Daddy Long Legs vs Cellar Spiders

Daddy Long Legs vs Cellar Spiders

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, we welcome the beauty of autumn. However, with the arrival of fall, we also welcome a different kind of guest into our homes – spiders. While most spiders prefer to stay outdoors, some decide to seek shelter indoors during the cooler months. Two common culprits are daddy long legs and cellar spiders. In this post, we’ll help you identify and distinguish between these two fall pests, understand their habits, and offer tips on how to keep them at bay.

Identifying Daddy Long Legs and Cellar Spiders

Daddy Long Legs (Pholcidae):

  • Daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen, are easily recognizable due to their long, thin legs. They have a small, round body and often appear pale brown or gray in color.
  • They are known for their distinctive appearance: an elongated body and exceptionally long legs, which can span up to 2 inches.
  • Daddy long legs are commonly found hanging from their webs in corners or hiding in dark, damp areas of your home.

Cellar Spiders (Araneae):

  • Cellar spiders are quite similar in appearance to daddy long legs, with long, spindly legs and a small body. They typically range from pale yellow to light brown.
  • While they share a resemblance with daddy long legs, cellar spiders have a habit of creating disorganized, tangled webs in dark, moist locations.

Similarities and Differences

Daddy long legs and cellar spiders have their similarities but are not the same species. Here are some key differences and similarities between the two:

Similarities:

  1. Leg Length: Both species have long, delicate legs.
  2. Preferred Environments: They tend to seek refuge in dark, undisturbed areas of your home.
  3. Beneficial Predators: Both spiders are harmless to humans and can be beneficial as they prey on other household pests.

Differences:

  1. Web Structure: Daddy long legs have irregular, cobweb-like webs, while cellar spiders build messy, tangle-like webs.
  2. Body Shape: Daddy long legs have a round body, while cellar spiders are elongated and more cylindrical in shape.

Common Habitats

Both daddy long legs and cellar spiders are frequently found in similar environments, including:

  1. Basements: These areas tend to be cool, dark, and humid, which attract both species.
  2. Garages: Cluttered and dimly lit garages are another favorite hiding spot.
  3. Crawl Spaces: If your home has crawl spaces, you might discover these spiders hanging out there.
  4. Sheds and Outdoor Structures: They may also appear in garden sheds and similar outdoor structures.

Are They Harmful to Humans?

The good news is that both daddy long legs and cellar spiders are harmless to humans. They don’t pose any significant health risks or property damage. In fact, they can be seen as allies in your pest control efforts as they help control populations of other insects in your home.

Preventing and Getting Rid of Fall Spiders

To prevent and manage daddy long legs and cellar spiders in your home, follow these steps:

  1. Reduce Clutter: Clear away any unnecessary clutter in dark, damp areas, as this provides fewer hiding spots for these pests.
  2. Seal Entry Points: Make sure windows and doors are sealed properly to prevent spiders from entering your home.
  3. Reduce Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in basements, crawl spaces, and other areas where these spiders tend to thrive.
  4. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and dust your home to remove cobwebs and potential prey for these spiders.
  5. Professional Pest Control: If your spider problem persists, consider hiring a professional pest control service for effective fall pest control.

Request a Free Pest Control Quote

If you’re dealing with a fall pest problem in your home, don’t hesitate to request a free pest control quote from our experts. We specialize in handling all sorts of household pests, including spiders, and can provide you with the solutions you need for a pest-free autumn.

Don’t let daddy long legs and cellar spiders take over your living space this fall. With the right knowledge and actions, you can enjoy the beauty of the season without these uninvited guests. Contact your local pest control company today for your free pest control quote and keep your home spider-free all season long.

3 Roaches Found in South Florida Homes

3 Roaches Found in South Florida Homes

If you’ve ever spotted a cockroach inside your home, you know how alarming it can be! Once these pests get inside the home, they can spread contamination and even trigger allergic reactions. The best way to deter roaches from your home is understanding the types of roach species invading and what preventative measures to place to avoid their infestation. Check out the 3 common roaches found in Florida and how you can prevent them.

