Types Of Spiders In Maine

Spiders are a common sight in Maine, often making themselves at home in places we frequent the most. Whether hiding in a closet, building webs at your camp, or lurking near the lakeside dock, arachnids can be both a nuisance and an indication of other pest problems. In this article, our local pest control company will shine a spotlight on a few common types of spiders in Maine, share tips that will help reduce spider activity, and, of course, explain how we can help eliminate spiders that have already taken up residence.  

House Spiders

You’ve probably seen small, brown spiders hanging out in the corners of your ceiling, under furniture, or in other semi-protected areas of your home or camp. They’re house spiders, the most common indoor spiders in Maine. Non-venomous, the biggest complaint against these pests is that they spin messy, tangled webs inside to catch flies and other small insects.

Cellar Spiders & Daddy Longlegs

The common house spider is not the only spider that can infest homes in our region. Cellar spiders and daddy longlegs are also common and unwelcome guests. Despite their similar appearance — small bodies and long legs — cellar spiders construct messy, tangled webs, while daddy long legs create cobweb-like webs. Cellar spiders do not bite, but daddy longlegs can, although they rarely do so. These spider bites are usually not dangerous.

Yellow Sac Spiders

Yellow sac spiders are commonly found in Maine homes and gardens. Unlike most spiders that build elaborate webs to catch their prey, yellow sac spiders don’t rely on webs for hunting. Instead, they are active hunters like wolf spiders, roaming around at night in search of insects to feed on. During the day, they create small, silk sacs (not webs) where they hide and rest, hence their name. Yellow sac spiders can bite and will do so without provocation. While their bites aren’t usually serious, some individuals may experience severe symptoms. 

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are robust and agile predators commonly seen hunting on the ground to catch prey rather than constructing webs. They are mostly outdoor pests but might inadvertently or purposefully enter homes to seek shelter during cold weather. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are usually not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. Their bite is generally no more harmful than a bee sting.

Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders can be found both inside homes and outdoors. Unlike other spiders, they do not build webs to catch prey but instead stalk and pounce (or jump) on their victims. While they do not use webs for hunting, they do produce silk safety lines that allow them to climb back up if they fall. Jumping spiders also create small silk sacs where they can hide, rest, and lay eggs. Although jumping spiders are capable of biting, they typically do so only if they feel threatened. Bites may cause aching, itching, or stinging, and can result in redness and swelling like a bee sting. Their venom is not dangerous unless a person is allergic.

How to prevent spider infestations

Here are four effective tips to help prevent spiders from setting up shop in your home: 

• Seal cracks, gaps, and openings
  Spiders often enter homes through small cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and foundations. Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay special attention to areas around utility pipes, electrical outlets, and vents.
  
  
• Clear away the clutter 
  Spiders are attracted to cluttered spaces where they can hide and find food. Decluttering your closets, the attic and basement, and other storage areas can help reduce spider activity. 
  
  
• Pick up your yard
  To make it harder for these pests to find shelter in your yard, regularly mow your lawn, cut down tall grasses and dense vegetation, thin out bushes and shrubs, and remove tree limbs, leaf piles, and other yard debris. 
  
  
• Eliminate their food source
  Since spiders feed on other insects, reducing the insect population in your home can help deter spiders. This is best accomplished by signing up for year-round home pest control services. 
  
  

Here’s how Pine State can help you eliminate spiders and the bugs they eat!

We offer home pest control services in Auburn, Augusta, and Scarborough, as well as to other communities within our multi-county service area. Our locally owned and operated Maine pest control company is dedicated to helping homeowners eliminate spiders and other insects, address existing pest activity, and prevent new infestations from developing. You can compare our residential plans and pricing below, or feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.