When winter weather settles over the great state of Pennsylvania, all kinds of wild critters make a mad dash for warmer nesting accommodations, and spiders are no different. Generally, most spiders prefer to stay outside, but some species that are less likely to invade Pennsylvania homes will take the risk and creep inside during the colder months. This may not be too problematic to begin with, but one spider can quickly turn into hundreds if left to its own devices, and nobody wants to deal with a house full of potentially dangerous arachnids.
Commonly Found Spiders In Pennsylvania Homes
There are nearly 50 different species of spiders that can be found around Pennsylvania, but only a handful of them are regularly seen around neighborhoods and within homes. Even though all spiders possess venom, most within Pennsylvania are relatively harmless to humans, but there are still a few species that have a potent enough bite to cause serious health problems:
- Jumping spider
- House spider
- Cellar spider
- Wolf spider
- Broad-faced sac spider
- Long-legged sac spider
- Black widow spider
Among this list, the only bites that cause a significant reaction are from the sac spiders and black widow spiders. Sac spiders are less concerning because their symptoms are milder, but the bite is still painful and can cause blistering and secondary infection. Black widows are much more worrisome, as their venom can potentially cause heart failure. Brown recluses are another scary spider to consider, but they're not commonly found in Pennsylvania, so they're much rarer to find in Pennsylvania homes.
Reasons Spiders Infest Pennsylvania Homes, And How To Keep Them Out
Spiders infest homes for many reasons, and some reasons are less intentional than others. They can be accidentally brought inside on old furniture, within storage boxes, or with firewood, and they can also infest on their own volition, generally due to inclement weather or an abundance of easily accessible food. There are ways to make your Pennsylvania home less appealing and more difficult to enter, though:
- Seal up possible entry points around the exterior of your home – most common areas include foundation, siding, roof, trim, window and door frames, and around pipes and wires
- Replace any worn-down insulation around doors and windows
- Trim low-hanging tree branches and overgrown shrubs away from the exterior of your home
- Remove any yard debris and leaf piles from your yard
- Address any moisture issues around your home – leaky pipes, damaged shingles, excessive water damage, rooms that naturally retain moisture
- Clear out any cluttered areas, such as the attic, closets, storage rooms, and basement
- Keep tight-fitting lids on all indoor and outdoor trash cans
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum regularly
- Wipe down counters and dining tables daily
- Clean up any food and drink spills immediately after they occur
- Keep all pantry foods stored in airtight containers
How To Handle Spiders That Have Already Infested Your Pennsylvania Home
Spiders aren't just dangerous to have around your Pennsylvania home, they're also incredibly difficult to exterminate. They're resilient creatures with a knack for hiding, and most pesticides won't work against them. If you're struggling with arachnids in your Pennsylvania home, don't wait until your walls are covered in cobwebs. Call the pros at BHB Pest for help instead.
As a family-owned and operated pest control company for over 50 years, we strive to make sure all of our customers are treated like our own family every single time we visit. We use the highest quality pest control products in all of our treatments, provide eco-friendly alternatives that are safe for the environment and the whole family, and we guarantee all of our treatments. We won't stop until your pest problems are solved, so get in contact with us today to see which plan is right for you.