Spiders: the short answer
Most spiders in and around Prattville homes are harmless, and general pest control usually covers them along with web removal. Two deserve respect: the black widow and the brown recluse. Alabama Extension says anyone who believes they were bitten by either should seek immediate medical treatment. Call (334) 555-0147 to speak with a local pest control company in the Prattville area.
The two spiders to know
- Black widow: females are jet black with a red hourglass on the underside. They prefer undisturbed spots outdoors, such as stacked blocks, water meter boxes, eaves and sheds, and rarely enter homes.
- Brown recluse: tan to dark brown, with a dark violin-shaped mark and six eyes instead of eight. They adapt well indoors, hiding in closets, boxes, shoes and behind furniture.
Learn more in brown recluse and black widow spiders in Alabama, or see our overview of pest control in Prattville.
How urgent is it?
A suspected widow or recluse bite is a medical issue first.
Black widow bites can bring cramps, sweating and breathing trouble within about 10 to 60 minutes. Recluse bites usually blister, with symptoms in 2 to 8 hours. Young children and older adults tend to be most affected.
Reducing spiders around the house
- reduce clutter in closets, garages and attics, and use lidded plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
- remove stacks of blocks, bricks and firewood near the house
- use yellow or similar bulbs outdoors to attract fewer of the insects spiders feed on
- wear gloves outdoors and shake out shoes and clothes stored in the garage
Alabama Extension notes sprays give only temporary relief and must hit the spider directly, and sticky traps help monitor and control recluses.
What happens during treatment
Inspection
The technician looks for webs, egg sacs and hiding spots inside and out, and identifies the species.
Web and egg sac removal
Around eaves, windows and corners.
Targeted treatment
Treatment of cracks, voids and perimeter areas, plus sticky traps for recluses.
Prevention
Advice on clutter, lighting and sealing gaps.
What affects the cost
- Species: brown recluse problems usually need more visits.
- Included in a general plan, or one-time: many plans already include common spiders.
See the cost guide.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is spider control included in your general pest plan?
- If it's a brown recluse, how many visits do you expect, and will you use sticky traps?
Spiders around Prattville
Garages, sheds and storage areas are common trouble spots, whether in Silver Hills, Windstone or Wetumpka.
What to have ready when you call
- a description or photo of the spider, if you can take one safely
- where you're seeing them: garage, closets, attic or outdoors