Pest control experts deal with a massive variety of insects each day, but there's one that is so widely feared, it's phobia has a movie named after it and is commonly known: spiders. You don't have to have full-blown arachnophobia to be freaked out by these bugs. Let's face it, they're creepy. The eight-legged insects make people's hair stand up on their necks across the nation, and here in Southwest Michigan, the problem is escalating. Michigan is home to 45 different varieties of the little beasts. Spiders are one of the most common household pests, weaving webs through two-thirds of homes in America.

Spiders vary significantly in size, depending on the species and the age. Male Spiny-Backed Orb Weavers can be as small as a sixteenth of an inch, while Wolf Spiders can reach a full four inches, including their legs. Most fall somewhere within that range.

Spiders can get in through extraordinarily small spaces and hide for as long as they need to feel safe. They often sneak into luggage or cars and make their way into homes from there. Also depending on the species, the insects can lay as many as a thousand eggs in one reproductive cycle. If a pregnant spider makes her way into your home, you could have a huge infestation after a matter of days. 

The National Institute of Health says most spiders have poisonous glands and venom sacs, but only a select few that can be harmful to humans. Spider bites are prevalent, and they often leave behind large, itchy red welts that can be painful. Those with allergies may require immediate medical attention. Some, spiders, however, can be deadly such as the Black Widow. Brown Recluse spiders are becoming more common in Southwest Michigan, and reports have come out recently about bites becoming more frequent, and experts believe warm temperatures will only bring the spiders in more significant numbers. Arachnids tend to strike if they feel surprised or threatened, so it's unwise to try to clean them out yourself. That's especially true since most people aren't experts and won't be able to identify the type of spider, and therefore won't know what to expect from a bite.

Though spider webs are harmless, they are unsightly and annoying to clean up. They give off the impression that a home is not well kept, even if it's otherwise spotless. The webs can be challenging to remove. You may have to spend some time on all fours to get the hard-to-reach ones, and if the web is on a popcorn ceiling, the fibers stick to the uneven surface and can leave lines that look like stains or pen marks.

At Stratex Pest Control, we know everyone's situation is different. Our licensed technicians are experienced and know how to handle pests while being mindful of each property's distinguishing features and each property owner's needs. Our locally owned and operated business is rated #1 in Southwest Michigan because doing a superb job is just as important to us as it is to you.