Oct 28, 2015, 10:41 AM by Fred Speer

Spiders are everywhere during the Halloween season and we are not talking about decorations - The Black Widow

According to the National Retail Foundation, U.S. consumers are expected to spend $6.9 billion on candy, costumes and other treats this Halloween. Also, for the eleventh year in a row, the number-one adult Halloween costume is ”witch.”

While people enjoy Halloween, the Clark Man is busy with pests that are synonymous with the October 31 holiday – spiders. Typically, spiders are more active as they reach maturity during the fall months, when the season’s moister, cooler temperatures are more conducive to web building.

And while spiders are beneficial to our environment, because they hunt and eat other less-desirable insects and generally are not a threat to homeowners, they still rank high on most people’s “things I don’t want to see in my house” list. 

The fear of spiders even inspired the 1990 cult classic movie Arachnophobia (the technical term for fear of spiders), but spiders commonly seen out in the open during the day are unlikely to bite people. 

It is true that certain species of arachnids – black widows and scorpions – can present a threat to homeowners who unknowingly cross their paths. However, the black widow, for example, spends most of its time hiding under furniture or boxes, or in woodpiles, corners and crevices – locations not frequently visited.

To keep your close encounters with spiders to a minimum, the Clark Man suggests the following spider prevention tips:

 

• Remove and reduce trash and rubbish from your home, such as woodpiles, boxes, plywood, tires and trash cans – especially if they are stored adjacent to the house
  
  
• Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and access holes for electrical conduits or plumbing; also, on the foundation
  
  
• Remove clutter in closets, pantries and storage areas inside your home
  
  
• If you leave clothes and shoes outside in the garage or porch, make sure you shake them well before putting them on
  
  
• Apparel and equipment that is only worn occasionally (garden gloves, boots, athletic shoes, baseball mitts, camping gear, sleeping bags, etc.) should be sealed in tightly closed containers, especially in the garage or in other dark storage areas
  
  
• When removing boxes and other items from the garage or storage areas, wear heavy gloves in case you encounter a black widow spider nesting there

 

Remember: If you have a problem with spiders around your home, call or text (800) 936-3339, or drop me an email atclarkcares@clarkpest.com. We will come out and make a proper identification along with a treatment recommendation.

 

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.