San Diego Spider Control

Spiders are common household pests in San Diego and prey upon other insects like flies, cockroaches and ants. They can be tricky pests to control because of their reclusive homes. They don’t typically respond to surface pesticides and like to breed in dark, low ground areas like wood piles, trash cans, sheds and under furniture.

There are three types of threatening spiders in San Diego County:

Black Widow Spiders

The most notorious of poisonous spiders is the black widow. Recognizable by the trademark red hourglass shape on the underside abdomen, black color and 1.5″ length. The females provide the most significant threat as males are far less poisonous once mature. Female bites are rarely fatal but can cause symptoms like increased body temperature and blood pressure, sweating and nausea. If you have been bitten by a black widow, contact a physician immediately.

Brown Widow Spiders

The lesser known of widow spiders, the brown widow is an invasive species that became established in Southern California in the early 2000s. They are quickly replacing black widows as the dominant species in Sothern California. The brown widow does have an hourglass marking on its abdomen but it is typically more of an orange shade. The coloring of the brown widow spider is a mottling of tan and brown with black accent marking. The eggs are distinguishable by their small spikes like a pollen grain or WWII harbor mine. Drop for drop, brown widows vs black widows are just as poisonous. That being said, brown widows cannot inject as much venom per bite as their larger black counterparts. Bites should still be taken seriously and symptoms are similar to black widow bites.

Brown Recluse

Brown recluses are recognizable by their light brown color and bulbous abdomen. They have six instead of eight eyes and have a darker brown violin shape marking on their heads. According to Live Science, only 10% of brown recluse bites are serious. Typical reactions include necrotic (dead) skin lesions, fever, sweating and nausea. Just like with other spider bites, brown recluse bites can have more severe symptoms in kids. If you suspect your child was bitten by a brown recluse, seek medical assistance immediately.

If you suspect your home has a spider infestation, Pest Patrol is here to help. Contact us to get a free quote on spider control services.

Spiders enter your property by “ballooning” in. They throw their web up into the wind and glide to natural shrubbery, trees and crevices around your home. They form webs along eaves (overhangs), underneath window sills, and door frames. Pest Patrol recommends these steps for spider extermination and long-term spider control:

• Pruning dense foliage and pulling shrubs or branches away from the exterior walls of your home.
• Hose off planters and large exterior pots to knock off any existing insects.
• Remove their food source by eliminating other general pests in your home.
• Turn off lights at night to eliminate flying insects around your home.
• Weatherproof doors, windows and foundations to seal any cracks.
• Dust cobwebs regularly using a vacuum cleaner, broom or duster. Destruction of egg sacks is crucial.
• Reduce clutter in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, garages, basements and attics.

If your spider problem persists, call Pest Patrol! We develop recurring spider control applications to keep spiders, ants and other general pests at bay. Find out how we can help, give us a call today!