Common Cockroaches Found in Florida

American Cockroach

These roaches are one of the largest roach species, getting up to 1.5 inches in length and even developing wings towards the end of their lifecycle! They have a reddish-brown body with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their head. You can often find them in basements, sewers, kitchens, and bathrooms looking for water and food to survive.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

These roaches got their name from the two light brown bands that appear across its wings. The brown-banded roach prefers to have warmer, drier, and higher locations to inhabit, often being found in cabinets and even behind pictures! A good indication these roaches are inside your home is finding their egg cases in or underneath furniture.

German Cockroach

Preferring warm, humid spaces, German cockroaches will often be found where humans eat, like kitchens. Often, you can find them around appliance motors, like refrigerators and dishwashers, for its heat. You can identify these roaches by their two dark brown stripes on their back and wings.

Preventing Roaches in Florida

The best way to prevent roaches from invading your home is by placing preventative measures. Here are some easy, do-it-yourself roach control tips:

  • Ensure all openings in doors, windows, and foundations are sealed.
  • Replace old weatherstripping and make sure there are no holes in your window screens.
  • Clean up spills and crumbs immediately and take the trash out regularly to prevent roaches from wanting to stay inside your home.
  • Limit moisture by repairing dripping faucets and leaky pipes.
  • Dry up areas in your basement by utilizing a dehumidifier.
  • Declutter your home and clean out old newspapers, utilize plastic containers for storage, and make sure your clothing isn’t piled on the floor.

If you’ve noticed these roaches inside your home, it’s best to call your local pest control company to eliminate them. Pest professionals will inspect your home, identify the type of roach, and provide you with the best treatment plan.

How To Get Rid of House Centipedes

How To Get Rid of House Centipedes

As the fall season approaches in Georgia, homeowners may find themselves facing a variety of household pests, including the unsettling presence of house centipedes. These long-legged creatures can be quite a nuisance, but fear not – in this blog post, we’ll delve into what you need to know about house centipedes in Georgia, from identification and their common hiding spots to whether they pose a threat to humans. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to prevent or get rid of them with the help of professional pest control services.

Identifying House Centipedes

House centipedes are easily recognizable by their unique appearance. They have long, slender bodies that can range from 1 to 1.5 inches in length and are covered in numerous pairs of legs. Despite their name, they typically have 15 pairs of legs, giving them a creepy-crawly appearance.

Common Hiding Spots

House centipedes thrive in damp, dark environments, making your home an attractive habitat. You may encounter them in areas such as basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, and even kitchens. They are agile hunters, preying on other insects like cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish, which is why they are often found in proximity to their prey.

Are House Centipedes Harmful to Humans?

The good news is that these centipedes are generally not harmful to humans. They are not known to transmit diseases or bite humans unless they feel threatened. However, their presence can be unsettling, and their appearance can cause anxiety for some homeowners. If you’d rather not share your space with these creatures, there are ways to keep them at bay.

Prevention and Pest Control

  1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and foundation walls. Seal these openings to prevent centipedes from entering.
  2. Reduce Moisture: House centipedes thrive in damp environments. Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawlspaces to reduce moisture levels. Fix any plumbing leaks promptly.
  3. Declutter: Remove piles of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and other clutter that can provide hiding spots for centipedes and their prey.
  4. Professional Pest Control: The most effective way to deal with house centipedes and other fall pests is to seek the help of a professional pest control company. They can assess the situation, implement effective treatments, and provide ongoing pest management.

While house centipedes in Georgia may seem unsettling, they are generally harmless to humans. However, their presence can be a sign of underlying pest issues in your home. To ensure a pest-free environment and peace of mind, it’s wise to consult a pest control expert.

Mosquito Prevention For My Homestead Home

Mosquito Prevention For My Homestead Home

Mosquito season is still in full swing in Homestead, Florida, which means there’s still time to implement some mosquito prevention strategies to lessen the population of mosquitoes around your property. Let’s go over the best tips to get started right away.

Florida Mosquito Prevention

Prevention Tip 1: Remove All Standing Water

Mosquitoes love standing water and even utilize these areas as breeding grounds. The easiest way to identify the worst of these areas is noticing clouds of mosquitoes flying above still bodies of water such as ponds and lakes. If you have any stagnant water in your garden or yard, whether it’s a bird bath, bucket, pool cover, gutters, or even some landscaping, it’s best to remove it or change out the water. Additionally, remove any mosquito eggs that have been deposited along the edges of these items by scrubbing the surfaces.

