Central Life Sciences: Spiders

By Doug VanGundy, Senior Director, Research and Development
As warmer weather approaches, property owners may start to notice an increase in spider activity in and around their residence. To effectively control spiders, pest management professionals (PMPs) must use an integrated approach, while also educating the customer on proper techniques to prevent future infestations.

Here are some tips to help you and your customers identify and control a spider infestation:
• Conduct a complete inspection indoors and outdoors to identify the source of the infestation, points of entry and spider species.
• Remove webs, egg sacs and areas for harborage.
• Dispose of all clutter in storage areas such as garages, sheds and attics, to eliminate web-building sites.
• Repair and caulk any cracks or holes in the exterior of the building.
• Treat spiders with a residual insecticide that can stay on top of porous surfaces.
• A perimeter application of a broad-spectrum insecticide can help eliminate insects that act as the spiders’ food source.