Spiders

Some of the most common spiders found around Tacoma include giant house spiders, hobo spiders, and orb weaver spiders. Each species has different habits and preferred hiding places, which is why proper identification is helpful when deciding on the best treatment.

While many spiders are harmless, large numbers of spiders or webs around your property can become a nuisance and may indicate an underlying insect problem.

Spiders usually enter homes in search of food, shelter, or a place to build webs. If your home has an abundance of insects, spiders are more likely to stick around because they have a reliable food source.

Seasonal changes can also increase spider activity, especially during late summer and fall when some species begin moving indoors.

Most spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed areas where they can build webs or hunt without being disturbed. Common hiding places include basements, garages, crawlspaces, attics, storage rooms, closets, and corners of ceilings or windows.

Outdoor spiders often build webs around eaves, soffits, decks, gardens, and exterior lighting where insects are plentiful.

Most spiders found in Western Washington are not aggressive and generally avoid contact with people. Bites are uncommon and usually happen only if a spider is accidentally trapped or handled.

If you're unsure about the type of spider you've found or you're seeing large numbers of them, a professional inspection can help identify the species and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Giant house spiders are often mistaken for hobo spiders because they have a similar appearance. Giant house spiders are typically harmless and are commonly found in basements, garages, and other dark areas.

Hobo spiders also prefer dark, sheltered locations such as sheds, decks, crawlspaces, and wood piles. Because the two species can look alike, it's often best to have them professionally identified.

No. Brown recluse spiders are not considered native to Washington and are not commonly found in the state. Many spiders are mistakenly identified as brown recluses because of their similar size or coloring.

If you find a spider you're concerned about, it's better to have it identified rather than relying on online photos or assumptions.

Spider webs often appear where insects are active. Areas around porch lights, windows, rooflines, and landscaping tend to attract flying insects, making them ideal places for spiders to build webs.

Regular cleaning and reducing outdoor insect activity can help minimize the number of webs around your property.

Yes. Spiders feed on many insects, including flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small pests. While they can help reduce insect populations outdoors, most homeowners prefer not to have spiders living inside their homes.

If spider activity becomes excessive, professional treatment can help manage the problem while also addressing the insects attracting them.

A technician will inspect both the inside and outside of your property, looking for spider activity, web locations, entry points, and areas where insects may be attracting spiders. The inspection also helps identify the species present.

Based on the findings, we'll recommend a treatment plan that targets both spiders and the conditions contributing to the infestation.

Spider control typically involves treating areas where spiders are active, removing webs when appropriate, and reducing the insects that serve as their primary food source. Addressing entry points around the home can also help prevent spiders from moving indoors.

Because spiders may continue to enter from surrounding outdoor areas, ongoing pest management may provide the best long-term results.

Over-the-counter sprays may kill spiders you see, but they usually don't address hidden spiders, egg sacs, or the insects attracting them. As a result, new spiders often return after the initial treatment.

Professional pest control focuses on the source of the problem instead of simply treating visible spiders.

Keeping your home clean, reducing clutter, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and minimizing outdoor lighting that attracts insects can all help reduce spider activity. Regularly removing webs also discourages spiders from settling in the same areas.

Maintaining routine pest control can further reduce the insects that spiders depend on for food.

Many homeowners notice increased spider activity during late summer and fall as certain species mature and begin searching for mates or shelter. This is also when spiders are more likely to wander indoors.

Seasonal pest control can help reduce spider activity before it becomes a larger problem.

The length of a spider treatment depends on the size of the property and the level of activity. Most inspections and treatments can be completed during a single service visit, although properties with ongoing spider issues may benefit from recurring pest management.

Your technician will explain the process and answer any questions before treatment begins.

Scheduling spider control is simple. Call Long Pest Control or submit a request through the online contact form to arrange an inspection at your home or business.

Our team will identify the type of spiders present, recommend the most effective treatment, and help you reduce future spider activity with practical prevention strategies.