Guide To Evaluating And Understanding The Spiders Of Massachusetts

Spider Exterminator

Living in Massachusetts can be rewarding, but it also comes with many different pests, spiders included. A home owner in Chestnut Hill dealing with a spider infestation may be feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, F&W Pest Control is here to help. A leader of pest control in Massachusetts, F&W is an expert in identifying spider species and implementing the most effective pest control treatments available. In this guide, you will learn about the spiders found in Massachusetts, how to identify them, and what makes them unique.

Introduction: Common Massachusetts Spider Species

Spiders are an abundant species in Massachusetts. There are many different species of spiders that can be found throughout the state. Some of the most common spider species found in Massachusetts include black widows, wolf spiders, yellow sac spiders, and brown recluses.

Black Widows

Black widows are easily identifiable due to their red hourglass shape found on their abdomen. It is important to note that while black widows are dangerous, they are relatively rare in Massachusetts. Black widows are shy and tend to be found in dark, undisturbed places like garages, closets, basements, and crawl spaces.

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders can often be found in gardens, yards, and even residential homes. They range in size, usually between 0.125 inches and 1.25 inches in length. Wolf spiders are dark brown and brown-gray in color. They are cautious, solitary hunters that like to stay near the ground.

Yellow Sac Spiders

These spiders are identifiable by their yellow-orange coloration and small size (usually less than 0.75 inches in body length). Yellow sac spiders are often found inside homes, especially those with dark, undisturbed areas. They are curious and territorial, often hiding in tight spaces.

Brown Recluses

Brown recluse spiders are perhaps the most dangerous spider found in Massachusetts. While they are relatively rare, they are easily identifiable by their violin-shaped marking on their abdomens. They tend to be found in dark, undisturbed places like garages, closets, basements, and crawl spaces.

Identifying Spider Species

While it can be difficult for a layperson to identify the species of a spider, there are some key elements to look for. The shape of the legs, web type, and size are all important aspects to look for when trying to accurately identify a spider.

Spider Leg and Body Shape

The shape of the spider’s legs and body is a key element of spider identification. Black widows tend to have long, spindly legs and a globular shape to their bodies. Wolf spiders have shorter legs with a larger body. Yellow sac spiders tend to be small and round with short legs. Finally, brown recluses have thin, long legs and a small oval body.

Web Types

Most spiders create webs, though some species are ground-dwelling and do not make webs. Black widow webs are usually haphazard and messy, often with a funnel shape towards the center. Wolf spider webs are loose and do not typically have a defined shape, tending to look more like a pile of webbing than a well-structured web. Yellow sac spider webs tend to be web-like structures, often in a flat sheet or tube shape. Finally, brown recluse webs tend to be quite messy and often include a funnel shape.

Size

The size of a spider can be an important clue when trying to identify it. Black widows and wolf spiders are typically between 0.25 and 1.25 inches in length. Yellow sac spiders are usually smaller than 0.75 inches in length, while brown recluses can range between 0.2 and 0.5 inches in length.

Conclusion: Types of Spider Control

The most important step in addressing an infestation of spiders is to identify the species of spider that is present. The experts at F&W Pest Control are well-versed in identifying and treating spiders in Massachusetts. Once the species of spider is identified, F&W can recommend a variety of effective methods of control, such as chemical treatments, traps, and habitat modification. F&W’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach provides professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trust the expert exterminators at F&W to get rid of your spiders this season. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.

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Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!

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