Prevention Tip 2: Maintain Your Landscaping

Did you know that mosquitoes, just like humans, prefer to be out of the sunshine every once in a while? They prefer to hang out in tall grass, shrubbery, bushes, and foliage. Here are some quick tips to help maintain your lawn to lessen mosquitoes:

  • Trim bushes, tree limbs, etc.
  • Mow lawn regularly
  • Use plants that act as natural mosquito deterrents – Citronella, Lavender, Marigold, Basil, and Catnip!

Prevention Tip 3: Recurring Mosquito Service

Mosquitoes can seem like an endless battle, but you should never have to handle it alone. There are several mosquito control options you can invest in for your Homestead property. A local Florida pest control company can provide you with a mosquito reduction plan that is perfect for your needs and schedule. Request a FREE mosquito estimate today!

What Are These Huge Spiders in My Yard?

What Are These Huge Spiders in My Yard?

As the fall season settles in, many homeowners in Georgia are gearing up for the seasonal battle against fall pests. Among the various critters that make their way into our homes and gardens, orb weaver spiders are a common sight. While these eight-legged arachnids may appear intimidating, understanding their characteristics and behaviors is essential to maintaining a pest-free environment.

Identifying Orb Weaver Spiders

Orb weavers belong to the Araneidae family and are known for their distinctive circular webs, which they expertly spin to trap flying insects. These spiders come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, but they all share some common features:

  1. Web Patterns: Orb weaver spiders create large, intricate, and symmetrical orb-shaped webs. These webs are usually positioned horizontally in gardens, between trees, or near outdoor lights.
  2. Body Characteristics: Orb weavers typically have round or elongated abdomens and long, slender legs. Their coloration varies but often includes shades of brown, black, yellow, or green.
  3. Size: These spiders can range in size from as small as 1/8 inch to over 1 inch in body length, depending on the species.
  4. Distinctive Markings: Some orb weaver species have unique markings on their abdomens, such as zigzag patterns, colorful spots, or distinctive shapes.

Common Places to Find Orb Weaver Spiders

Orb weaver spiders are outdoor creatures, and you’ll most commonly encounter them in the following places:

  1. Gardens: They often build their webs among plants and shrubs to catch flying insects.
  2. Wooded Areas: Orb weavers thrive in wooded environments where they can find trees and bushes to create their webs.
  3. Outdoor Structures: These spiders may spin their webs near porches, decks, or outdoor lights to take advantage of the insects attracted to these areas.

The Benefits and Disadvantages of Orb Weavers

Before rushing to eliminate orb weaver spiders from your property, it’s essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages they bring.

Benefits:

  1. Natural Pest Control: Orb weavers are efficient hunters and play a crucial role in keeping insect populations in check. They can help reduce annoying and potentially harmful pests around your home.
  2. Low Maintenance: Once their web is built, orb weavers require minimal attention and maintenance. They can be considered natural pest control allies.

Disadvantages:

  1. Aesthetic Concerns: Some homeowners find their large webs unsightly, especially when they are positioned in high-traffic areas.
  2. Fear Factor: Orb weaver spiders can be intimidating due to their size and appearance, leading to arachnophobia in some individuals.

Fall Pest Control: Preventing and Managing Orb Weaver Spiders

If you wish to minimize orb weaver spider presence around your home, here are some practical tips:

  1. Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean outdoor lights and remove debris from bushes and shrubs to discourage spiders from setting up shop.
  2. Seal Entry Points: Ensure that your home’s windows and doors are tightly sealed to prevent spiders from entering your living spaces.
  3. Professional Pest Control: Consider hiring a pest control expert for thorough fall pest control services. They can assess your property’s unique needs and develop a customized pest management plan.
  4. Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Reduce outdoor lighting during the night, as it can attract insects that serve as orb weavers’ prey.

Don’t let orb weaver spiders and other fall pests disrupt your peace of mind this season. Take proactive steps to manage and prevent their presence by reaching out to our expert pest control team. Request a free pest control quote today and ensure a pest-free environment for you and your family.

In conclusion, while orb weaver spiders can be beneficial for natural pest control, they may also pose challenges for homeowners. Balancing their advantages and disadvantages and taking preventative measures can help you enjoy a pest-free home during the fall season.

