Let's start with the good news. Venomous spiders are very rare in New England. Sometimes you'll find black widow spiders in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and other parts of the region, but sightings are uncommon.
The brown recluse, another poisonous spider, is not native to the area. When a brown recluse is discovered in New England, it came from somewhere else, possibly because it was living up to its name and hiding reclusively in a crate or box that was shipped here. Sometimes they are accidentally carried in a car coming from a warmer climate.
So, if you’re worried about poisonous spiders, be cautious when dealing with boxes and vehicles that come from warmer parts of the country.
Prevent Spider Infestations
If, on the other hand, you don't like the idea of spiders, in general, invading your house, there are steps you can take to make your home less attractive—to both the venomous and the more common types.
Most spiders enter your home in pursuit of whatever insects they like to eat. You can divide spiders into two groups, based on this.
Some spider species like to eat beetles and other bugs that live on the ground. These spiders generally enter your home through a low entry point, such as through a basement window, gaps in the foundation, or other low entry points.
The second group likes to eat flying insects. Since these spiders hang out in higher places, they generally enter your home from a height, such as through vents, roof exhaust pipes, or gaps in the roofline.
Finding and filling gaps, cracks, and ill-fitting windows and doors, both low and high can help limit the entryways spiders will use.
Other Spider Attractions
Because spiders eat insects, you'll find them where other insects are. If you can reduce the number of insects in your yard or home, you may decrease the spiders.
One of the best ways to limit spiders is to reduce the number of flies around your home. Keep trash sealed in cans and use insect-repelling yellow lightbulbs in your exterior lights, so you don't attract flies. Also, limiting standing water in your yard is another way to discourage them.
Once spiders enter your home, they can be hard to get rid of. The trained professionals at American Pest Solutions have access to the best products to eliminate spiders. We can also use the right products to create a barrier around your house that will keep spiders out.
We have more than 100 years of experience helping New England residents control pests. Call us today for details about how we can help you.