Spidey Sense Tingling? 6 Signs You Have Too Many Roommates With Eight Legs

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Feeling like your spidey sense is tingling every time you walk into your yard? While Peter Parker embraced his “spider-man,” most of us aren’t as thrilled about sharing our outdoor spaces with spiders.

An infestation will give you the heebie-jeebies. And too many eight-legged roommates can indicate a takeover.

If you notice cobweb corners or egg sacs, these are clear clues that spiders are here to stay. Best to send them packing before things get too sticky!

A spider resting on a web covered in morning dew, with blurred greenery in the background.
Photo credits unsplash.com

Signs You Have a Spider Problem

Sign 1: Cobweb Corners

Finding cobwebs in corners and behind your outdoor furniture might seem like a minor nuisance, but when those webs start multiplying, it’s time to pay attention. While the occasional web might just mean a spider wandered in and set up shop, seeing multiple webs in various spaces or hard-to-reach spots points to a potential population explosion.

Spiders often choose quiet, undisturbed areas for their webs, such as bushes, shrubs, rocks, logs, outdoor lights, or under furniture. Over time, these neglected spaces can become spider havens, especially if other pests (their food source) are present.

When webs appear faster than you can clean them, an infestation is afoot. These webs are a sign that spiders are multiplying. If you’re spotting thick, sticky webs or abandoned ones coated in dust, it’s time to investigate further and consider calling in spider control pros.

Sign 2: Egg Sacs Galore

A black widow spider with a distinctive red hourglass marking, sitting on wood next to its egg sac surrounded by webs.
Photo credits unsplash.com

Spotting spider egg sacs is one of the clearest indicators that your spider problem could be about to escalate. These small, silk-wrapped bundles (usually white or off-white) are often hidden in dark, protected areas.

Each sac can contain dozens, or even hundreds, of baby spiders, which means a single egg sac will increase the spider population exponentially. If you notice multiple egg sacs, it’s a red flag that spiders are reproducing rapidly and turning your space into their nursery.

Don’t make the mistake of brushing off egg sacs as harmless. They’ll soon hatch into a new generation of spiders that can quickly take over your space.

Sign 3: Frequent Spider Sightings

Frequent spider sightings, especially in different areas of your yard, suggest a larger issue. It could mean there’s a plentiful food source (like insects) or that spiders are reproducing nearby.

Pay attention to the size and type of spiders you’re encountering. Small, harmless house spiders might not be too concerning, but spotting larger or potentially venomous species like black widows or hobo spiders requires immediate attention.

Sign 4: Insects Everywhere

Spiders are natural predators, which means an abundance of spiders in your yard often signals another issue: more insects. Flies, moths, ants, and other small bugs are essentially a neon sign for spiders. So, if you’re noticing a rise in spider sightings, it’s worth checking for signs of their prey.

Inspect areas where insects are commonly found. Look for crumbs, standing water, or poorly sealed food containers that might be drawing insects.

Addressing an insect problem is a two-for-one deal. It reduces the spiders' food supply, making your home less appealing to them as well. Eliminating these pests can often be enough to drive the spiders away, so tackle insect issues promptly to keep the entire food chain out of your space.

Sign 5: Outdoor Spider Havens

A close-up of a delicate spider web covered in frost, stretched across wooden planks.
Photo credits unsplash.com

Spiders love woodpiles, overgrown shrubs, and cluttered yards, as these provide plenty of hiding spots and hunting grounds. Outdoor lighting that attracts insects can also be a magnet for spiders looking to feast on the bugs.

To reduce the spider population outdoors, keep wood piles at least 20 feet from your home and elevated off the ground. Trim shrubs and remove any overgrown vegetation near windows or doors. Regularly clean outdoor furniture and sweep away webs to discourage spiders from settling in.

Sign 6: Persistent Bites

Yes, they do bite. And no, it’s not something to be too concerned about. More often than not, most species are harmless. But if you or your family members are seeing unexplained bites, spiders may be the culprits. While most spiders aren’t aggressive, they may bite if they feel threatened.

Spider bites typically appear as small red bumps, often accompanied by mild swelling or irritation. While most bites are harmless, bites from venomous species like black widows or brown recluses can cause more severe reactions.

Why Spiders Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think

Spiders can bring unexpected problems that make their presence more concerning than you might realize:

  • Venomous spiders pose health risks due to their venomous bites. Even non-venomous bites can lead to allergic reactions or infections in sensitive individuals.
  • Webs in hard-to-reach places can become unsightly and difficult to clean.
  • No one likes having a spider watching them while they’re enjoying their outdoor space. Not to mention, the fear of spiders (arachnophobia) is very real.
  • Spiders’ abandoned webs can attract other pests, such as flies and beetles, which feed on decaying insects caught in the webs. This creates a chain reaction of unwanted guests in your yard.

Your Spider Problem? We’ve Got It Webbed Up

Buzz Boss technician performing spider removal service.

Spiders might largely be harmless, but no one invited them to stay indefinitely! If your spidey sense is tingling and the webs keep piling up in your yard and the exterior of your home, it’s time to give BuzzShield® Insect a shout.

We specialize in safe, effective spider control applications that make sure they don’t disturb you for the entire season! Whether you’re in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, or the Okanagan and Kelowna region, we’ve got your back—and your yard.

Let’s reclaim your space from your eight-legged bugs once and for all.

Book your BuzzShield® Insect package now

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