It is estimated that the United States has around 3,500 spider species. So don't be surprised when you can't quite figure out what spider has gotten into your Hudson Valley home. You can take some comfort in the fact that whatever spider you've found is probably not going to cause too much harm. There are only two medically important spiders in the states. They are the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider. Both of these have several species in each, but all are rare in our area. This is definitely good news for Hudson Valley residents. But we still have spiders. Lots of creepy spiders. And, whether they are dangerous or not, you probably don't want them in your home. Here are a few key ways you can keep Hudson Valley spiders out.

Spider

Reduce Spiders

If you have fewer spiders around your home, you'll have fewer spiders getting in. Makes sense, doesn't it? Try these tips to reduce spiders around your home.

Keep exterior trash in covered containers and clean your trash containers periodically. This will reduce flying insects that draw in spiders.
Keep exterior lights off at night where it is not a security concern. This will reduce flying insects that draw in spiders.
Keep your shades drawn at night to reduce flying insects… that draw in spiders.
Clean your gutters and repair damaged splash blocks and downspouts. This will reduce mosquitoes and moisture pests that crawl on the ground near your home.
Remove organic debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, stacks of wood, and sticks. This removes environments that bugs crawl around in.
Thin tree canopy to allow the sunlight to get in and dry areas around your home that stay shaded. This will reduce crawling pests that require moisture.
Water your plants in the morning to allow moisture to dry. This reduces plant fungus that invites aphids and other plant-damaging pests that spiders feed on.
Remove clutter from your yard to remove potential locations of habitation.
Remove unnecessary vegetation to reduce insect populations.

Remove Entry Points

When spiders crawl around near your home, it is important that they don't find ways inside. While the list of potential entry points is quite long, here are a few common points spiders will take advantage of.

Gaps in the weatherstripping around exterior doors
Gaps around the outside of window and door frames
Gaps around pipes and wire conduits
Damaged screens and window panes
Chipped mortar and cracked foundations

Reduce Incentives

Almost every home has spiders in it. It is extremely difficult to keep spiders out. But a home can have a few spiders in it without any issues arising. This is because spiders tend to stay in wall voids and other hiding places. When you go up into your attic, you expect to find spider webs. What you don't want are spider webs in your kitchen, bathroom, and other common rooms of your home. Spiders make webs in common areas when food is plentiful.

Reducing insects in your home will not only keep spiders in hiding, but it'll also reduce how many spiders will want to live in your home.

Keep your home as clean as possible. This removes food sources for insects.
Protect your kitchen trash with a covered receptacle.
Make sure your window and door screens are in good working condition.

Spider Control

There is no better way to keep spiders out of your home than to have routine residential pest control treatments. Treatments provided by a licensed professional help to repel and eliminate the pests that spiders feed on and provide spider web removal to prevent spider eggs from hatching near your home. If you live in Hudson Valley, reach out to Pestmaster® Services to set up a residential pest control plan for your home. We provide coverage for a long list of potential pests, including spiders.