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Common Spiders In Calgary & Spider Pest Control

Posted on January 4, 2021

Having a spider infestation can be terrifying. Spiders are eight-legged arthropods that hang fangs and are occasionally venomous.

Alberta has several species of spiders living in our province. However, many of these do not make common appearances in urban and populated areas. As a Calgary resident, here are the most common spiders to keep an eye out for and methods for controlling them.

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are one of the most common spiders in Calgary, Alberta. They are reclusive and love to hunt on their own. These spiders are small to medium-sized and typically are a brown colour. While they usually reside in nice open outdoor areas, you can generally find them in your basement.

Wolf spiders very rarely bite humans, but their bites are mildly venomous. Common side effects of a wolf spider bite are minor swelling, itching and discomfort.

Web-Weaving Spiders

Many people associate spiders with spider webs, but not all spiders in Calgary spin webs. That said, there are many different species of web-weaving spiders. They like to spin their webs near doors in the frame or on porches. You’ll also notice webs on tree branches. One of the most common types of spiders that spin webs are orb weavers.

Alberta is home to several orb weavers, which can vary in size. The jewel spider, for example, can get as big as a toonie. These spiders are typically harmless, but you can encourage them to find different spots to spin their webs by destroying the web and keeping the area clean and dry.

Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders are a rather distinctive spider found in Calgary. Small and recognized for their jumping motion, jumping spiders are also known for their adorable behaviour, including singing and dancing during their mating rituals. These little spiders also have a curious demeanor, including turning around and staring at humans.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders are only found in Calgary if they are accidentally imported here, making it unlikely you'll come across one in the city.  These nocturnal spiders are not native to the area and like to hide in woodpiles and dark areas. However, they can sometimes be found indoors in storage areas.  The brown recluse, also known as the Loxosceles reclusa, has a venomous bite.

Brown recluse spiders have an extremely negative reputation because the most severe bites can result in necrosis of the skin. However, brown recluse spiders typically only bite to defend themselves. 

Spider Prevention & Control

While spiders are mostly harmless, it can be terrifying to see one scurrying across your bathroom floor. Or worse, to see one in the corner of the shower before work. So how do you work on controlling spiders in Calgary?

Essential Oils

Many people recommend the use of essential oils to discourage spiders in their home. Certain strong scents are excellent spider repellents and can also make your home smell great.

Peppermint essential oil is known for keeping spiders at bay and out of your home. Put about 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil into a spray bottle and dilute with water. Spray into the corners and around your house to discourage spiders.

You can also choose to use an essential oil diffuser instead of a spray bottle to distribute essential oils around your room. Other essential oil scents that work are tea tree, lavender, cinnamon and rose. Cycling the scents you’re using around your house can make this natural remedy continually helpful.

If the essential oils don’t work, you can also use vinegar diluted with water in a spray bottle. Vinegar is a harsher scent and can affect varnished surfaces. Be careful when using it so you don’t overwhelm your surroundings with the smell of vinegar.

Keep Your Interior & Exterior Clean

If your home’s inside and outside are clean, you can lower the chance of spiders finding a home on your property. Regularly vacuum and dust the inside of your house, especially in the corners and in undisturbed areas. You can also consider changing up your cardboard storage boxes for plastic ones, as it’s harder for spiders to crawl into them.

Keeping the exterior of your house tidy will discourage spiders from making a home near it and prevent them from finding ways inside. Pay attention to debris around your exterior wall, and make sure to clean it up or move it away.

If your windows or doors have any cracks, make sure to seal them up with some caulk. This will prevent spiders and other bugs from finding their way indoors. Lastly, make sure all of your window screens are in good shape. If your window screens have holes in them, bugs will have an easier time getting inside your house.

When To Seek Professional Pest Control Services

If these methods for controlling the spiders around and on your property do not work, it may be time to seek professional pest control services. If your spider population is too aggressive to handle alone, a pest control company can help you deal with your spiders so you can enjoy your home again.

Do you have a spider infestation in Calgary or Airdrie? Contact Martin’s Pest Control today for information on common spiders in Calgary and professional pest control services.