Spider sightings seem more common during the fall as more people rummage through basements, attics, and garages to store away remnants of summer activities and retrieve decorations for upcoming holidays. Although there are many spiders found in NY, the American house spider in the most common in NY.

Although spiders are beneficial, many fear spiders and do not want them in and around their home. If you find yourself “attacked” by one too many spider webs, consider the following tips to reduce spiders.

Regular sanitation routines should include:

• Removing trash, old boxes, old clothing, wood piles, rock piles, and other unwanted items out of and/or away from the house. Spiders prefer dark and undisturbed areas, especially if moisture accumulates.
• Store items off the floor and away from walls in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages, and reduce clutter. A good rule of thumb is to keep a 2-foot walking space between walls and stored items – air and light easily pass through making in unfavorable for spiders, and you can easily access stored items.
• Remove heavy vegetation and leaf litter around the foundation. Shade-cover from overhanging branches and bushes are great, but create cool environments that are high in moisture, which promote spider activity.

Exclude spiders from entering the home by:

• Installing tight-fitting screens on windows and doors, as well as weather stripping and door sweeps. Replace torn screens as soon as possible.
• Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders can enter the house (around utility entry points and around window frames).
• Equip vents in soffits, foundations, and roof gables with tight-fitting fine screens.
• Install yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outdoors since these tend to attract fewer insects for spiders to eat.

Non-chemical control methods include:

• Capture the spider and release it outdoors. Place a cup over the spider, slide a piece of paper underneath the cup to trap it, and carry it outside to set the spider free.
• Dust and vacuum thoroughly to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs. Brooms are great for reaching webs in difficult locations, especially outdoors or in the basement.
• Step on it or use a fly swatter!

Spiders are among the most prevalent household pests, crawling their way into two out of three American homes. If your Clifton Park home requires pest control or spider control, it’s best to let an professional exterminator handle the infestation. Thomas Pest Services is your Clifton Park and surrounding area pest control experts offering multiple types of services to effectively control rodent, ant, spider, wildlife and pest infestations. Protect your home, family and heath by contacting us for a no charge consultation today!

Source: National Pest Management Association Pest Gazette - Fall 2012