Spider Control in Athens, GA
Spider Management in All of Georgia and Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina
Stumbling upon a spider infestation in your home is often an unnerving experience. From the inconspicuous corners of your living room to the quiet spaces in your attic, these eight-legged invaders can turn any tranquil space into a source of discomfort and anxiety. Though most spiders native to Georgia are harmless, the mere sight of one scurrying across your floor can disrupt your peace of mind and create a sense of unease that’s tough to shake. There are also several dangerous species of spiders you need to watch out for.
When spiders invade your home, American Pest Control is here to help. The dedication, experience, and people-first approach of our team make us the best choice for residential spider control in Athens, GA. Our technicians are highly trained and certified to safely eliminate spider infestations of all kinds, including those involving venomous species that pose an immediate threat to you and your loved ones. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and environmentally friendly products to ensure your home becomes and remains a spider-free zone. When you choose our pest control company, you choose a team of friendly technicians that is committed to earning your satisfaction, and you can always count on quality service at reasonable rates.
We can help you send spiders packing! Request a free inspection and quote by calling (706) 702-4532 or contacting us online.
Common Types of Spiders in Georgia
Georgia is home to a wide variety of spider species. Each species has unique characteristics, behaviors, and levels of interaction with humans. Many species pose no threat to humans, while others are poisonous and warrant caution. It is important to understand what types of spiders you may potentially encounter in and around your home and when you need to be especially concerned. If you discover venomous spiders on your property, you should not wait to request professional assistance. We offer responsive residential spider control in Athens, GA, and are prepared to quickly eliminate any dangerous species that may be threatening the safety of your home and its inhabitants.
At American Pest Control, we are prepared to handle many types of common spider species, including:
- Brown recluse spiders. The brown recluse spider is notorious for its venomous bite. You can easily identify it by the distinctive violin-shaped marking on its back. This spider typically measures between 6 to 20 millimeters in length, and its color ranges from light to dark brown, often with a tinge of gray. Brown recluse spiders favor undisturbed and secluded areas, making homes an ideal habitat, particularly in less frequented areas such as attics, basements, and garages. Outdoors, they can be found hiding in piles of rocks, leaves, or wood. While brown recluse spiders are non-aggressive and prefer to flee rather than bite, they can attack when they feel trapped or threatened. Their venom can cause significant skin damage and necrotic wounds that require medical attention.
- Black widow spiders. This species of spider is instantly recognizable thanks to its shiny black body and the iconic red hourglass marking on its abdomen, making it one of the most easily identifiable spider species in Georgia. Black widow spiders are generally small, measuring about 12 to 16 millimeters in body length. Like brown recluse spiders, black widow spiders are fond of dark, secluded areas. Indoors, you might find them in cluttered spaces like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Outdoors, they prefer quiet, undisturbed locations like woodpiles, hollow tree stumps, and under stones. Black widow bites are rare, as they tend to be non-confrontational and will only generally attack as a last resort. You should still exercise extra caution around these spiders, however, as their venom is potent and can lead to severe symptoms in humans, including muscle pain, abdominal cramps, and in severe cases, respiratory issues. If you think you may have been bitten by a black widow spider, seek immediate medical attention.
- Wolf spiders. Wolf spiders are distinctively large and hairy, often causing unease due to their intimidating appearance. These spiders vary significantly in size, with some species measuring up to 35 millimeters in body length. They are typically brown or gray and feature mottled patterns on their bodies. Wolf spiders are unique in the spider world due to their hunting style. Unlike most spiders that rely on webs to catch their prey, wolf spiders are active hunters, stalking and chasing down their food. They are adaptable creatures and can be found in a variety of environments. Indoors, they can lurk in basements and garages, especially if there is ample prey for them to hunt. Outdoors, they prefer to inhabit gardens, fields, and forests. They create burrows in the ground rather than spinning webs, which they use for protection and rearing their young. Despite their sometimes scary appearance, wolf spiders are generally harmless. They are non-aggressive and prefer to flee when confronted. Although their bite can be painful, it is rarely dangerous to humans.
- Orb weaver spiders. There are thousands of species of orb weaver spiders, a variety of which can be found in Georgia. These spiders are notable for their large, intricate webs constructed in a circular "orb" pattern, hence their name. Their precise appearance will depend on the specific species, but orb weavers are generally known for their large, rounded abdomens, often decorated with striking patterns. Their size can vary considerably, with some species reaching up to 30 millimeters in body length. Orb weaver spiders are typically found in gardens, fields, and forests, where they construct their webs between plants or trees. They are predominantly outdoor spiders, but they may occasionally venture indoors, particularly into greenhouses or areas with indoor plants. At night, they can be seen at the center of their webs, waiting patiently for their prey to get trapped. Orb weaver spiders are also generally considered harmless. They are non-aggressive, and their venom poses minimal risk to humans. While their bite may cause discomfort, it is usually no more severe than a bee sting. However, their large webs can be a nuisance, especially when they're built close to your home.
