DESCRIPTION

Spiders are invertebrate arthropods classified under the order Araneae and the class Arachnida. Worldwide, there are roughly 40,000 identified species, exhibiting a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Spiders spin silk using specialized organs called spinnerets, located on their abdomen. This silk is remarkably strong and is mainly used to build webs for capturing prey, typically insects, as well as for locomotion.
Like all spiders, the species commonly found in homes have eight legs. Their bodies are split into two main sections: the cephalothorax (a fusion of the head and thorax) and the abdomen. They do not possess wings.

Spiders in Quebec: Low Risk of Bites!

Quebec is home to nearly 700 spider species, but only the Cheiracanthium mildei—a small greenish or yellowish spider—can deliver a bite that may cause a skin reaction in humans.
If you experience bites or skin reactions, they are more likely the result of bed bugs, ticks, or fleas rather than spiders.
Garden spider or orb weaver spider centered on intricate spider web, close-up macro view, brown and tan patterned spider body with distinctive markings, eight legs visible, spider positioned in center of web with dewdrops or moisture on silk strands, dark green blurred background creating bokeh effect, natural outdoor setting, dramatic lighting highlighting web details, professional wildlife macro photography, shallow depth of field

DEVELOPMENT AND CUSTOMS

Female spiders typically deposit their eggs in a silken sac, which they either leave in a protected location or carry with them. They enter hibernation, regardless of their life stage.
The eggs hatch a few weeks after being laid, and the young spiders that emerge already resemble adults. They do not undergo metamorphosis but will molt several times as they grow to their full size.
Although most spiders come from outdoors, some species tend to stay inside our homes. They feed on insects that they hunt or capture in their webs.
While most spiders originate outdoors, certain species prefer to remain inside homes, where they feed on insects they catch or hunt in their webs.

SPOTTING THE HIDDEN SPIDERS IN YOUR HOUSE

Spiders are drawn to dark, cluttered, and untidy areas where they can easily hide. Some species favor humid environments, often appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, and damp basements, while others prefer dry spaces, such as air vents, high corners of rooms, and garages.
Spiders often take shelter in vegetation, under rocks, or among piles of wood and compost. However, when temperatures drop, they may seek warmth and move indoors.

These are the most common spots where house spiders are likely to be found in your home.

  • Ceiling Corners: One of the most frequent places to notice spiders in your home. Though not a true hiding spot, they linger here to watch for prey. If ceiling webs aren’t cleaned regularly, spiders can lay eggs, which may lead to an infestation.
  • Among Your Plants: If you keep lots of indoor greenery, spiders may make regular appearances.
  • Beneath Furniture: Spiders are drawn to hidden, dark spots, so remember to vacuum and clean under your furniture often.
  • Within Your Closets: Dark and enclosed spaces like wardrobes are favorite hiding spots for spiders.
  • In Cluttered Areas: Spiders are attracted to messy spaces, like stacks of books or piles of items. Organizing your belongings into boxes or tidying up can help keep them away.
  • Garage Hideouts: Garages are common spots for spiders to gather. Inspect regularly and seal any entry points to prevent infestations.
Macro photography of a garden orb weaver spider on its web, detailed close-up showing intricate banded legs with alternating light brown and dark brown stripes, spotted abdomen with white and brown markings, spider positioned at the center of a delicate silk web covered with morning dew droplets, soft bokeh background with warm yellow-green tones from blurred foliage, natural lighting, shallow depth of field, professional wildlife photography, sharp focus on spider details, cinematic composition, photoreali
Close-up macro photograph of an intricate spider web covered in morning dew droplets, dark green blurred natural background, detailed web structure with water beads catching light, moody atmospheric lighting, shallow depth of field, nature photography, outdoor pest concept, dramatic and artistic composition

PREVENTION

  • 01
    Both before and after treatment, it’s best to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum in the evening and avoid aiming lights toward doors or windows. Lights attract insects, and insects, in turn, attract spiders.
  • 02
    To help prevent spiders from appearing, regularly clean and remove dust from areas behind and beneath your furniture.
  • 03
    Install mosquito nets to keep insects and the spiders that follow them from entering when doors are left open.
  • 04
    Outdoors, make sure to regularly inspect the upper sections of your house walls, as well as nearby plants and shrubs. An infestation can damage or destroy your vegetation.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Spiders are very skilled at finding ideal hiding spots in and around your home. To keep them from settling in and potentially causing an infestation, it’s best to take proactive steps to control their presence.
  • Using a broom or vacuum, regularly clean electric baseboards and room corners to remove food debris that may attract insects and spiders.
  • Outdoors, use yellow light bulbs, which attract fewer insects and therefore help reduce the presence of spiders around your home.
If you notice a spider infestation indoors or outdoors, or if spiders make you uncomfortable, contact RD to assess whether a spider population control program is necessary.
Our spider exterminators are trained to use safe, effective methods and products to eliminate these unwanted pests from your home.