ALL ABOUT SPIDERS

Spiders are a diverse group of arthropods found throughout the world. Some species are tiny, while others, such as the tarantula, are very large. Although most common house spiders are harmless, widow spiders and brown recluse spiders are two common venomous types in the U.S.

 

BASIC BIOLOGY OF SPIDERS

 

Spiders are voracious predators, feeding on insects, other spiders and even small mammals and reptiles.

 

• They differ from insects in that they have two, rather than three, body regions. These two regions are the cephalothorax – which contains the eyes, mouthparts and legs – and the abdomen.

• Spiders have four pairs of legs, while insects have three pairs of legs. They possess modified appendages called pedipalps located in the front by the mouth, which in some species resemble an extra set of legs.

• Most spiders have eight simple eyes located on the front of the cephalothorax, but some spiders have fewer eyes. The arrangement of these eyes is often used to distinguish between various species of spiders.

• The abdomen is unsegmented and contains the genital structures, spiracles and the spinnerets used to spin silk.

• Many types of spiders spin some type of web, and the shape or type of web is often as distinctive as the spider itself. Other spiders are active hunters that move about looking for prey, but they do not spin webs.

 

AVOIDING BITES

 

If your home has a brown recluse spider infestation, you can reduce the chances of bites by following these recommendations:

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• Clothing can be stored in sealed plastic bags inside drawers or inside plastic storage compartments hanging in closets. Shoes can be stored inside plastic shoe boxes.

• Clothes that have been left on the floor, in a clothing basket or are otherwise exposed should always be shaken well and inspected before being put on.

• Beds should be moved out so they do not touch walls or curtains. Bed skirts around the box springs should be removed from beds, and bedspreads coming near or touching the floor should not be used.

 

HOW TO GET RID OF SPIDERS

 

Some spiders may be harboring outdoors in piles of firewood and debris, under items lying on the ground or in voids in hollow blocks, while others may live in attics and crawl spaces or other areas throughout the home. A thorough, professional inspection from FIRST STRIKE will reveal these hiding spots and help eliminate spiders from your home.