Signs You May Have a Spider Infestation
The occasional presence of a spider does not necessarily indicate a full-blown infestation. Spiders often wander indoors while hunting for food or seeking shelter from adverse weather conditions. Usually, these spiders prefer to stay hidden and will leave on their own accord once their needs are met. In other words, seeing a spider now and then is normal and often a sign of a healthy ecosystem around your home. It's when you start noticing a regular pattern or an increase in spider activity that you should consider the possibility of an infestation and seek professional advice.
You may need residential spider control in Athens, GA, if you notice any of the following signs of an infestation:
- Increased spider sightings. One of the most obvious signs of an infestation is an increased number of spiders in your home. While an occasional spider sighting is quite normal and not necessarily a reason for concern, frequent encounters could signal a more significant problem.
- Webs and egg sacs. Spiders are known for their webs that they use to trap their prey. If you notice a sudden proliferation of spiderwebs in your home, particularly in corners, closets, and less-frequented areas, it could suggest an infestation. Additionally, the presence of egg sacs, which are small, silk-woven pouches that house spider eggs, is an undeniable sign of an unchecked spider population in your home.
- Increased presence of prey insects. Spiders feed on other pests. If you are already dealing with a mosquito or fly problem, the increased presence of these pests could also attract spiders.
- Deteriorating houseplants. Some spider species are attracted to plants. If your houseplants seem to be in poor health for unknown reasons, there's a chance they might be infested by spiders.
- Bites. While not all spiders bite humans, unexplained bites could be a sign of certain species of spiders in your home. With that said, spider bites can be mistaken for bites from other pests and should be verified by a professional.
Additionally, if you discover any dangerous spiders like black widows or brown recluses inside your home, keep your loved ones and pets away from the area and get in touch with us right away. Although it's natural to want to handle it yourself, dealing with venomous spiders can pose significant health risks, and we know how to safely eliminate these pests.
Keep in mind that, given their integral role in the ecosystem, spiders can sometimes be a beneficial presence in your yard or garden. They are nature's pest control agents known for feeding on a wide array of troublesome insects. For example, spiders prey on mosquitoes, flies, roaches, and various garden pests, consequently helping to control their populations. If you do not have an overwhelming fear of spiders and the species in your vicinity are not venomous or aggressive, allowing a minimal spider presence can serve as a form of natural pest management. Still, it is important to monitor their numbers to ensure their presence doesn't escalate into an infestation. Our knowledgeable professionals can assess the state of your yard and advise whether it needs residential spider control in Athens, GA.
How We Treat and Control Spider Infestations
Our multi-step approach to spider elimination is tailored to your specific circumstances and needs. We start with a complete inspection of your property. Our experts will carefully inspect your home, focusing on areas where spiders typically nest and breed. This includes basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages. We will evaluate any signs of an infestation – including webs, egg sacs, and an increase in pest activity – to help determine the severity of the infestation and the species involved.
Following the initial inspection, we will develop a customized treatment plan. If the infestation is limited to certain areas, localized treatments may be sufficient to control the spider population. These treatments typically involve the application of pesticides that specifically target spiders, and they are carefully administered to minimize exposure to non-target organisms and to ensure your family’s safety. In cases of more severe infestations, we might recommend fumigation. We always ensure that these procedures are carried out following all safety protocols to protect you, your family, and your pets.
Our professionals can also walk you through various preventative measures you can take to discourage spiders from invading your property moving forward. This could involve regular cleaning of storage spaces, sealing cracks and openings in your home’s structure, maintaining your yard, and reducing outdoor lighting that attracts insects (a primary food source for spiders). By making your property less attractive to spiders, we can reduce the chances of a re-infestation.
Trust us with residential spider control in Athens, GA, so you and your family can enjoy a safer and more comfortable home. We offer emergency, same-day support, so do not hesitate to call (706) 702-4532 if you spot a dangerous spider!
Hear From Our Happy Customers
At American Pest Control, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
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Very impressed with American!
"I compared to 2 other companies and their customer service, pricing and tech were the best!"- Leigh T. -
He was also incredibly personable and friendly.
"Patrick did a great taking care of my house with results that were visible in only a handful of days."- William W. -
I am so pleased so of course I will be switching companies ASAP!
"American Pest Control came out and not only educated me on how he could solve the problem, but he actually SOLVED the problem!!!"- Christy C.
Why Our Customers Love Working with Us
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When pests get into your home or business, you want a quick solution. Our efficient pest control takes care of the problem.
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We care about our customers and are committed to delivering the services you need to provide you with peace of mind.
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Our technicians go through rigorous training and must pass state-required testing in order to be certified with us.
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Our third-generation pest control experts put our experience toward your family's safe, comfortable environment.