How to Identify Common Spiders in Your Arlington, Texas Home
Arlington is recognized as one of the best places to live in Texas because of its unique blend of urban and suburban amenities. However, you may also encounter many spider species comfortable living in Arlington. Although most of these species are harmless and beneficial, identifying them is important to know what the risks they might pose.
This blog post will discuss different spider species that you may encounter and how to identify and manage them safely. Also, this will provide tips on preventing spiders from entering your home and being a nuisance.
What are the Most Common Spiders in Arlington, and How to Spot Them?
As with any city, the city of Arlington is home to many different spider species. Spiders are adaptable creatures that can adapt to various environments, including urban and suburban. Therefore, identifying the most common spiders in Arlington can help residents know what to look out for and how to protect their homes from an infestation.
Wolf Spiders
This hairy species of spider is one of the most common types of spiders you can find living near your Arlington homes. They can find their way inside your garages and sheds while chasing prey. Unlike other species, they do not build a web to trap their prey. Instead, they run after and pounce on them.
Wolf spiders can be easily identifiable by their large size and distinct markings. They are typically brown or gray and can grow up to 1/2 to 2 inches in length. They have a distinct pattern on their back that looks like a wolf’s face, which is how they got their name. You can also identify them by their eight eyes arranged in three rows.
You can find wolf spiders hiding under logs, leaf litter, or plants. Inside, they are most likely to be seen moving around baseboards or floors, windowsills, in-house plant containers, or behind furniture.
Black Widow Spiders
Female black widow spiders can be identified with their black and shiny, distinctive red or orange hourglass-shaped markings on their underside. On the other hand, male black widow spiders are brown or gray with small red spots.
They are the most venomous spider species in North America. It is said to be 15 times stronger than the rattlesnake, so if you spot a black widow spider near or in your Arlington home, it is best to call a professional spider control Dallas to avoid the risks of being bitten.
You can usually find black widow spiders in the dark, secluded areas such as closets, basements, and garages. They are attracted to some food sources they found inside your house like other insects, so cleaning your home from all the clutter is important to avoid black widow spiders from entering your home.
Brown Recluse Spiders: How to Spot Them
Brown recluse spiders can be identified by their appearance. This spider species, which is native to the United States, is usually light to dark brown and has a violin-shaped mark on its back. It is also known for its distinctively long legs and can reach up to an inch.
Like other spider species, they also prey on small insects or bugs. You can find them outdoors around rocks, wood piles, and utility boxes. They can also be found in any undisturbed area of your house, like closets, attics, and basements.
While it is not common to find brown recluse spiders in residential homes in Arlington, Texas, they can still be present. It is best to look for them in areas with woodpiles, sheds, and other cluttered places around the home. They also like to hide in dark, secluded places such as closets, attics, and basements. It is important to be aware of their presence as they can cause severe skin damage and even cause death if left untreated.
To spot a brown recluse in your home, you can look for signs such as webs, egg sacs, and brown recluse droppings, which are brown and granular in shape. To be sure it is a brown recluse, you can capture the spider and bring it to a local expert to identify it.
Taking the necessary precautions when dealing with a brown recluse spider around your home is important. Wear gloves when handling the spider and avoid contact with it. If you find them in your home, it is best to contact a professional pest control company to remove them.
Jumping Spiders: How to Spot Them
Jumping spiders are one of the most common in Arlington, Texas. These are small to medium-sized spiders with a distinctive appearance. They have a round, compact body and short, stout legs. In addition, jumping spiders are known for their excellent eyesight due to their large, forward-facing eyes.
Jumping spiders live in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. They are rarely found indoors but can enter your homes accidentally through packages, potted plants, and people. In addition, they can be found hiding in the crack of the floors, behind windows, and books.
Unlike other spiders, they do not build a web to catch their prey. Instead, they use their jumping abilities to capture them. These spiders can jump 50 times their body length, making them excellent hunters.
If you have a jumping spider in your Arlington home, there is no need to panic. Jumping spiders are harmless and can even be beneficial in controlling other insect populations. However, if you feel uncomfortable with the presence of the spider, you can use a vacuum or broom to remove it from your home. You can also contact a professional pest control company to safely remove the spider and help you keep your home free of unwelcome pests.