Most of us do not like to see spiders. They are creepy and disgusting and often surprise us in our homes. And, as the weather gets colder, we tend to see more people seeking shelter indoors than ever before.

Kentucky is home to hundreds of species of spiders. Lucky for us, only two species are usually a real threat to your safety and health: the black widow and the brown recluse. Bites from these spiders can cause serious medical problems if not treated right away.

While the chance of coming into contact with a Black Widow is rare, Brown Recluse activity has increased dramatically in the last three years; however, each of them is easily identifiable. The black widow can be recognized by its shiny black color and red hourglass marking on its back, and the brown recluse is a large brown or orange spider with a “violin”-shaped marking on its back ( so a popular local term for this species is the ‘fiddler’ spider.)

The best way to avoid contact with spiders is to be aware of their common hiding places and practice preventative measures. Read on to learn more about spider identification and prevention of spiders commonly found in Kentucky.

spider identification

Spiders vary in appearance, but they follow some basic anatomical features: they have eight jointed legs, two stigmata (sections of the body), they are wingless, they have an exoskeleton, they build webs, and they generally have eight eyes. Their unique characteristics allow them to be easily identifiable most of the time.

In fact, what spiders really have on their side is the element of surprise. They can seem to appear anywhere in your home: on the kitchen counter, on your pillow, in the shower. While they may seem indiscriminate in their stealthy approach, they actually prefer certain conditions: warm, dark, and quiet spaces. This includes attics, closets, garages, storage sheds, window frames, furniture underneath, and other lesser-used spaces. Outside, you can find them in piles of brush and wood, in your garden, and in dense vegetation.

spider prevention

The best way to reduce the possibility of coming into contact with any type of spider is to practice preventive measures. These include:

– Sealing of entry points.. Repair cracks, gaps, and gaps between doors, windows, and other entry points into your home. Cover windows with screens and make sure vents are tightly closed. Spiders are good at finding even the most subtle entry points.

– Cleaning areas prone to spiders. Few of us take the time to clean spaces that are rarely used, like attics and closets. However, the dirtier and dustier they get, the more likely they are to gather some unwanted guests. Be sure to mop, sweep, or vacuum these areas from time to time.

– Get rid of clutter. Disused storage spaces like attics and garages tend to accumulate our trash: old papers and records, old toys, winter clothes, disused furniture, etc. Spiders can find many nooks and crannies to hide in unnecessary clutter. And this goes for your backyard, too: clipping and trimming bushes can also help reduce spider habitats.

Eliminate spiders forever

Many common spiders can lay dozens of eggs at a time, resulting in hundreds or thousands of babies. That means the presence of just one spider in your home can result in a full-blown infestation. If you start noticing a lot of spiders in your home, don’t hesitate to seek help. Call a licensed pest control professional, like the professionals at Black Diamond, to help you remove spiders safely and effectively. Simply dial 877-DEAD-BUG at any time!