Answering Pittsburgh's Most Frequently Asked Spider Questions

It is more than a little bit creepy to find a spider in your home. As you reach out to grab a towel in the bathroom, the last thing you want to encounter is a spider clinging to it. As you're about to climb into bed, the last thing you want to see is a spider tucked inside a web in the upper corner of your room. Spiders can make you feel uneasy because, not only are they creepy looking, but many of them can bite you. So when spiders show up inside your Pittsburgh home, it isn't surprising that you have questions. Here are a few common questions we get about spiders. See if any of your questions are on our list.

What is the Most Dangerous Spider in the World?

The most dangerous spider in the world, according to Guinness World Records, is the Sydney funnel-web spider, Altrax robustus. It is found in eastern Australia. It has a venom that is considered to be the most toxic to humans and this spider accounts for the most human fatalities. Fortunately, we don't have any Altrax robustus in the United States.

What are the Types of Spiders in Pittsburgh?

Most of the spiders in Pittsburgh aren't a threat to you. Some don't bite at all. Some rarely bite. And almost all the spiders in Pittsburgh have a venom that is not medically important to humans.

• Long-bodied cellar spiders (also referred to as daddy-longlegs spiders) don't bite.
• Common house spiders don't leave more than an itchy red welt on your skin.
• Grass spiders rarely bite. They would much rather get away from you, quickly.
• Jumping spiders have good eyesight and will get away from you long before they feel a need to bite you.
• Wolf spiders are hairy spiders that hunt for prey. Fortunately, they don't consider you to be prey. If you're bitten by a wolf spider, it can be painful but you're not going to get sick.
• Orbweavers will bite you, but it will be like getting stung by a bee.

What Spiders in Pittsburgh are Poisonous?

We have two types of spiders in our area that can deliver a bite that is medically important. They are the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider.

• Brown Recluse Spiders — What's in a name? Quite a bit actually. Brown recluse spiders don't want to be anywhere near you. Bites are rare. If you are bitten by a recluse, it will be because you brought yourself into close proximity. When bitten, it is important to have the bite checked out by a physician. The venom of a brown recluse spider can have spreading necrosis. But this is also rare.
• Black Widow Spiders — According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, black widows rarely bite people and there have been no fatalities due to black widow spider bites in decades. But it can be very unpleasant to be bitten by one of these spiders.

Why Do I Have So Many Spiders in My Pittsburgh Home?

If you're seeing spiders often, it is because you have a food source within your home. It may be insects, bugs, or invertebrates, and they may be out in the open or inside the voids of your home.

Moisture is another attractant for spiders. If you have dampness around your perimeter or humid areas within your home, some spider species will be attracted.

What Do Spiders Hate?

There are some smells that repel spiders, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus. If you apply oils in key areas, you can have some success keeping spiders out. When you seal possible entry points and reduce food sources, you can have success getting control of spiders.

How Do I Get Rid of Spiders?

Spiders can be difficult to control because they are so numerous. If you want to get rid of them or keep them from entering your home, it is best to contact Witt Pest Management. We can help you select the right pest control service for your home. Reach out to us today for assistance.