Pest control referrals, Augusta, Georgia
Spider control in Augusta, Georgia
Most house spiders are a nuisance and nothing more. Two species in Georgia matter medically, and one of them is much rarer than people think.
Call (706) 538-9714Calls answered: early morning to late evening
How to recognise the spiders that matter
Black widow. UGA calls it common in Georgia. Look for a black spider with a red hourglass mark.
Brown recluse. UGA calls it rare in Georgia. It is known in the northwest part of the state, and even there it is uncommon. It has a violin-shaped mark and six eyes in three pairs.
Southern house spider. The amber-colored male is often mistaken for a brown recluse. It has eight eyes grouped together and a much fainter violin.
If you think you've been bitten by a widow or recluse, get medical attention promptly.
Sources: UGA Extension Circular 782 and pest guide B1412.
Why spiders turn up around Augusta, Georgia
Spiders follow food. A porch light that draws insects, a garage with stored boxes or a damp crawl space all give them what they need. If you're seeing a lot of spiders, there is usually a second pest behind them.
Wear gloves when you move stored items or firewood, and take care around undisturbed corners of sheds and crawl spaces.
What a spider visit usually involves
The visit normally covers web removal in reachable areas, a look at sheds and crawl spaces, and treatment around likely entry points. A company will often also ask about what the spiders are feeding on.
Ask what's being applied and where, and how long to stay out. A photo of the spider helps the company tell you what it's dealing with.
When to call
Call if you've found widows near where people or pets spend time, if you keep seeing spiders indoors, or if you want a spider identified before you decide. Your county Extension office can also identify a specimen.
Meanwhile, clear clutter, seal gaps around doors and windows, and move woodpiles away from the house.
Spiders: common questions
Do I have brown recluses?
Probably not. UGA says they are rare in Georgia and uncommon even in the northwest part of the state. Male Southern house spiders are often mistaken for them. A close photo can help.
What should I do about a bite?
Get medical advice promptly if you suspect a widow or recluse, and take a photo of the spider if that's easy to do. A pest control company can't advise on bites.
Do spiders mean I have another pest?
Often. They feed on other insects, so a lot of spiders can point to a second problem worth mentioning on the call.
Got pests right now? Make the call.
You'll be connected with an independent pest control company that serves your part of the Augusta, Georgia area. Have your ZIP code ready, and say what you've been seeing and where.
Call (706) 538-9714Calls answered: early morning to late evening
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