Dealing with spiders in Washington is hard enough, especially when you're not sure what's the truth and what's not. Here's what Yakima County homeowners should know about some of the strangest facts about spiders, why they build webs, some of the most common spider myths, and how to prevent spiders with pest control in Yakima County.
Five Strange But True Spider Facts
Spiders are definitely one of Washington's more mysterious pests. Here are some of the strangest (but true) facts about these critters:
- Just because you don't see any spiders in your home doesn't mean they aren't there. More often than not, spiders are hiding in dark cracks and crevices almost everywhere.
- In some species of spiders, the female spider will eat the male spider after they've mated.
- Spiders are cold-blooded creatures that don't need warmth as some pests do. If a spider enters your home during the winter, it's because they're looking for food, not a warm shelter.
- While some types of spiders may use mating dances to entice a female spider, others give them gifts. A male spider may kill a fly or another insect, wrap it in silk, and present it to a female spider they'd like to mate with.
- Unlike humans, spiders bleed blue instead of red.
Spiders are strange creatures, and while many are harmless, you don't want them infesting your Yakima County home.
Why Do Spiders Build Webs
Ever wonder why a silk web is the first thing that spiders create when they find a new home? Spiders build webs for a couple of reasons:
- Spiders use webs to trap prey, like flies and other insects. The sticky silk traps flies and other insects, preventing them from getting away.
- Spiders create webs at the entrance of their dwelling or their home as a form of protection from predators.
- Spiders use webs to encase their egg sacs.
Spiders are stealthy and their webs are often the only clue to their presence. If you notice an increase of webs around your property, it may be time to check in with a professional pest control company like Prosite.
Some Commonly Told Spider Myths
Many people suffer from a deep-seated fear of spiders. This is not helped by the many myths that surround these creepy-crawly pests, including:
- "Spiders are aggressive and will try to bite you if they get the chance." Most spiders are not aggressive towards people and will only bite out of self-defense or if they feel threatened.
- "Spiders are a type of insect." While they might eat insects, spiders are not one. Spiders are arachnids, just like scorpions, ticks, and mites.
- "Daddy-long-legs are the most venomous spider in the world, but their mouth isn't big enough to bite." While a daddy-long-legs spider is venomous and has a small mouth, they're not medically dangerous – and their small mouths are capable of biting if they have to.
- "All spiders make webs." Not all spiders catch their prey with webs. Some spiders, like the wolf spider or the jumping spider, prefer to hunt their prey on foot.
Most spiders are not nearly as threatening as they seem, but if their populations grow inside your home, they can become a nuisance.
Total Spider Control For Yakima County Homeowners
Separating fact from fiction isn't always easy with spiders, but fortunately, this is where Prosite can help. Whether you're dealing with a dangerous black widow spider or just an infestation of harmless house spiders, the best way to get rid of spiders is with professional help.
If you're spotting more than the occasional spider around your Yakima County property or want to learn more about spider prevention, there's only one thing to do. Contact us today at Prosite to learn more about how our spider control services can help you protect your home.