Other than an extremely small group of spiders, they all have venom. Fortunately for us, all but a couple of species in our area have venom strong enough to be of any threat to people. But you can never be too safe. If you feel you have a spider problem in your home, your local pest control in Chicago has solutions to put your mind at ease.
What Do Spiders In Chicago Look Like?
As mentioned before, there are many different types of spiders, but let’s just look at the most common spiders in Illinois. What do they look like, and what are their characteristics?
- Common House Spider: These are very common and found worldwide. Their carapace (front body section) is usually brown or yellow, and the abdomen (rear body section) is a grayish color with light or dark markings. The legs are typically striped. You’ll find them in webs located in the corners of doorways and windows and in eaves outside.
- Cellar Spider: As the name indicates, this species is commonly found in tangled webs in darker areas of the house, such as basements or rarely used rooms. They are easily distinguished by their very long, skinny legs. They have elongated abdomens and are a light grayish-yellow color.
- Wolf Spider: These are the scary-looking spiders that are large and hairy. You will usually find them outside, but they will occasionally find a way into your house. The wolf spider doesn’t spin webs; they chase down their prey.
- Black Widow: Unlike the spiders above, this species can be poisonous to humans with their potent venom. They are well known for the red hourglass-shaped marking on their shiny black abdomen. Some will have a few red spots in a row in place of the hourglass. Most commonly found outdoors in tree stumps or under rocks but will now and again be seen in a garage.
- Brown Recluse: This spider also has a venomous bite. They have disproportionately long, light brown legs. Most, but not all, will have a violin-shaped marking on their backs. Brown recluses are in dark, dry areas like basements or attics.
Is It Dangerous To Have Spiders In My Chicago Home?
Out of all the different types of spiders we see in our homes, only a couple of venomous spiders in Illinois are considered a possible danger to humans. Those are the aforementioned black widow and brown recluse spiders, and they are very rarely seen.
To a certain degree, spiders can be beneficial guests in your home. Spiders feed almost solely on insects such as cockroaches, ants, and silverfish. Of course, the fewer of any of these pests in your house, spiders included, the better off you are.
Easy & Effective Spider Prevention Tips For Chicago Homes
The best way to get rid of spiders and to keep them from returning is to eliminate their food source. Exercising good housekeeping practices is one of the best measures for successful pest control in Chicago.
- Ensure your kitchen countertops, cabinets, and pantries are kept clean. Eliminate any spills or crumbs as soon as possible.
- Try not to allow pet food to sit in their food bowls for long periods of time.
- Keep windows and doors shut, and make sure they are properly sealed.
- Turn off outside lights when not needed.
- Take advantage of the availability of pet and eco-friendly pest products like sprays and baits.
The Secret To Total Spider Control In Chicago
In the end, the best-kept secret when it comes to spider control is partnering with the professionals at Aerex Pest Control. We are a local company serving the Chicago area for over 70 years. If you want the best way to get rid of spiders and be assured those unwanted venomous spiders in Illinois are not your house guests, give us a call.