Spiders Follow Their Prey Indoors
South Jersey is home to dozens of spider species, the vast majority of which are harmless and help control other insect populations. Spiders typically enter homes in search of the insects they feed on. A notable increase in spider activity inside the home often means the home also has an underlying insect issue providing the food source.
Ross Environmental Solutions treats all types of spiders, including the black widow, which is found throughout New Jersey and carries venom capable of causing a serious reaction. Our perimeter treatment approach targets spiders at their entry points and hunting areas rather than simply treating for visible webs after the fact.
One common misconception in the South Jersey area: the brown recluse spider is not native to New Jersey. While it can occasionally be introduced on shipments of goods, true brown recluse infestations in our region are extremely rare. If you see a large, brown spider, it is far more likely to be a wolf spider or a fishing spider, both of which are harmless to humans.
Spiders in your home often signal a broader insect problem. Let us evaluate both. Call: 1-888-399-7677
Understanding Spider Behavior and How We Treat for Them
The Black Widow in New Jersey
The black widow spider is the most medically significant spider found in New Jersey. It is recognized by its shiny black body and the characteristic red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Contrary to popular legend, female black widows rarely devour males after mating.
Black widows spin webs near ground level, often in protected areas such as under boards, in boxes, around firewood, and under eaves. They commonly enter structures when firewood is carried inside. The venom is a neurotoxin and can cause severe pain, muscle cramping, and in vulnerable individuals, a serious systemic reaction requiring medical attention.
Prevention: Wear heavy gloves when moving items that have been stored for a long period. Check shoes before wearing. When spider webs are visible near ground level in sheltered areas, use caution before putting your hands in those spaces. According to Rutgers NJAES, black widows are found in all counties in New Jersey.
What Attracts Spiders Indoors
- Other insects such as flies, gnats, and moths entering the home
- Gaps under doors, around windows, and at utility penetrations
- Exterior lighting that attracts flying insects at night
- Clutter, woodpiles, and debris near the foundation
- Dense vegetation in contact with the exterior of the home
Common Spiders Found in South Jersey
- Black Widow: shiny black with a red hourglass marking, found in woodpiles and stored items, venomous
- Wolf Spider: large and brown, hunts on the ground, harmless but alarming in appearance
- House Spider: small web builder commonly found in corners and under furniture
- Cellar Spider: long legged species typically found in basements and garages
- Orb Weaver: builds large circular webs and is most active in late summer
- Fishing Spider: large brown spider found near water sources and in basements
Our Spider Treatment Approach
Ross treats all types of spiders with a perimeter-focused approach that targets the areas where spiders hunt, rest, and enter the structure. Treatment focuses on foundation lines, entry points, window and door frames, weep holes, basement windows, and crawlspace vents.
Interior treatment addresses known harborage areas, web locations, and common spider pathways. We also de-web visible web structures during service to remove harborage and egg cases that would otherwise introduce new spiders.
Reducing Spider Activity Long Term
- Reduce exterior lighting or switch to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs that attract fewer insects
- Seal gaps under doors and around utility penetrations
- Keep woodpiles and debris away from the foundation
- Address insect infestations that provide food for spiders
- Remove leaf litter and dense ground-level vegetation from the perimeter
Persistent spider activity is often connected to an underlying insect problem. Our complete pest control solutions can address both issues together in a single program.
Expert Spider Control Across South Jersey
Spiders inside the home are a solvable problem. Ross Environmental Solutions has treated homes and businesses throughout South Jersey for over 30 years with a satisfaction guarantee on every job. Our approach goes beyond spraying for visible spiders to address the entry points, food sources, and conditions that make structures attractive to them in the first place.
If your spider problem is connected to a broader insect infestation, we can evaluate and treat both in a single visit. See our complete pest control services for every pest challenge we handle across South Jersey.
From harmless house spiders to black widows, we treat them all correctly.
We stop spiders at entry points before they establish inside.
We address the insect food sources that attract spiders to your home.
If spiders return after our service, we come back at no additional charge.
Spider Problems? Call Today.
Ross Environmental Solutions serves all of South Jersey including Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, and Ocean Counties.
