Several kinds of spiders are commonly found in Niagara; most of them are not poisonous and are considered more of a nuisance than a safety threat. However, where there is one bug, there are two, three or more and spiders are usually a sign of larger pest problems. Spiders like to hide in dark, undisturbed areas. So be sure to use caution when working in the yard, going in a shed, or moving objects that haven’t been disturbed in a while.

Unfortunately, many homeowners may see an increase in spider activity as a result of the presence of other insects. With a variety of soft-bodied insects becoming active during the spring months spiders have access to an abundant food supply.

Below we examine a few common spiders Niagara residents may find in their homes, and what to do if you see them.

Cellar Spiders:

This delicate spider is one of the most frequently encountered spiders in damp basements, and crawlspaces, but it can also be found in closets and attics. It can be readily recognized from other similar arachnids by the long, almost cylindrical abdomen. They typically construct a loose, haphazard web that has no adhesive properties. The irregularities of the web seem to reduce escape rates for prey, and allow extra time for the cellar spider to contain the victim and deliver the fatal bite.

They are also known as “vibrating spiders” as they have the tendency to vibrate their webs rapidly under various circumstances such as being faced with a threat.

Daring Jumping Spider  

This common jumping spider is one of the largest of Ontario’s jumping spiders. Females get slightly larger than 1/2″.  They also have some of the best vision of all spiders. They use their 8 eyes (4 on the face and 4 on the top of their head) to accurately judge distance so they can “pounce” on their prey.

Giant House Spider

This was a common spider in a home in Niagara we recently visited. It’s best known as a “Giant House Spider”. These spiders are harmless, but scary to see running around your home. They are fast moving, and are often found in bathtubs, sinks, or crossing the floor past your feet while watching TV.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are usually between 6-20 mm and are typically a light to medium brown color. Each female will produce several egg sacs over a period of two to three months, usually in the spring. Each sac contains roughly fifty eggs and will hatch within a month. Brown recluse spiders are resilient and can tolerate up to six months of extreme drought or absence of food.

Brown recluse spiders build asymmetrical webs frequently found in basements, garages, closets, wood piles, sheds, and other dry places.

Controlling Spiders in Niagara

The sighting of one or even two spiders may indicate that there is an infestation brewing and should be attended to right away to avoid the problem getting out of hand. To help reduce the possibility of spiders entering and staying in your home, there are a few preventative measures you can take:

1. Pressures clean the outside of your home to get rid of webs and possible spider eggs that cling to door frames and windows.
2. Repair damaged screens on all exterior openings of your house.
3. Remove debris, firewood or garbage away from your home as these areas serve as good resting places for spiders.
4. Using yellow light bulbs helps to deter insects, which in turn, deters spiders from feeding on them.
5. Any noticeable cracks or spaces should be sealed.
6. Minimize the opportunity for nesting by removing bags, boxes and papers that may be lying around your home. Keep a close eye out in corners of ceiling, walls and windows and eliminate any cobwebs that you find.
7. Contact your Truly Nolen service expert who can effectively assess and treat any areas of the home that you suspect may have spiders.

If an invasion appears too significant to manage on your own, it’s important to contact insect control professionals. We can assist in eliminating the problem.

Contact Truly Nolen Niagara today for your free inspection: (905) 646-7474

Truly Nolen Niagara Proudly Services: St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Port Colborne