Spider Prevention Tips for North Carolina Homeowners 

Spiders can be a common concern for many North Carolina homeowners, as they’ll find secluded areas in our homes and make them their own! The first step in preventing these pests from invading is understanding the types you could come across and the preventative measures needed.  

Types of Spiders in North Carolina  

  • Black Widow: Considered the most venomous spider in North Carolina, these spiders are known to cause a painful bite that can cause side effects in humans. Black widow spiders are most active at night, often found around decks, barns, closets, under rocks, and crawlspaces. 
  • Brown Widow: These spiders prefer undisturbed areas to inhabit, such as garages, basements, gardens, mailboxes, and storage closets. While these spiders will bite if they feel threatened, the bite is less harmful than their cousin spider, the black widow. 
  • Brown Recluse: These spiders prefer a warm, dark, and dry place to habitat, often in areas such as closets, woodpiles, and basements. Brown recluse spiders bite with symptoms taking up to 3 hours afterward to show up. 
  • Wolf Spiders: These spiders hunt their prey instead of spinning a web to catch them. Most active at night, wolf spiders hide out during the day, usually in low places such as wood piles, under rocks, along walls, and under furniture. 

Preventing Spiders in North Carolina Homes 

Preventing spiders might seem like a daunting task, but by placing a few preventative measures around your home, it is possible. Check out our tips on avoiding a spider infestation in your home: 

  • Remove spider webs as soon as you see them on your property 
  • Declutter your home to help eliminate hiding spaces for these pests 
  • Clean as frequently as possible, dusting and vacuuming where necessary 
  • Consider utilizing natural spider repellents such as peppermint oil and cinnamon 
  • Keep firewood away from your home and placed and elevated off the ground 
  • If you’re storing items, look to store them in sealed bags and plastic boxes 
  • Utilize weatherstripping around the doors and windows and make sure it is kept in good repair 
  • Caulk or seal any gaps, holes, or openings that have the potential to lead inside your home 

While spiders don’t threaten the structural integrity of your home, they can be unsightly, and their webs can become an annoyance if they’ve built in high-traffic areas. If you’ve noticed more spiders on your property than you’re comfortable with, it could be time to call a local pest control company for spider control assistance. These professionals will be able to identify the type of infested spider, provide a pest control plan, and recommend a prevention plan to help with future infestations. 

By dwiley