DIY Pest Control Solutions for Your Lakeport Home

DIY Pest Control Solutions for Your Lakeport Home

It’s inevitable to come across certain pests, especially during the warmer months of the year. Though, with Florida’s tropical weather year-round, it can seem like dealing with pests is nonstop. Roaches, mice, mosquitoes, and ants are just a few pests that can take over a household, become an annoyance, spreading disease, and causing damage to your home. One of the best ways to avoid a pest infestation is preventing them in the first place by placing do-it-yourself pest proofing measures throughout your home. Check out our list of DIY pest control tips you can utilize:

Make Your Home Less Pest-Attractive

Pests are attracted to three things: food, shelter, and water. The best way to keep pests from entering your home is to get rid of what they’re attracted to. Try to keep your home as clean as possible, vacuuming and sweeping on a regular basis. Likewise, repair any leaky pipes and faucets both inside and outside of your home. Avoid leaving your pet’s food and water bowls overnight, taking them in and storing their leftover food in plastic containers with lids. Declutter your home, removing any old magazines, newspapers, and cardboard boxes you don’t need.

Seal Them Out

Mice, ants, and roaches can enter through the smallest hole or gap they find. It’s important to take the time to inspect the outside of your home for any potential entry points, sealing them up with either caulk or steel wool, depending on how large it is. Don’t forget to check foundations, food frames, windows, utility pipes, cables and wires, and the roof for any potential opening pests could enter in from. Repair any broken windows or screens and fil openings in pipes and vents.

Don’t Forget Outside

To get to your home, pests must enter your yard first, so it’s important to keep it less attractive to them as it is your home. Regularly mow your grass, keeping it short and eliminating any weeds. Remove piles of leaves, debris, and fallen branches from your yard. Look to eliminate any clutter or items you don’t need, such as old automobiles, trashcans, tires, and dumpsters. If you store wood, keep it elevated from the ground and at least 20 feet from your home.

Eliminate Moisture

Pests need water to survive, and the smallest amount of standing water will attract pests like termites and mosquitoes. Keeping your home as dry as possible is key to avoiding their infestation. Check around your home for any water leaks and look for loose fixtures or dripping faucets too. If you have a crawlspace, consider utilizing a dehumidifier to decrease excess moisture. Make sure you clear any debris and leaves from your gutters, especially after a hurricane or thunderstorm.

Consider the Pros

Sometimes, a pest infestation needs more attention than DIY pest control methods can provide. If you’re still seeing an influx of pests or would like to get ahead of pest prevention, consider reaching out to a local pest control company for some help. These professionals will identify the pest at hand, provide proper treatment, and recommend the best prevention techniques you can use at home to avoid a future pest infestation.

Are There Venomous Spiders in Copeland?

Are There Venomous Spiders in Copeland?

Did you know that most spiders are venomous? It’s true! Luckily (if you can look at it that way), only a few types of spiders have venom powerful enough to harm humans. These include the widows and the recluses. Check out our list of venomous spiders in Florida and their characteristics to easily identify them.

Common Venomous Spiders in Florida

  • Black Widow: The black widow spider female has a shiny black body and a red hourglass-shaped figure on her abdomen. These are the easiest of the venomous spiders to identify.
  • Red Widow: These spiders have the same shape as the black widow but have a red-orange head and thorax. They are often found in palmettos and sand-pine scrub.
  • Brown Widow: These widows have an hourglass figure on their abdomen. They have striped patterns of varying shades of brown across their legs and their bodies and are more likely to build webs on man-made structures.
  • Brown Recluse: These spiders do not have an active population in Florida, but they can travel to the state through hitchhiking onto our items, especially while in the process of moving. This spider is considered the most venomous spider outside the widow family. You can easily identify them by their violin-shaped marking on their back, small size, and pale brown colorations.

