Signs of a spider infestation

In general, spiders can be found in dark, secluded areas, both inside of your property and the garden. Here are some signs that you can look out for to see if you have an infestation:

Common infestation signs

• Look for spider webs — the size and shape of spider webs vary by species. Some are orb-shaped while others are funnel-shaped.

• Some spider species live in burrows rather than webs, while others are free-ranging and take refuge in crevices.

• Some species of spiders are attracted to moist environments. Check your basements, walls, sheds and other damp locations.

• Other species can be found in places such as attics, the junction of a wall and ceiling, closets and storage boxes.

• Spiders feed on other insects and prey on ants, flies, woodlice and other spiders, so where there is a plentiful supply of other insects, spiders will wait to find their next meal.

• Spider eggs are laid into a silken sac, on average about 100 eggs in each sac, which may be fixed to a surface, hidden in the web or carried by the female. Signs of the sacs fixed indoors indicate that soon there will be more spiders around.