SPIDERS

There are over 35,000 species of spiders world-wide, with about 3,000 occurring in North America. Many species of spiders are household pests. Wherever their food is available, spiders are likely to be found. All spiders are predators, feeding mainly on insects and other small arthropods. In the United States only two spider groups are considered dangerous to man, the black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. Both of these groups are composed of several species.

Recognition:
Non-insect arthropods with 2 body regions, cephalothorax (head and thorax) and abdomen connected by a tiny waist (pedicel). Antennae absent. Usually 8 simple eyes, occasionally 6. Below eyes are 2 chelicerae or jaws which end in a hollow fang, connected internally to a poison duct. With 1 pedipalp (palp) between chelicerae and 1st pair of legs on each side. Legs slender, 4 pairs. Abdomen un-segmented, with a group of finger like spinnerets (produce silk) on posterior or rear end. Males usually smaller than females and with terminal pedipulp segment greatly swollen, may also differ in coloration.

The immature stages are egg and spiderlings, the latter closely resemble the adults except for size and sometimes coloration.

Spiders are predators, paralysing or killing their prey with venom. They typically feed by injecting a pre-digestive fluid into the body of their prey and then suck in the digested liquid food. Spiders can survive without food for several weeks to a few months.

Most spiders are nocturnal or active at night and will scurry away when disturbed unless they are tending egg sacs or young. During the day, they usually remain hidden and inactive in cracks and crevices, their webs, etc. Spider bites usually result only with great provocation such as squeezing or handling. Bites usually occur when the males are wandering about searching for females or when people clean out neglected places such as basements, attics, or garages, or put on seldom-used clothing. Many spiders cannot penetrate human skin with their fangs and the bite of those that can, usually results in no more than a slight swelling and inflammation. The primary exceptions are the black widow and brown recluse spiders. The black widow spiders possess a neurotoxin whereas, brown recluse spiders possess a cytotoxin which may produce an ulcerating sore or lesion; antitoxins are available for both. Always consult a physician if a spider bite is suspected. It is particularly important to capture and take the suspect spider along for identification purposes.

Control: (Spider control is a 6-step process)
1. Inspection.
2. Identification.
3. Prevention.
4. Sanitation.
5. Mechanical measures.
6. Pesticide application.

Call Exterminator Total Insect Control to take care of your pest problem