Spider Control
When it comes to pests, spiders tend to be one of the most feared and disliked. These tiny, creepy, eight-legged menaces are everywhere in Oklahoma, and they do not have any problem entering your home, car, or place of work. The good news is that we, citizens of this Sooner state, have an ally that can help rid us of our unwanted guests. With nearly 40 years of experience, Emtec Pest Control is a trusted provider operating out of Tulsa and OKC, and its sole mission is to make your life better with fewer spiders.
Why Do Spiders Enter Oklahoma Homes?
The answer to this question is the same as why humans live in homes. Food – Water – Shelter. Most common spiders in Oklahoma live their entire life indoors, though you might not notice. Different species of spiders prefer various areas of your house.
Some spiders prefer to live in moist, dark areas of your house. You could have these little devils in your basement, crawl spaces, or under sinks. Other spiders like a drier environment like air vents, attics, and upper corners of a room. These are just a few areas you can investigate in your home if you suspect a potential spider infestation.
Spiders do not like to be easily visible. They prefer to hunt and live in solitude, so any places cluttered make for a perfect spot to call home. They also set up camp in garages, eaves, storage sheds, and light fixtures. Whether you see these spiders or not, chances are that you are hosting one or two in or around your home.
Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus Audax)
The bold jumping spider is the most common spider found in Oklahoma. These little guys, measuring from 15mm to 18mm, are easy to spot by their fuzzy little bodies and markings. They have black and white spots on their legs and bodies. They are harmless to anyone around them and will only bite if antagonized. If you receive one, their bite will not cause any long-term or severe side effects. These guys can be found jumping around your porches or house, leaving strands of web everywhere.
Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope Aurantia)
The yellow garden spider is known by many names like the zipper spider, zigzag spider, banana spider, and Steeler spider. This spider has yellow and black markings on its body with a white head. Males can grow to 0.35 inches (9mm) in body length, with females being more prominent, growing to 1.10 inches (28mm). Though usually harmless, the yellow garden spider will bite if harassed. You can regularly find their webs adjacent to a sunny field, where they remain hidden and protected. This spider can also be found on the eaves of outbuildings or homes and in tall vegetation. Female garden spiders will likely stay in the same spot their entire life as they do not like to wander.
Tan Jumping Spider (Platycryptus Undatus)
This jumping spider has a flat, tan body, which allows it to hide under the bark of trees. They can blend into their surroundings with the prominent pattern on their abdomen. Females typically outgrow their male counterparts with a body length of 13mm instead of 9.5mm. These spiders are not shy and will watch humans as they do their business. The jumping spider will crawl on your hand if you place it next to them. They are not dangerous, but they will bite if enticed.
Wolf Spider (Rabidosa Rabida)
Rabid wolf spiders have brown bodies with stripes on their head and bodies. The females can grow as large as 1 inch in body length and carry their babies on their backs. They prefer to live in solitude, so you can be sure to find them in forested areas. They like to live in holes or burrows that they make. They are known to make their way into your homes, though. These spiders look scary, but they are harmless. Like the other species, they will bite you if you provoke them.
Brown Recluse (Loxosceles Reclusa)
Known as the fiddle back, this spider is harmful. They can grow as large as 0.79 inches long with a violin shape on their heads and range from light brown to black/brown. These spiders live a secluded life in woodpiles, barns, sheds, and sometimes closets. If they make it into your home, they will find a nice cardboard box to call home. Bites from these are rare as they do not actively engage humans; however, those with weak or weakened immune systems could have severe, if not deadly, reactions.
Black Widow (Latrodectus Mactans)
The female black widow is one of the most dangerous spiders in Oklahoma. The females grow to about 0.51 inches in length and have shiny black bodies. On their bellies, you will find a red hourglass marking. Only mature female black widows can adversely affect humans, though the amount of venom injected varies. While the males and juveniles are venomous, they are not harmful to humans. It is unclear if their venom does not affect humans or if their mouth parts are not large enough to inject enough venom. No fatalities have been reported, but approximately two thousand bites are recorded yearly. If you get bitten by a black widow, seek medical attention immediately.