Known as the urban gem of the Mountain West, Salt Lake City sits majestically among the Wasatch Mountains. This city thrives on being a hub for the culture, innovation, and business scene. Salt Lake City is blossoming as a cosmopolitan destination. Cosmopolitan or not, the spider is not picky about where it lives. If the conditions are right, they might just silently move into your home.
Three Common Spiders Residing In Salt Lake City
Most spiders you see are beneficial because they prey on flies and other pests that inhabit your yard, even if they sometimes find their way into your home. Knowing what they look like can help homeowners distinguish which ones have gotten comfy in their homes.
Three common spiders hanging around Salt Lake City properties include:
- Black Widow Spiders: These spiders are typically black with two reddish triangular markings on the abdomen that join together at the tips to form a red hourglass shape (their most recognized feature). Females can sometimes be brownish-black. They are round and have eight legs. They typically measure between 1 ½ inch to 1 3/8 inches.
- Brown Recluse Spiders: The color of this spider ranges from light to dark brown with a dark brown violin shape on its back. It also has a round body and eight legs. Their sizes range from ¼ inch to ½ inch long.
- Wolf Spiders: These spiders are usually dark brown and can have paler yellow stripes or markings. They have stout-robust bodies with eight long, spiny legs. Females measure about 3/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches; males measure between ¼ inch to ¾ inches.
It's important to pay attention to the type of spiders you are seeing to know if they are helping or creating a hazard around your Salt Lake City home.
The Secret To Why Spiders Move Inside Your Salt Lake City Home
A compelling reason for spiders to enter your home is to search out food sources. Wintertime is prime time for spiders as they often head indoors chasing prey or looking for a safe place to store their egg sacks. Since spiders feed on common household pests, they can be beneficial in identifying existing infestations in your home. Spiders will use many of the same entry points to get into your home as other pests.
Common entry points include:
- Holes, cracks, or openings in your home’s foundation
- Gaps caused by damaged or ill-fitting windows or doors
- Places where wires and pipes enter the house
To protect yourself from spiders and other pests, make sure to regularly check these areas and make improvements as necessary.
What Is The Best Way To Handle Pest Infestations?
The best way to handle spider problems is to contact the professionals at White Knight Pest Control. We are a family-owned and operated company that cares about your comfort and safety. We recognize that not everyone’s pest problems are the same; therefore, we offer three different types of pest control plans to suit homeowner's individual needs. Reach out today for a free estimate.
How To Prevent Spider Infestations In Salt Lake City
When homeowners institute preventative measures for spiders both inside and outside, they may also restrict other damaging pests from entering their homes.
Some prevention tips include:
Outside:
- Seal small openings, holes, and cracks around your home with silicone caulk.
- Check any wood before bringing it into your home.
- Move firewood, stacked items, and yard debris away from foundations.
- Trim shrubs, vines, and tree limbs so they do not touch the house.
- Ensure windows have tight-fitting screens.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
- Keep tight-fitting lids on food and trash.
- Install special lighting outside that is less attractive to pests.
Inside:
- Keep your home clean and tidy.
- Vacuum and dust frequently.
- Reduce hiding spots by de-cluttering basements, garages, and closets.
For help preventing or eliminating spiders around your Salt Lake City home, call White Knight Pest Control.