Should you be worried if you find a spider in your home? It depends on the spider; some arachnids are poisonous and highly dangerous to humans and pets. Even if the species is relatively harmless, it may signal a more extensive insect infestation. If you notice spiders hanging around your house, it’s best to hire residential pest control to identify and remove the species.

Daddy Long Legs

Named for their long, thin legs, daddy long legs aren’t technically spiders. They have eight legs and fall under the class Arachnida, but they lack several key features:

• Silk production

• Multiple body sections

• Non-segmented bodies

• Eight eyes (daddy long legs have two)

If they’re not spiders, what are they? Daddy long legs are a type of arachnid called harvestmen, which feeds on eggs, dead material and insects. Unlike many kinds of spiders, harvestmen will congregate in large masses of tangled limbs, giving those who disturb them a fright.

Despite a common myth, daddy long legs aren’t venomous. They also can’t grow limbs back, no matter how they were lost.

While these bugs don’t pose a danger, they’re still unpleasant to encounter in your home and make a bad impression on guests. If you run into one of these long-legged arachnids, call an exterminator.

Wolf Spider

Unlike daddy long legs, wolf spiders fall firmly into the spider category. Interestingly, they don’t catch their prey in webs like others in their family. Instead, they live up to their names and hunt down prey on foot. Speaking of, wolf spiders aren’t picky when it comes to food, as they’re more than happy to consume the following:

• Small reptiles

• Small amphibians

• Insects

• Other spiders

Unlike their namesake, wolf spiders don’t hunt or live in packs. In contrast, they’re solitary predators that live in a variety of environments, including volcanos. If they invade a home, they’re most likely to set up shop in dark, underground spaces such as cellars and basements.

Wolf spiders aren’t the largest arachnid species, as they only grow about an inch long. However, they’re hairy, with thick legs, giving them a similar appearance to tarantulas. As a result, people frequently misidentify them as such.

American House Spider

You could argue that the American house spider is poorly named since it’s found in many places outside the American continents. However, it’s most common in North America and makes a habit of settling down in human residences. Like many pests, this spider has adapted to humans and prefers to live near the shelter and food they supply.

Of course, even the American house spider will avoid areas of intense human activity. Instead, these bugs seek secluded, potentially dark spots where their webs will be undisturbed.

American house spiders come in various natural colors, allowing them to camouflage in their environments. Most grow to one inch long or shorter, making them difficult to spot. They’re not particularly hairy, nor are their legs outsized — in fact, they’re the quintessential “spider” shape.

Though this spider has a venomous bite, it isn’t typically dangerous to humans, as the amount and potency of the venom are minimal. The site of the bite may itch or turn red, though these symptoms should go away. However, individuals allergic to spider bites should seek medical treatment immediately.

If you need spider removal in Kitchener, Truly Nolen Canada is the company to call. Our experts can identify the type of arachnid infestation and get rid of them quickly. We can also spray for bugs seasonally, preventing more pests from entering your home.

In addition to spiders, we can exterminate mice, termites, wasps and many other problematic animals. To schedule an inspection, contact us online or give us a call.