Spiders are possibly one of the most feared and disliked creatures in Australia, and contrary to the common opinion, they are not all dangerous nor are they all unattractive. However there are some varieties of spiders that are best controlled through a spider control strategy.
Spiders can be divided into two main groups:
- Crawling or Hunting spiders; and
- Webbing Spiders
Crawling or Hunting Spiders
This group of spiders are not found on webs but commonly make their home under leaf litter or bark, in hollows or purpose built burrows and in general garden areas. These spiders hunt down their prey down or lie in wait to ambush their prey.
For more detail on spider identification and biology - click here...
Webbing Spiders
Webbing spiders depend upon silk for their movements and spinning webs for catching their prey.
For more detail on spider identification and biology - click here...
Spider Control Methods
Spider control is always a challenge. Spiders are a beneficial part of our ecology and provide a very useful function in keeping other insect populations under control, so balance needs to be by attempting to eliminate the spiders in the target area.
For crawling or hunting spiders, control is extremely difficult. Control methods are limited to removal or elimination of each individual spider by direct contact with a pesticide.
Unless the species is considered dangerous, the best method of dealing with these spiders is to move them back into their habitat. The DIY system known worldwide involves a fearless member of the household, a glass or bowl & paper/cardboard slid underneath - followed by a release outdoors.
Chemical sprays applied as a "barrier" to stop crawling spiders from entering a premises do not work.
For webbing spiders there are a few different options for spider control.
- Physical measures like trying to eliminate or reduce the food supply (insects) in the infested area e.g. moving or turning off external lights at night. Temporary measures can include the physical removal of webs, however this will not eliminate the spider population.
- Chemical sprays that target the spider directly. Chemical on the webs is not always effective since most webbing spiders hang on using claw-like structures on their legs which do not readily absorb chemical residues.
- Its always advisable to remove the webs immediately after the treatment. This way it is much easier to determine when the spider population is building again.
Limitations of Spider Control Methods
Because you cannot provide a long-term residual protection for spiders, the spider population will build up again over time. If you have a lot of bush and foliage in the immediate vicinity of your property, the time between treatments will be much shorter.
Why Bother with Spider Control?
- Some species of spiders like the Redback spider do pose a definite threat to family and pets. If dangerous spiders are found in your living environment around the home, some form of controlling spiders should be taken.
- Even though there are limitations on the length of time that a treatment appears to be effective, a spider treatment will break the life cycle of the spiders that are treated, meaning it will take a lot longer for the problem to appear again.
Call in a Professional...
While there are some things you can do to minimise spider infestation - if the problem is bad you most likely will need the help of a professional to fix the problem.
Why call in a professional pest controller for your spider control?
- They have the experience of knowing where to look and an in-depth knowledge of additional factors you may not be aware of.
- Professional pest controllers have specialised equipment to gain access to parts of the building structure.
- A true professional pest controller will provide a service warranty in most cases to ensure that if something was missed - they will come back to fix the problem.