Spiders will bite as a defensive mechanism and these bites usually arise when we place our hands or feet in areas where we don’t see these spiders. A bite from any of these venomous spiders can lead to swelling, severe pain, nausea, sweating, and intense muscle cramps. If you think you’ve been bitten by a venomous spider, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Avoid Venomous Spiders

Spiders will hide out where they know high populations of pests reside. This means they can find a safe space inside your home. Here are some easy tips to follow to ensure they don’t take up residence in your home:

  • Declutter the inside of your home, including attic or other storage areas
  • Trim trees away from home to lessen access points
  • Assess moisture problems to prevent insect breeding grounds
  • Call your local Copeland spider removal company for a free property inspection!
Why Are Spiders Invading my South Florida Home?

Why Are Spiders Invading my South Florida Home?

Florida homeowners know that the climate rarely changes in their state, typically staying well above 50 degrees year-round. With the warmer climate, pests tend to stick around year-long, sometimes invading our homes in the process! Spiders are a likely pest that homeowners might come across throughout the year. Check out the reason Florida spiders might be invading your home and how you can prevent them.

How Did Spiders Get into My Home?

Spiders thrive in Florida’s humid climate, which provides plenty of opportunities for several spider species to invade our homes! Spiders, such as wolf spiders, brown widows, and black widows are all common to our area. These pests are small and will sneak into the home through the smallest hole, gap, or through packages without being noticed. Spiders prefer to be secluded and hidden away from human activity, and they’ll often find dark areas in the home to habitat such as behind furniture, in basements, under dressers, and in attics.

How to Prevent Florida Spiders from Your Home

Taking precautions is the best way to ensure spiders don’t enter your home. Consider the following prevention tips to keep spiders away:

  • Inspect your foundation for cracks and repair them as soon as possible
  • Check your windows and doors throughout the year and repair any cracks or tears in screens
  • Declutter throughout your home by throwing away cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and keeping clothes off the ground.
  • Vacuum and dust frequently, especially in the rooms that are not often utilized
  • Check items that are prone to be infested with spiders, including firewood, plants, boxes, decorations, and even pets
  • Consider investing in a routine pest control plan to eliminate other pests and in return limits food sources for spiders, leaving them to search other places for a meal.

If you notice more spiders than you’re comfortable with on your property, reach out to your local pest control company for a free inspection!

Fall Pests To Look Out For

Fall Pests To Look Out For

As the leaves change color and the temperature begins to drop, many people in Georgia eagerly await the arrival of fall. However, along with the beauty of this season comes a new set of challenges for homeowners – the invasion of fall pests. These household pests are often seeking shelter and warmth as they prepare to overwinter, making your cozy home an inviting destination. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common fall pests in Georgia and provide valuable tips on how to prevent their intrusion.

  1. Stink Bugs: Description: Stink bugs are notorious for their pungent odor when threatened. They are shield-shaped and usually brown or green. Prevention: Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior, repair damaged screens, and use weatherstripping. If an infestation occurs, consult a professional pest control service.
  2. Ladybugs (Asian Lady Beetles): Description: These insects look similar to ladybugs and can vary in color from red to orange. They often cluster in large numbers. Prevention: Seal entry points like gaps around windows and doors, and use screens. If you find an infestation, consider vacuuming them up and releasing them outside.
  3. Rodents (Mice and Rats): Description: Rodents are notorious for seeking shelter in homes during fall and can cause damage to property and spread diseases. Prevention: Seal holes and cracks, store food securely, and keep your home clean. If you spot signs of rodents, contact a rodent control professional immediately.
  4. Cockroaches: Description: Cockroaches thrive in warmer climates and often seek shelter indoors when the temperature drops. Prevention: Maintain a clean home, fix leaks, and seal entry points. Cockroach baits and traps can be used, but professional pest control is often necessary for a severe infestation.
  5. Spiders: Description: While many spiders are harmless, some can be venomous. Fall is when they seek refuge indoors. Prevention: Keep your home clutter-free, remove webs, and seal gaps in doors and windows. Regularly clean and vacuum to deter spiders.
  6. Ants: Description: Ants are persistent pests that may enter your home in search of food. Prevention: Keep food sealed, clean up spills promptly, and seal entry points. Use ant baits and traps, and consult professionals for extensive infestations.

While fall brings cooler weather and beautiful landscapes to Georgia, it also heralds the arrival of these common fall pests. Preventing these pests from entering your home is crucial to maintaining a pest-free environment. Don’t let these overwintering pests ruin your autumn. Contact your local pest control company today for a free pest control quote to help protect your home and family.

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