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DITCHLING CORPORATION LIMITED
"Supplying professional Pest Control products since 1964"
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DITCHLING CORPORATION LIMITED
"Supplying professional Pest Control products since 1964"
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Many people fear Spiders because of myths that surround them and the publicity given to the fatal poisonings from the bite of a few species. Most homeowners object to these creatures and dislike their annoying habits of building webs in corners, closets, across doorways, etc.
There are over 20,000 species of Spiders world wide; they are widely distributed - from the tropics to the Arctic, beneath water surfaces and 5,000 feet in the air.
DEVELOPMENT
After fertilization by the male, the female Spider begins to lay eggs, they are laid in dark hiding places or in silk cocoons.
The females of some species guard their eggs; others carry them with them. The number of the eggs varies with the species ranging from 2 to 3,000 eggs; most common species average about 100 eggs per female. In warm weather the eggs may hatch in 3 weeks. Mating and egg-laying occur anytime of the year, depending on species.
DISPERSAL
Spiders cannot fly, and use other means of dispersing in addition to walking. Some, such
as the Brown Recluse Spider find many objects transported by man to be suitable retreats, and can be moved great distances this way.
A common method of travel is "ballooning", which is practiced primarily by the young of some species - the Spider climbs to the top of an object, such as a fence post or plant, and release a strand of silk. The Spider sends out silk until there is enough of it windborne to lift the Spider from its perch. Spiders can reach great heights by this method and are known to have been carried up to 60 miles and reached altitudes of 5,000 feet.
HABITS
Spiders require water for survival but some species require very little and can live in dry environments, the Brown Recluse Spider for example has survived for 6 months without food or water; others can live only in humid places and need a regular source of drinking water. Most species are attracted to water sources if such is available.
Indoors, Spiders can be found throughout the premises - in basements, crawl spaces and other damp places, while others can be found in dry places such as subfloor air vents, attics and corners of rooms.
SPIDER BITES
In North America , there are 2 common groups of Spiders that bite and can cause poisoning; they are the Southern Black Widow Spider, and related species and the Brown Recluse Spider and its relatives.
In addition, over 50 other species of Spiders have been implicated in bites.
Spiders are seldom aggressive towards humans and usually bite only when injured or trapped. Only large Spiders are capable of breaking the skin of a human; smaller ones can inflict only superficial scratches.
Nearly all Spiders have venom glands, but most of the North American species have a venom so low in toxicity to humans that effects are usually insignificant.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The severity of a person's reaction to a Spider Bite is influenced by a number of factors, such as:
- species of Spider
- body area of the bite
- amount of venom injected
- depth of the bite
- seasonal changes and temperature
in some cases there is no reaction at all.
Symptoms of Spider bites are:
- slight soreness & itching similar to a Mosquito bite
- burning, throbbing numbness and stiffness
- slight swelling, sometimes.
Individuals who are especially allergic to venoms of insects and their relatives, may be more seriously affected by bites of Spiders that are not dangerous to most people.
KINDS OF SPIDERS
1. COBWEB SPIDERS these small, less than 1/2 inch long, Spiders are generally found indoors. They are pale yellow, brown or tan and have no distinct markings. They do not bite and are generally considered a nuisance pest.
2. YELLOW HOUSE SPIDER moves rapidly and makes small white webs in the Fall, they often build webs in and around gas jets on stoves or hot water heaters. They spend the winter relatively inactive and in the Spring find their way outdoors. They can bite, usually causing a small irritating spot that may not heal for 8-10 days. In some cases bites have been painful with some necrosis occurring.
3. WOLF SPIDERS are swift moving, hairy and 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. These Spiders are usually found outdoors but wander into houses,usually basements. They do not make webs or attack humans, but can bite if molested - the bite is not considered poisonous.
4. JUMPING SPIDERS are usually black and hairy and up to 1/3 inch long with vivid markings on the abdomen. They do not make webs and can bite if molested.
5. ORB WEAVER SPIDERS are a common outdoor pest that cause many problems around buildings. They make webs close to areas where insects will fly or visit, such as lighted windows, lights, doorways, etc. They are large and can cause great problems in and on apartment buildings, condominiums and other high rise structures - building their webs on balconies and across windows and sliding glass doors.
6. WIDOW SPIDERS, most species in this group are not encountered by man in North America, so although their venoms are dangerous, the Spider is not of great importance. The most important is the Southern Black Widow Spider, this is more dangerous than others in this group because of its wide distribution in the southern states and its willingness to make use of man's habitat.
7. RECLUSE SPIDERS, the Brown Recluse Spider is sometimes called the Fiddle Back or Violin Spider because of its fiddle-like markings. It is found mainly in the South and Midwest, but is spreading into California and along the Atlantic seaboard and to the Great Lakes. Both the male and female Brown Recluse Spider bite and inject venom. They are not aggressive and usually retreat from threatening situations. However, they usually bite when disturbed or crushed; most bites occur on the hands, arms or legs when people are putting on stored clothing or rolling over in bed.
PREVENTION & CONTROL
SANITATION
General sanitation outdoors will aid in preventing buildup of Spiders. Wood piles, rocks, trash, compost piles, old boards and other debris should be cleaned up. It is important to keep crawl spaces free from debris. Indoors, Spiders webs can be vacuumed.
STRUCTURAL CONTROL
Screens, tight fitting doors and windows, sealing cracks and crevices in foundations all aid in keeping out Spiders.
CHEMICAL CONTROL
Indoors - residual insecticides may be used in conjunction with a "knock-down" PROFESSIONAL AEROSOL. In attics and crawl spaces dusts may be used.
Outdoors - residual insecticides may be applied as a barrier treatment, it may be advantageous also to treat sheds, woodpiles, garages, etc. Remember pesticides applied to areas receiving direct sunlight and exposure to weather will break down more quickly. Some insecticides, such as MALATHION, have been shewn to be repellent to Spiders.
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