Spider Facts & Identification
Protect Your Property from Spiders
Common Spiders in East Tennessee
Black Widow
Black widow spiders are glossy black with a distinctive red hourglass marking on their underside. They are commonly found in dark, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, sheds, basements, crawl spaces, and under outdoor furniture. Their venom is highly potent and can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and other symptoms, though fatalities are rare. If bitten, medical attention is recommended, especially for children, elderly individuals, or those with compromised health.
Brown Recluse
Brown recluse spiders are light to dark brown with a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their back. They prefer dry, undisturbed areas like basements, attics, closets, and storage boxes, as well as outdoor woodpiles and sheds. Their bite can be dangerous, potentially causing necrotic skin wounds, pain, fever, and infection. While not all bites require medical treatment, severe reactions may need medical attention to prevent complications.
Cellar Spider
Cellar spiders, aka “daddy long legs”, are thin, light brown or gray spiders with long, delicate legs. They are often found in damp, dark areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and cellars, where they build irregular, wispy webs in corners or ceilings. Unlike some other spiders, they are not harmful to humans, as their venom is weak and their fangs are too small to bite effectively. In fact, they can be beneficial by preying on other pests like flies, mosquitoes, and even other spiders.
House Spider
House spiders are small to medium-sized and range in color from yellowish-brown to dark brown with striped or spotted patterns on their bodies. They are commonly found in corners of rooms, basements, attics, garages, and sheds, where they build messy, irregular webs to catch insects. While their presence can be a nuisance, house spiders are generally harmless to humans, rarely bite, and can help control other pests. Regular cleaning and sealing entry points can help prevent infestations.
Orb Weaver
Orb weaver spiders are known for their large, circular webs and come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, brown, and black. They typically have bulbous abdomens with intricate patterns and are often found in gardens, wooded areas, and around outdoor structures like porches and eaves. These spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite humans, making them beneficial for natural pest control as they feed on flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Their webs are commonly seen in late summer and fall when they are most active.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are large, fast-moving spiders with brown, gray, or black coloring and distinctive striping or mottled patterns. Unlike web-building spiders, they are active hunters that chase down their prey, often found in leaf litter, grass, basements, garages, and around foundations. While their bite can be painful, it is not dangerous to humans unless an allergic reaction occurs. They help control insect populations but can become a nuisance if they enter homes seeking shelter.
How Do I Get Rid Of Spiders?
Get Rid Of Spiders in Knoxville
To get rid of spiders in your home or business in East Tennessee, start by reducing their food sources, as spiders thrive where insects are present. Keep your home or business pest-free by sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent entry. Regular cleaning, vacuuming corners, windowsills, and storage areas, as well as removing webs and egg sacs, can help deter spiders from settling in. Since outdoor lighting attracts insects, switching to yellow or sodium vapor lights can reduce pest activity. Natural repellents like peppermint oil can be applied along entry points, while insecticides may be necessary for more persistent infestations. If dealing with dangerous species like black widows or brown recluses, or if the problem is severe, consider having a pest control professional treat your home for spiders.
What attracts spiders?
food & environment
Spiders are attracted to areas that provide food, shelter, and the right environmental conditions. The primary reason spiders enter homes and businesses is the presence of other insects, as they rely on them for food. Bright outdoor lights that attract flying bugs can indirectly draw spiders closer to buildings. Cluttered spaces, such as basements, attics, garages, and storage areas, provide ideal hiding spots for spiders to build webs and lay eggs. Moisture is another factor, with certain species preferring damp environments like bathrooms, crawl spaces, and leaky pipes. Gaps, cracks, and unsealed entry points also make it easier for spiders to move indoors in search of warmth, especially in cooler months. Keeping a clean, well-sealed, and pest-free space can help reduce spider activity.
How does Pest Ops prevent spiders?
SPider prevention
Spider infestations can be difficult to deal with. Because of their small size and tendency to stay hidden, you may not notice a spider problem until it is out of control. Do not worry. Pest-Ops can help. We specialize in spider elimination, and all of our treatments are environmentally friendly, safe, and approved by the EPA. When you hire us, you can be sure you are getting the highest level of service around. As a company, we put our customers first, and we always act with integrity. When we say we will do something, we follow through and do it every time.
For professional spider removal services in Knoxville, contact Pest-Ops, LLC at (865) 966-0750.
What do spider bites look like?
Spider bites
Spider bites can vary in appearance depending on the species and individual reactions. Most spider bites look like small, red, swollen bumps, similar to mosquito or ant bites. They may be itchy or slightly painful but typically heal on their own within a few days. In some cases, a bite may develop into a blister or an ulcer, especially if caused by a venomous spider like a brown recluse or black widow.
A brown recluse bite may start as a mild red bump but can worsen over time, turning into a painful sore with a dark center due to tissue damage. A black widow bite often causes two small puncture marks, redness, and swelling, sometimes accompanied by muscle pain, cramping, or nausea. If a spider bite becomes severely swollen, shows signs of infection, or causes systemic symptoms like fever, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.