Spiders have eight legs and two main body parts: head and abdomen. They cannot fly. All spiders eat insects. and are pests in structures when their webs become annoying or when they bite in self defense.  Some will defend their eggs. Baby spiders look like miniature adults.

Spiders are pests for some people because of their appearance and messy webs. They are valuable predators of other pests. Often, vacuuming, good housekeeping practices, and use of screens can eliminate their prey and thus reduce their numbers. Low humidity is also beneficial to reducing number of spiders.

In eastern Massachusetts, the brown recluse spider and the black widow spider can be harmful. These spiders are rare, but are sometimes encountered, especially outside.

If spiders are a concern, please contact us for an inspection and possible treatment to control these pests.

Brown Recluse Spider

This brown spider is around 1 inch long including legs, and is sometimes found inside, usually in and under piles of belongings. For this reason is a good idea to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and long sleeves and pants when cleaning out basements and other storage areas, and ductwork. Brown recluse spiders can be found in piles of wood and for this reason care should be taken in handling firewood.

Black Widow Spider

This black spider is rare in Massachusetts, and rarely comes inside. Use the same precautions and prevention as with the brown recluse spider.

Summary | Brown Recluse Spider | Black Widow Spider | Top of Page | Pest Guide