Spider Pest Control Toronto

Important Facts About Spiders

Spiders have eight walking legs and two body segments (the cephalothorax is the front body section and the abdomen is the second section of the body) connected by a thin waist. Scientifically classified as Arachnida, spiders are different than insects, despite their appearance. Most spiders in a home remain undetected for the most part, existing in cool areas and dark spaces, only becoming active at night. Spiders will only bite if threatened.

Large office buildings or apartment dwellings where lights in large windows attract nocturnal insects for a wide variety of spiders to feed on often report serious spider infestation.

With a plentiful food supply, spiders can multiply quickly. The young of some spider species disperse through the air through a technique called ballooning. While clinging to a wall or other surface, their spinnerets secrete fine silk strands which allow the small spiders to leap through the air when lifted by a slight breeze (sort of like parachuting in reverse).

Spiders reproduce in great numbers along waterways and often cottages, homes and other buildings in close proximity to lakes and rivers experience a heavy infestation of spiders. The allure of various water insects like midges and caddisflies that inhabit these areas provides a plentiful food supply to support many species of spiders.

Other common spiders found around structures include:

• Sac Spiders– Chiracanthium mildei, alternately known as the Black-footed spider is greenish or pale yellow in colour and measures around 8 mm in length. Inside buildings, it creates a three-sided shaped web nesting in corners where the wall and ceiling meet. This species is nocturnal and will deliver a severe bite if disturbed. Although non-poisonous, its venom can create an allergic reaction for some people.
• Funnel Web Spiders– Tegenarai domestica, also known as the funnel web spider, is a hairy, long-legged, sturdy looking spider measuring about 12 mm. It nests in basements and ground level buildings like a garage. Its web is a flat sheet that leads to a shorter tunnel retreat. Although painful, its bite is non-poisonous except to people who may be prone to allergic reactions from spider venom.
• Jumping Spiders– Salticus scenicus, also known as the tiny Zebra jumping spider, measures only 5 mm. It has short legs and distinctive grey and white body hairs that form stripes. This type of non-poisonous spider does not bite and does not build a web but usually preys on small insects found near window ledges.