cellar spiders Spiders are probably the most feared home-invading pest in Hudson Valley, New York homes, but despite their fearsome reputation and off-putting appearance, most aren’t very dangerous at all. The majority of spiders in the area are considered harmless nuisance pests, but this doesn’t mean they are a welcome sight in your house.

Four of the main spider species that make their way onto Hudson Valley properties are cellar spiders, black widow spiders, wolf spiders, and brown recluse spiders. It is worth noting that black widow and brown recluse spiders are dangerous, but they are fairly rare and their bites are even more uncommon.

To help you identify the dangerous spider species from the harmless varieties, we’ve put together a brief guide to what each looks like:

Cellar Spiders: This tiny species is only about ⅜ of an inch long and is usually tan to brown in coloring. They have round bodies and long, skinny legs.
Black Widow Spiders: This notorious species can be identified by its pitch black coloring and the red hourglass marking on its underbelly.
Wolf Spiders: These spiders look scary because they are larger than most species and have hairy legs. They can move quickly and are brown to black in coloration.
Brown Recluse Spiders: This dangerous species is a tan color with a violin-shaped marking behind its head. They also have three pairs of eyes arranged in a semicircle.

The Main Factor That Attracts Spiders
While some pests come inside in search of shelter, spiders come around properties in search of one thing: their prey. The main reason you’re seeing more spiders around your home is that you have underlying pest problems, even if you haven't noticed them.

Spiders usually live outdoors, but they will go inside in search of their pest prey. So, if you have a lot of spiders around, you most likely have smaller insect problems, too.

Because of this, the best way to go about preventing and controlling spiders is to take steps to eradicate any other bug infestations around your house.

What’s The Best Way To Remove A Pest Infestation?

Luckily, there is one simple and effective method to remove both spiders and their pest prey, and it's with help from the pros. The experts at Pestmaster® Services can provide treatment plans that will eradicate any pest problems and also get rid of any current spider infestations.

Then, we will provide ongoing assistance to make sure spiders and their prey don’t come back. Find out more about how to protect your home, and even get a free quote, by contacting us today.

Some Simple Spider Prevention Tips

While the most effective way to control spiders and their pest prey is with professional assistance, there are also some preventive measures you can take on your own to help keep them away. Here are five of the best spider prevention tips:

Keep firewood stored at least 30 feet from your home in a dry location. Many spiders, including black widows, live in firewood.
Help prevent small insects by keeping kitchen areas cleaned and cleaning up food and drink spills right away.
Cover all trash cans with securely fitted lids and take out the trash often.
Reduce moisture around your home by fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
Make it more difficult for spiders and insects to get inside by fixing broken screens and installing door sweeps.