Are Spiders in Oregon Dangerous?
Spiders are easily one of the most feared household pests by far. Their eight creepy crawling legs and multiple eyes induce an eerie feeling causing chills to run down anyone’s back. Nothing is worse than watching a spider scurry away, never knowing where they go or when they will return. With so much activity, it is safe to ask yourself, “Are Spiders in Oregon Dangerous?”
Oregon is home to seemingly hundreds of different spider species that live among the vast green life across the state. It can be hard to tell which ones are dangerous and which one only look scary with so many species. Fortunately, most spiders you find in your home will not be hazardous, but proceeding with caution is always recommended.
Types of Spiders in Oregon
Brown Recluse- Dangerous
The Brown Recluse is one of the most dangerous spiders in Oregon. If untreated, their venom can eat away at the skin, causing necrosis.
Black Widow- Dangerous
Being one of the most infamously feared spider species, everyone seems to know Black Widow Spiders. Their unique red hourglass on their abdomen helps them stick out, easily identifiable. They are dangerous, and anyone bit should seek professional medical attention.
Giant House Spider- Harmless
There’s a good chance you will find a Giant House Spider in your home. Despite looking like they came from a horror film, these spiders are harmless to humans.
Wolf Spider- Harmless
This spider species earn its name because of its aggressive hunting habits. However, they only seek food they can eat and prefer to stay away from humans.
Hobo Spider- Harmless
Despite rumors, the Hobo Spider prefers solitude and is not a dangerous spider.
Spiders Are Scared Too
When encountering a spider, it is first necessary to remember that the spider is most likely just as intimidated by you. Spiders live in a world where they are always on the hunt or sought after by other creatures in the food chain. Even a toddler looks like a giant to a spider, so the spider usually wants nothing to do with you.
A spider will most likely try and run away from you before they decide to move in and attack. Most cases of humans being bit by spiders are accidental; spiders do not actively hunt humans. One of the most common places to get bit by a spider is on the hand because we reach into areas that we cannot see. Therefore, if we disturb a spider by accident, there is a good chance it will try to bite.
Inviting Spiders Into Your Home
There are numerous reasons why a spider might want to come inside your home. Without even realizing it, we could provide a comfortable home for our families and spiders too! Spiders are the top hunters in the bug world and act more as predators than they do prey. Therefore if you notice other bugs around your home, there is a good chance a spider is nearby.
Despite your home providing ample food sources, spiders seek shelter just like us. A house has endless hiding places for a spider to live and thrive for the rest of their lives, and we may never even realize it. In addition, they can crawl up the sides of homes on ceilings or even squeeze through the tiniest gaps.
A Spider’s Bite
Understanding a spider’s bite might help ease the minds of many spider-fearing individuals. Most of the known spider species in Oregon have venom glands for hunting or defending themselves. However, these species will rarely use their venom during the first bite. Instead, the first bite warns of the potential threat to leave; this is called a “dry” bite.
If they have to bite again, there is a good chance they will use venom. However, most spiders do not have large fangs to pierce through human skin and cause harm. Fortunately for us humans, most spiders bite, even with venom, and will present minor signs of damage.
How Spiders Get Inside
Spiders are nimble, creative creatures who can sneak around places that make even ninjas jealous. Therefore, sneaking inside your home is not challenging for spiders because they can gain access anywhere. Some common access points around your home include:
- Attics
- Doors with poor weather stripping
- Open windows
- Unsecured window and door screens
- Gaps and Cracks around the foundation or siding
- Exhaust vents
- Plumbing lines
- Crawlspaces
- Shrubs that crawl up/touch the home
- Basements
- Cables- Power or telecommunication that runs into your home
Spiders are even known for catching rides from their human counterparts inside the home! They can sneak in through:
- Grocery bags
- Boxes
- Luggage
- Clothes
- Backpacks
- Purses
Keeping Spiders Out
It is nearly impossible to keep spiders out entirely on your own. However, there are specific steps you can take to help reduce general spider activity.
- Using silicone or caulking, inspect your home from the exterior and find gaps that lead inside the house.
- Trim trees and bushes away from your home so they cannot use the shrubs as a bridge to your home.
- Regular cleaning and decluttering will reduce hiding spots for spiders. They do not like to be in the open.
- Hire a professional pest control company like Prime Pest Solutions. We will help keep spiders away with our accurate product placement and IPM implementation. Additionally, by focusing on removing general pest populations, spiders will have no incentive to come into your home if there are no other pests to hunt.
Contact Prime Pest Solutions today to take control of your home and ask about our Spider Control program!
