A Guide to Spiders in Maryland and Baltimore

What are spiders?

Spiders all have two body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen), eight legs, fangs (chelicerae), no wings, and no antennae. Most, but not all spiders have eight eyes. Spiders are arachnids, and are closely related to mites, ticks, and scorpions. Depending on their exact species, spiders come in a wide range of colors and color patterns.

Like insects, spiders are arthropods, meaning they have an exoskeleton (skeleton is located on the outside of their body). Spiders do not have chewing mouthparts. Instead, they use digestive enzymes in their saliva to break down their food before eating it.

Are spiders dangerous?

All spiders are venomous, but not all spiders pose a danger to people. In fact, most species of spiders living in and around homes are nuisance spiders. The venom that is injected from the bite of nuisance spiders is not strong enough to cause health problems in people. Spiders are naturally reclusive, and they try to stay away from people as much as possible. A bite typically only occurs when you make accidental contact with spiders, or if you are handling them (not recommended).

It is important to note that there are dangerous species of spiders found living throughout the United States. The venom that is injected during a bite from dangerous spiders is strong enough to cause significant health consequences in people, and will require medical attention.

Why do I have a spider problem?

Spiders are attracted to properties that offer them plentiful places to live and forage for food. Gardens, wood piles, heavy vegetation, and large populations of insects can all attract spiders to properties, allowing them to thrive. Once spiders are living and feeding on your property, there is a good chance they will find their way into your home after following food sources (insects) inside.

Where will I find spiders?

Spiders are often divided into two different categories, depending on their hunting style: web-building spiders or hunting spiders. Hunting spiders do not build webs. Instead, they chase and hunt down their prey. Hunting spiders create burrows in the ground underneath soil, mulch, and under rocks or thick vegetation. They hide inside their burrows, waiting for prey to happen by. Web-building spiders like to create webs in gardens, shrubs, bushes, tall grasses, between rocks and stones, and in wood piles.

Spiders that have found their way inside homes and other buildings (sheds, garages, barns) prefer to hide out in dark, quiet places, such as in the corners of closets, in basements, in boxes, in clothing and shoes, under bedding and furniture, in attics, behind wall voids, in crawl spaces, and underneath sinks.

How do I get rid of spiders?

To eliminate spiders from your home or property and prevent a re-infestation, partner with a knowledgeable professional. At Pest Czar, our local and experienced professionals can provide the comprehensive pest control services needed to find and get rid of the spiders living in your home, outbuildings, or on your property. We can then prevent their return by implementing one of our GreenPro certified pest protection plans. For exceptional, eco-friendly spider control services in the Baltimore Metro area of Maryland, reach out to us at Pest Czar!

How can I prevent spiders in the future?

Preventing problems with spiders can be tricky. Here are several things you can do in and around your home to deter their presence:

Put into place a professional residential or commercial spider control program from Pest Czar.
Cut tree branches and bushes away from the outside of your home.
Place woodpiles and garden areas a distance away from the exterior of your home.
Remove water sources from your property.
Maintain your lawn.
Seal gaps or cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
Make sure that weather stripping is in place around all exterior windows and doors.
Replace any torn window or door screens.