How to Get Rid of Spiders in Kansas

If you don’t want anything to do with spiders, you’re not alone. Arachnaphobia is one of the most common fears there is, and it’s easy to see why. Spiders are just plain creepy, plus they have the potential to harm humans and pets with their venomous bites? No thanks. Of course, most spiders don’t pose a danger to humans. Still, if you do spot a spider in your home, you might not know which species you’re looking at. And for many people, that one spider is one too many.

Good news – your local spider exterminators at American Pest Management have some helpful tips. If you’re wondering how to get rid of spiders in Manhattan, Kansas City Metro and surrounding areas, keep reading.

Does DIY Spider Control Work?

As with any pest infestation, it depends on the specifics of the situation. In general, DIY spider control can be a challenge. Spiders are good at hiding and there are more of them than you may realize. If you kill off the spiders you see, you’re not interrupting the life cycle. In order to eliminate a spider infestation, you need to remove all of the spiders – or else they’ll just keep coming back.

With that caveat in mind, here are some home spider control tips that can help reduce or even eradicate spider infestations:

• Remove spider webs: You can use a vacuum hose attachment to remove webs from hard surfaces, or carefully brush them away with a broom.
• Seal up cracks and crevices: Spiders can enter through even the smallest openings, so it’s important to seal up cracks or crevices, especially around windows and doors. Caulk and weatherstripping work best.
• Try natural spider repellents: You may want to try out a natural repellant to see if that clears up the problem. Peppermint oil, citrus oil, and vinegar-based repellants can be sprayed around your home or in areas where spiders are likely present.
• Insecticide sprays: If you have a serious spider problem, it might be time for insecticide sprays. Always follow the directions on the label exactly. Make sure it’s EPA registered.
• Keep your home clean and dry: This will help keep other pests out, which will in turn help keep spiders out. Pests seek crumbs and moisture. Spiders feast on household pests, so if your home is in short supply of them, the spiders will have to go elsewhere or starve.

Which Spiders are Most Dangerous in Kansas?

There are many spider species in the Manhattan area and most have the ability to bite humans. However, spider bites aren’t very common because most spiders would prefer to avoid people altogether. 99% of spiders you encounter will be terrified of you. Spider bites are often defensive, if the spider feels threatened, surprised, or it’s pushed up against your skin – for example, if it was hiding in clothing. Aggressive spiders are rare.

There are, however, two spiders in Manhattan, Kansas City Metro and surrounding areas to beware of because their bites are highly venomous and can result in severe pain and potential complications:

• Black widow: One of the most identifiable spiders for its shiny black round body and red hourglass mark on its underside. Black widows are often in garages, sheds, basements, and attics. They build webs and feed on other insects who have the misfortune of wandering into them. Black widow spiders transmit a type of venom called latrotoxin that can cause muscle and abdominal cramping, sweating, tachycardia, and muscle spasms. Symptoms typically last 3 to 7 days but can last weeks. Though their venom has a deadly reputation, fatalities are rare. The last recorded one happened in 1983.
• Brown recluse: The unassuming brown recluse spider spends much of its day in hiding. Hence, why they’re “recluse.” Brown recluse spiders transmit a hemotoxic venom with their bites that results in intense pain and tissue degradation that makes it susceptible to infection. In the event of a brown recluse spider bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you find either of these species, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced spider extermination company to take care of the problem and give you peace of mind.

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Spiders?

There are many spider control products available, but none can offer the results that an experienced spider exterminator can. We’ll take care of your problem completely and you won’t have to think about it again. If you’re not a spider fan, that type of peace of mind is priceless.

Give American Pest Management a call today and schedule your appointment. We’ll send out a knowledgeable local spider exterminator with a hassle-free solution to your problem.