Spiders
Araneae
How do you get rid of spiders in a Southern California home?
Start by removing what draws them in: sweep webs from corners and eaves, cut clutter in garages and storage areas, keep outdoor lighting low so it stops attracting the insects spiders feed on, and repair window screens. Because spiders usually signal another pest problem nearby, lasting control also means addressing that food source. A licensed technician can web-brush active sites, apply a residual perimeter barrier, and safely target widow hiding spots.
What are Spiders?
Spiders are predators that feed on other insects. Their presence often indicates an underlying infestation of other pests. In the South Bay, we commonly see Orb Weavers, Cellar Spiders (Daddy Long Legs), and the medically significant Black and Brown Widows.
Key Takeaways
- Spiders have two body segments and eight legs with no antennae, and they are predators — a heavy spider presence usually signals an underlying insect infestation feeding them.
- In the South Bay and across Southern California the most common species are harmless Orb Weavers and Cellar Spiders (Daddy Long Legs), but the medically significant Black Widow and Brown Widow are also widespread.
- Black Widows are identified by the red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen and tend to hide in dark, undisturbed spots like garages, woodpiles, and outdoor furniture.
- Webs in corners, eaves, and bushes, plus clutter in garages and storage areas, are the clearest signs of activity and the conditions that let spiders thrive.
- The core control principle is to remove their food source and shelter: brush away webs, cut clutter, minimize insect-attracting lighting, and treat the perimeter rather than chasing individual spiders.
Identification & Signs
- Two body segments (cephalothorax and abdomen)
- Eight legs and no antennae
- Presence of webs in corners, eaves, or bushes
- Distinct markings (like the red hourglass on Black Widows)
Why are they a problem?
Spiders are attracted to areas where their food source—other insects—is plentiful. Neglected corners, garages, and cluttered outdoor spaces provide ideal environments for them to build webs and hunt.
Prevention and Home Tips
Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum (attracts insects)
Reduce clutter in garages and storage areas
Regularly sweep or vacuum away webs
Ensure window screens are in good repair
How Xtermicon Treats for Spiders
Our spider control strategy involves "web-brushing" to remove active nesting sites and applying a residual barrier around the perimeter of your home. We also treat common hiding spots to disrupt their hunting grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the spiders in my Southern California home dangerous?
Most are not. The Orb Weavers and Cellar Spiders (Daddy Long Legs) common in the South Bay are harmless and actually help by eating other insects. The exceptions are the Black Widow and Brown Widow, which are medically significant — a Black Widow has a red hourglass on the underside of its abdomen and bites can cause real reactions. If you find widows around the home, especially in garages or woodpiles, it is worth having them addressed by a licensed technician.
Why do I suddenly have so many spiders?
Spiders are predators, so a noticeable increase usually means their food source — other insects — is plentiful nearby. Neglected corners, garages, and cluttered outdoor spaces give them ideal places to build webs and hunt, and outdoor lighting draws in the insects they eat. Because of this, a spider problem often points to an underlying pest issue, which is why effective control treats both the spiders and what is feeding them.
Can I get rid of spiders myself, or do I need a professional?
You can reduce them on your own by regularly sweeping away webs, cutting clutter in garages and storage areas, keeping outdoor lighting to a minimum, and repairing window screens. That handles many harmless spiders. When you are seeing Black or Brown Widows, or the population keeps returning, a licensed technician can web-brush active nesting sites, apply a residual barrier around the perimeter, and treat hiding spots — typically as part of recurring service, since spiders return when their insect food source does.
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Xtermicon was founded in 2015 with one focus: protect Southern California homes and businesses from the pests that threaten them. The name says it all — eXterminate TERmites & pest CONtrol — and that's exactly what we do. We're a family-owned team specializing in termite control, pest control, and rodent exclusion. From West LA and East LA to the beach cities and Orange County, we're local neighbors who treat your property like our own.