When it comes to common household pests, crab spiders are often overlooked. These spiders are a type of hunting spider that can be found throughout much of the United States. They are called “crab” spiders due to their ability to move sideways like a crab.
These arachnids come in various colors such as green, yellow, brown, and white. While they may not pose any direct harm to humans or pets, having them in your home is not ideal.
What are Crab Spiders?
Crab spiders are a type of spider that belongs to the family Thomisidae. They can vary in size from small ones measuring only a few millimeters long up to larger ones that can grow up to an inch or more in length.
These spiders differ from other types of spiders because they do not spin webs to catch prey; instead, they rely on camouflage and stealthy hunting tactics. Crab spiders get their name because they can walk sideways like crabs and have long front legs with sharp spines used for catching their prey quickly while hiding under leaves or flowers.
Why Get Rid of Crab Spiders
While crab spiders are not known for causing harm directly to humans or pets, it is still important to get rid of them if you find them inside your home. Their presence indicates that there may be other pests present that serve as their food source such as flies, mosquitoes, and even other small insects.
Moreover, if you happen across these camouflaged arachnids without knowing about them beforehand, you may experience an unwelcome surprise which could lead to fear and anxiety, especially for those who suffer from arachnophobia.
Also important is the fact that some species of crab spider have been known to deliver painful bites when threatened or handled carelessly. For these reasons, it is essential to learn how to get rid of crab spiders effectively and safely.
Identifying Crab Spiders
Knowing how to identify crab spiders is crucial in getting rid of them from your home or garden. By understanding their physical characteristics and habitat preferences you can take steps towards eliminating these pests from your surroundings before they become a bigger problem.
Physical Characteristics
Crab spiders are easily identifiable due to their unique physical characteristics. They have broad, flat bodies that resemble crabs, which is how they got their name. These spiders have two large front legs that are longer than their other legs, and they use these to grab onto prey and hold them in place.
The coloration of crab spiders varies greatly depending on the species, but they are often colored to blend in with their surroundings. This makes it difficult for potential prey to see them until it’s too late.
Habitat and Behavior
Crab spiders can be found in a variety of habitats including gardens, meadows, forests, and even inside homes. They prefer areas with plenty of vegetation or where there are many insects around because this is where they can find their food sources.
Crab spiders are ambush predators that lie in wait for prey to come within reach. Once prey is spotted, the spider will use its long front legs to grab onto its victim and inject venom.
Crab spiders don’t spin webs like other types of spiders but instead move around by walking or jumping. Unlike some other types of spiders, most crab spider species do not build nests or burrows but instead, hide under leaves or rocks when not hunting for prey.
Prevention Methods
Removing their food sources
The first step to prevent crab spiders from infesting your home is to remove their food sources. Crab spiders feed on other insects like flies, mosquitoes, and moths.
Therefore, reducing the number of insects that enter your home will reduce the crab spider population. You can do this by keeping your trash cans securely closed and taking out the garbage regularly.
Also, avoid leaving any food or crumbs lying around in your home. Clean up spills and crumbs immediately after meals.
Sealing entry points
The second step to prevent crab spiders from entering your home is to seal any entry points they may use. These spiders can fit through tiny cracks and crevices so make sure all doors and windows are properly sealed with weatherstripping or caulking. Check for gaps around pipes, vents, and cables that enter your house; these areas should be sealed with foam or caulk as well.
Keeping the house clean
Crab spiders are attracted to cluttered areas where they can hide undetected. Keeping a clean home is key in preventing infestations of these pests.
Regularly vacuum carpets and dusty corners of rooms where spider webs tend to accumulate. Don’t forget to sweep underneath furniture like beds or sofas; these spots are often overlooked but can be a breeding ground for crab spiders.
By implementing these prevention methods you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a crab spider infestation in your home. Remember: prevention is much easier than eliminating an established infestation later on!
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Crab Spiders
Crab spiders are a nuisance to deal with, but there are a variety of natural remedies that may help get rid of them.
Natural remedies are a safer option compared to chemical insecticides that may pose a threat to human or pet health. Here are some effective natural remedies that you can use:
Essential Oils
Essential oils have been traditionally used for their therapeutic properties, and they can also be used to control crab spiders. Peppermint oil and citrus oil are two essential oils that have proven effective at keeping spider infestations at bay. Peppermint oil has a strong scent that repels spiders.
To use this oil as a natural remedy for spider control, add ten drops of peppermint oil in 16 ounces of water and spray the solution around windowsills and doorways where crab spiders might enter your home. Citrus oils such as lemon or orange essential oils have an acidic property that dissolves the exoskeletons of crabs, which eventually leads to their death.
To create an effective citrus spray, add two tablespoons of lemon or orange essential oil to eight ounces of water. Spray the solution around areas where you see crab spiders frequently.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is another common household item known for its multipurpose uses, including getting rid of crab spiders. This acidic solution works by altering the pH level of spiders’ bodies and dissolving their exoskeletons. To create a vinegar solution for spider control, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it directly on crabs when you spot them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is made up of fossilized remains of diatoms found in aquatic environments. It consists mainly of silica dioxide (SiO2) which is abrasive on insects’ exoskeleton and dehydrates them, leading to their death. To use diatomaceous earth for spider control, sprinkle the powder around cracks and crevices where you often find crab spiders.
When crabs crawl through the dust, it will cause dehydration and lead to their death. It is best to wear a mask when applying diatomaceous earth as inhaling its fine particles can irritate the nose and lungs.
