holes in the exterior of your home. Make sure you have screens over your exterior windows and doors and check that there are no tears or holes.
 
Make sure you aren’t accidentally bringing spiders inside. Check boxes carefully before bringing them in to make sure no spiders are hitching a ride. You can also prevent spider infestations by cleaning and organizing your storage areas. Spiders don’t like to be disturbed, so they often hide in the basement, attic, or garage. If these areas are well organized, spiders will have fewer hiding places and will be less likely to stick around.
 
For complete spider control, contact the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite and get started with a comprehensive pest control plan. We can come by for an inspection and help you identify the spiders that are plaguing your home. We can then create a treatment plan specific to your situation so that you can stop worrying about which spiders are living in your closet.

Tags: pest prevention | residential pest control | spiders |