While most spiders are relatively harmless to humans, others can be extremely dangerous if they bite you or a family member. Even non-dangerous spiders can become a nuisance if they end up inside your home. If you believe you have a spider infestation, knowing how to identify different species and deal with them effectively can be key to maintaining your peace of mind. Here are some of the more common spider species you may run into in Illinois and how to get rid of them effectively.
Since brown spiders are generally more partial to warm weather than cold, there are not too many species you are likely to find in Illinois. That said, it is not unheard of for these types of spiders to find a home inside your garage, including the venomous brown recluse, which has a notable violin-like pattern on its back and can get to be the size of a quarter.
Also known colloquially as “daddy longlegs,” cellar spiders are—contrary to urban legend—not venomous and not at all dangerous to humans. However, these spiders can be a nuisance if they get inside your garage, especially if they leave their webs in the corners of the floor or ceiling.
There are numerous species of cobweb spiders, but arguably none more well-known or dangerous than the black widow. These pests are recognizable by their shiny black or dark brown color and red hourglass shape on their underside. Black widows can grow to be an inch and a half across, and their bites can cause severe symptoms that often require immediate medical attention.
Sac spiders are somewhat unique in that they make webs shaped like small tubes rather than standard flat webs. While sac spider bites are not life-threatening, they can still be painful for a few hours afterward.
When you see an unwanted spider inside of your garage, you may think to kill it with a broom, mop, or vacuum cleaner wand. While this will eliminate that one spider, it likely won’t address the root of your spider infestation. To help protect your garage from spiders long-term, try cleaning up clutter to eliminate dark spaces where spiders might hide, sealing up cracks and holes that spiders can get through from outside, and ensuring insects cannot get in through open windows.
If these methods have not worked or you believe you are dealing with venomous spiders, contacting qualified pest control specialists should be your priority. The trained professionals at Ready Pest Control can help you identify the specific spider species you are dealing with and address your infestation efficiently and affordably.