Overall, natural remedies are effective at getting rid of crab spiders without exposing your family or pets to harmful chemicals. Essential oils such as peppermint oil or citrus oil, vinegar solution, and diatomaceous earth are all environmentally friendly options that can be used alone or in combination with other methods for maximum effectiveness.
Chemical Treatments for Crab Spiders
Insecticides
Insecticides are a popular option when it comes to treating crab spiders. Two of the most commonly used insecticides are pyrethroids and neonicotinoids.
Pyrethroids work by targeting the nervous system of the spider, causing paralysis and eventual death. They can be applied as a spray or dust, and are often used in combination with other control methods for maximum effectiveness.
Neonicotinoids, on the other hand, work by disrupting the neurotransmitters of the spider, leading to paralysis and death. These insecticides come in various forms such as sprays, dusts, granules or baits.
Foggers and Sprays
Another chemical treatment option is foggers and sprays. These products release a mist or spray that covers a large area with insecticide particles, making them ideal for treating entire rooms or outdoor areas where spiders may be present.
Foggers release fine droplets that penetrate even hard-to-reach areas like cracks and crevices while sprays offer targeted applications on surfaces. When using chemical treatments for crab spiders, it is important to follow all label instructions carefully to ensure safety both for you and your pets as well as effectiveness against crab spiders.
Additionally, use only what is necessary since overuse of these chemicals can lead to resistance buildup thereby reducing their efficacy over time. It’s also important to note that chemical treatments should be used in combination with other control measures like prevention methods discussed earlier so as to achieve long-lasting results in controlling crab spider infestations.
Trapping Techniques for Crab Spiders
Crab spiders can be a nuisance and may require trapping to get rid of them. Trapping is an effective method of control as it allows you to capture the spider without killing it.
There are several trapping techniques that you can use to eliminate crab spiders from your home or garden. Here are two effective methods: sticky traps and glue boards.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps consist of a sticky adhesive that traps insects and other small creatures, including crab spiders, when they come into contact with it. To use this method, place several sticky traps in areas where crab spiders usually hide or travel, such as corners, windowsills, or doors. You can also place them near plants and flowers where the spiders might be hunting for prey.
When using sticky traps, make sure to replace them regularly as they lose their effectiveness over time. Sticky traps are non-toxic and will not harm pets or children if accidentally touched.
Glue Boards
Glue boards work similarly to sticky traps but are flat cardboard or plastic sheets coated with a strong adhesive that immobilizes any insect that lands on it. To use glue boards against crab spiders, place them in areas where you have seen spider activity such as along the baseboards of your home or in closets. Like sticky traps, glue boards should be replaced frequently since they can lose their effectiveness due to dust and debris buildup.
Make sure to dispose of used glue boards properly as they can pose a hazard to pets if accidentally ingested. Using trapping techniques such as these is an effective way of controlling the population of crab spiders in your home without resorting to chemicals or harming the environment.
Getting a Professional Pest Control for Crab Spiders
While many homeowners are able to get rid of crab spiders using natural remedies, trapping techniques, or chemical treatments, sometimes it may be necessary to call in a professional pest control service.
Here are some reasons why you may need to consider calling in the professionals:
Infestation
If you have a severe infestation of crab spiders in your home or garden and other methods have not worked, then it’s time to consider calling in the professionals.
Health Concerns
Some people may have allergies or health conditions that can be worsened by spider bites. In such cases, it’s important to take quick action by calling in a pest control expert.
Lack of Knowledge
If you’re unsure about how to handle pesticides or other chemicals, it’s best not to risk your safety and leave it to the professionals.
Time Constraints
If you don’t have the time and patience required for DIY methods, hiring a professional pest control service can save you from frustration and stress.
Prevention
Professional pest control services can also help prevent future infestations by identifying potential entry points and implementing measures that keep spiders away.
What to Expect From a Pest Control Service
A reputable pest control company will start with an inspection of your property to identify what type of spider infestation you have, where they’re coming from, and what damage they’ve caused so far. Once they’ve identified the types of spiders present on your property, they’ll discuss different treatment options with you based on the severity of the infestation, as well as any health concerns you might have.
The treatments used by most pest control companies include sprays and insecticides which are safe for humans but effective at killing spider populations.
They’ll also provide recommendations on how best to prevent future infestations. Professional pest control services come with a guarantee, so you can rest easy knowing that they’ll be back should the problem reoccur.
While it’s always good to try natural remedies and other DIY methods first when dealing with crab spiders, calling in professional pest control services may be necessary for certain situations. Be sure to choose a reputable company that offers guarantees and provides extensive knowledge on prevention techniques.
Final Thoughts
Crab spiders are a common household pest that can cause discomfort to many people due to their appearance and potential bites. It is important to identify the crab spiders in order to choose the most effective method of control.
Prevention methods such as removing food sources and sealing entry points are useful for keeping crab spiders away from your home. Natural remedies like essential oils and vinegar solutions are an eco-friendly way of getting rid of these pests, while chemical treatments can also be effective if used correctly.
Trapping techniques like sticky traps and glue boards can help in controlling their population. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional help for the complete eradication of crab spiders.
Professional pest control services have the knowledge and expertise required for this task. With proper identification and the use of appropriate control measures, they can successfully get rid of crab spiders from your home.
Remember that prevention is key to avoiding future infestations. Don’t let these small creatures take over your home – take action today!