Spiders are found in every home in Utah. There are over 600 species of spiders found in Utah, but there are only a few that may pose life-threatening problems to humans. However, many provide painful bites. All spiders can cause problems with their webs. Knocking webs down will, not only make one's home look cleaner, but will help control the holistic spider population. Because spiders are predators, they are present wherever their prey (other bugs) is nesting. When it's cold, some spiders will undertake a process known as cold-hardening in order to survive the winter. The ones that don't, however, can seek shelter in your home. As Utah's spider experts, we know exactly what, how, and where to treat in order to keep spiders out of your home.
Black Widow
(1/2 inch, shiny black, with red hour-glass on abdomen) Black Widows are found throughout Utah. They are usually found in the garage or crawlspace, but sometimes in basements. They are often found hanging upside down in their thick, sticky webs. Their bite feels like a needle prick. Symptoms of a Black Widow bite include pain, nausea, swelling, sweating, and goosebumps. In worse occasions, some victims may start having convulsions and may even die.
Hobo Spider
Hobo Spiders are part of the Brown Recluse family and can leave a bite that deteriorates the flesh. They are brown and their abdomens have several chevron shaped markings. Males have two large palps that look like boxing gloves, while females' palps are not 'swollen' as they are on the males. Females tend to have a larger abdomen when compared to males. Brown Recluse spiders are rarely seen. They prefer to be hidden indoors, hence the "recluse" title. They are found in closets, garages, and bedrooms. They will not normally bite unless pressed up against the skin. At first, the bite of the Brown Recluse does not hurt. After about 8 hours, the pain will increase. If not treated, the venom from the bite will start to eat away at the skin until a nasty scar is left. The skin can also ooze and blister. Painful headaches have also been associated with Hobo Spider bites.
Other Spiders
Yellow Sac, Daddy Long Leg, Wolf, House, and Garden Spiders all help make the spider population in Utah. Many times these are the culprits to the spider bites that we encounter. Although these bites are not as serious as those of the Black Widow and Hobo Spider, they do often disturb the skin, are painful and cause itching.
The best thing to do for your home and family is have a licensed professional apply pro-grade products in/around your home and yard, creating a protective barrier against these unwanted visitors.
