Spider Control Services

Colorado is home to more than 650 different species of spiders. It’s been said an estimated 1 million spiders live on a single acre of land! With that many spiders running about, it’s no wonder homes on the Front Range have been taken over by these creatures.. Spiders are considered beneficial creatures because they eat insects. But really, what’s worse, the spider or the insect? That’s for you to decide.

Spiders don’t normally bite people. Generally their jaws are to small or weak to assist the fangs in penetrating human flesh and inject venom. Research suggests, these assumed spider bites are more likely bites from other insects or a reaction due to infection. That being said, some spiders do have strong fangs.  Most spider bites occur when the spider has been startled or squished. All species of spider in North America are poisonous, but their venom is not toxic enough to harm humans.

The Black Widow Spider can be a deadly transient living in your home. Antivenom is available to neutralize the venom of widow bites, but it can only be administered if you bring the spider along with you to the hospital. Widows produce a toxin that affects the nervous system. Symptoms include muscle and chest pain, weakness and abdominal pain. In more serious cases, dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting can also occur.

Though widow bites are rarely lethal to humans, it is extremely important to manage these spiders in the home. Pets, children and the elderly have the greatest lethal risk. Pets tend to lounge around along the siding of the structures which just happens to be a favorite widow nesting site. Young children and the elderly have poor immune systems and as a result, have a hard time fighting off the poisons of the widow.

For example, a client of mine was bitten by a widow while carrying firewood into his home. He suffered severe chest pains and assumed he was having a heart attack. Because he was unaware that he was bit by the spider, he phoned 911 and was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance. While spending several days in the intensive care unit, he was administered medications to lower blood pressure and ease discomfort, without medical professionals ever knowing the root cause of the problem. In conclusion, these spiders are considered dangerous pests.

• Vacuum along baseboards paying particular attention to corners
• Tie your hair up tight
• Wear elbow length rubber gloves

Furthermore, widows tend to nest in undisturbed cardboard boxes, antiques and other unused belongings. If you ever notice small, white egg sacs that are perfectly round and about a quarter to a half inch long in diameter, do the following:

• Burn them with a lighter
• Vacuum the egg sacs

While not a native of Colorado, the brown recluse spider has become more common throughout the state. It is one of the most misdiagnosed spiders found in Colorado and as a result, can only be properly identified by an expert. These spiders are also considered dangerous pests. To protect your family from the brown recluse spider, do the following:

• Mop and vacuum rooms and closets that are sparingly used.
• Inspect clothing and shoes that have been stored for the season. Always store clothing in plastic bags.
• Inspect shipments from infested states such as Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas for pests.

Finally, NEVER move firewood from any of the above listed states or any state, for that matter.

If you’d like to learn more about our Colorado native spiders, click here.