A Guide to Identifying and Controlling Spider Pests in Utah Homes

Identifying Common Spiders in Utah

Utah is home to a diverse range of spider species, some harmless and others potentially dangerous. Learning to identify the most common spiders in the state can help homeowners know which ones to look out for. This guide covers how to identify spiders in Utah, the venomous and harmless species, spider bite first aid, and tips for spider control and prevention.

How to Identify Spiders

When trying to identify a spider, there are some key characteristics to look for:

• Body shape - Is the spider rounded or elongated?
• Leg length - Are the legs short or long in proportion to the body?
• Eye arrangement - Are the eyes clustered together or spread apart?
• Web - Does the spider build a web and if so, what does it look like?
• Size - How large is the spider's body?
• Color - What colors and patterns can be seen on the body and legs?
• Movement - Does the spider stay still or run around quickly?

In some cases, getting a close look under a magnifying glass or taking a photograph and zooming in can reveal more details to help pinpoint the species.

Venomous Spiders in Utah

While the majority of spiders in Utah are not dangerous to humans, there are two venomous spider species that do pose a potential threat:

Black Widow Spider

The most venomous spider in Utah is the western black widow. This spider has a spherical abdomen that is shiny black in females and brown or gray in males. There is often a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. Legs are long and black with two light stripes. Webs are irregular and messy.

Black widow venom is a neurotoxin that can cause muscle cramps, nausea, and breathing difficulties in humans. Bites rarely cause significant effects or medical emergencies but seek medical care if bitten.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped marking on the top of their browned-colored body. Their legs are uniformly light brown and they have six equal-sized eyes arranged in pairs. They build irregular webs in secluded areas like attics or crawlspaces.

The venom of a brown recluse can cause tissue damage at the bite site. Seek medical attention if bitten by one of these spiders.

Common Harmless Spiders in Utah

While the spiders below are not considered dangerous to humans, they do serve important roles in the local ecosystem like controlling pest insects:

Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are active hunters with camouflage patterns in black, brown, and gray. They have eight eyes arranged in rows. Wolf spiders do not use webs to catch prey but instead chase insects and other small invertebrates on foot.

Jumping Spider

As their name suggests, jumping spiders spring rapidly to ambush their prey. They have a compact, hairy body with front legs that are larger than the other six. Jumping spiders have eight eyes, with two very prominent large eyes in the middle.

Orb Weaver Spider

Orb weaver spiders construct circular wheel-shaped webs with spokes radiating out. These nocturnal spiders have a rounded abdomen and elongated legs. Common orb weavers in Utah include garden spiders and zipper spiders.

Cellar Spider

Cellar spiders make irregular webs in dark corners of cellars and crawlspaces, hence their name. They have very long, thin legs and small bodies only around 1/4-inch long. Cellar spiders help control other household pests.

Crab Spider

Crab spiders have a flat, crab-like body with legs that extend out to the sides. They come in a variety of colors from yellow to white. Crab spiders do not construct webs but instead ambush prey by camouflaging themselves on flowers.

Spider Bite Symptoms & First Aid

Most spider bites only cause mild effects like redness, irritation, or swelling at the site. Bites from venomous spiders can potentially cause much more severe reactions. Seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms after a spider bite:

• Intense pain or itching
• Nausea, vomiting, or fever
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash or lesion spreading from bite

For mild spider bites, follow these first aid steps:

1. Wash the bite gently with soap and water.
2. Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
3. Elevate the bitten area if possible.
4. Avoid scratching as this can increase irritation.
5. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed for discomfort.
6. Monitor for signs of infection and call your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Spider Control & Prevention Tips

To help reduce spiders in and around your Utah home, follow these spider deterrent tips:

• Eliminate clutter like piles of wood, debris, or stones around the exterior of your home.
• Install exterior lighting away from doors and windows as light attracts night-flying insects that spiders prey on.
• Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps where spiders may enter the home.
• Vacuum and sweep regularly to remove webs inside.
• Use essential oils like peppermint, lavender, tea tree or citrus oils to repel spiders.
• Employ pest control if you have an infestation of venomous spiders inside your home.

With proper identification and prevention, spiders do not need to pose a major nuisance or danger in most Utah homes and properties.

Spider Bite Treatment and First Aid

Most spider bites are harmless, but some can lead to severe reactions, especially in children or individuals with compromised immune systems. Knowing what to do after getting bitten by a spider can help prevent complications and long-term effects.

Signs of Spider Bites

Often a spider bite looks like a mosquito bite - a slightly swollen and red bump - so it can be hard to tell if it was a spider that bit you. Other symptoms that point towards a spider bite include:

• Sharp burning pain right after the bite
• Itching and inflammation around the bite
• Two fang puncture marks in the center of the irritated area
• Mild swelling extending out from the bite
• Hardened skin or blistering where bitten

Venomous spiders like black widows may also cause muscle cramps or spasms near the bite or all over the body. Seek medical treatment right away if systemic symptoms develop after a bite.

First Aid for Spider Bites

If you suspect a spider bite, use the following first aid steps while monitoring for any worsening symptoms:

1. Wash the bite with soap and water to lower risk of infection.
2. Apply a cool compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Elevate the bitten limb if possible to slow venom spread.
4. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort.
5. Avoid scratching or rubbing the bite to prevent breaking the skin.
6. Monitor for signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, swelling or drainage.

See your doctor if pain and swelling persists beyond a day or two or if any concerning symptoms develop. Signs of a serious reaction require emergency medical care.

Medical Treatment for Spider Bites

Most spider bites can be managed at home with first aid, but in some cases doctors may provide additional medical care, such as:

• Antibiotics - if a bacterial skin infection develops after the bite.
• Tetanus shot - the doctor may give a booster if it's been over 5 years since your last tetanus vaccine.
• Prescription antimicrobial or steroid creams - to apply to the bite for inflammation and itching.
• Antivenom - may be given for very severe bites from venomous spiders like black widows.
• Surgical cleaning - debriding and draining infected spider bites.

Seeking prompt medical attention is vital for bites that cause systemic symptoms or signs of infection. With the proper first aid and treatment, most spider bites can heal without causing any lasting damage.

Spider Bite Prevention Tips

Spider bites are prevalent but also largely preventable. Taking some simple precautions can significantly lower your chances of getting bitten:

• Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when cleaning garages or attics.
• Clear clutter like piles of leaves, rocks, wood, and debris where spiders may hide.
• Have exterior lights out away from doors to avoid attracting insects.
• Seal cracks in walls or foundations where spiders can enter.
• Inspect or shake out shoes, towels, or blankets left on floors before use.
• Vacuum and sweep regularly to remove webs inside the home.
• Use insecticides or essential oils carefully to repel spiders from your home.
• Teach children not to provoke or play with spiders.

If you take precautions but still get the occasional spider inside, try trapping it in a cup and releasing it outside. Non-venomous spiders help control insect pests naturally. With proper education and prevention, spider bites can become a rare occurrence.

Dealing with Common Spider Infestations

Finding the occasional spider inside your home is normal, but large infestations can become a nuisance. Certain species like brown recluses or black widows may also pose health risks. Knowing how to identify and address common spider infestations is important.

Signs of Spider Infestations

Indications your home may have an unwanted spider issue include:

• Visible spiders crawling on walls or ceilings
• Thick spider webs in corners or crevices
• Multiple spiders caught in sticky traps or under objects
• Spider bites or skin irritation on occupants
• Signs of prey insects like small fly carcasses around webs

Seeing a few harmless spiders now and then is normal. But recurrent spider sightings or unexplained bites may mean there is a more extensive infestation requiring control measures.

Common Spider Infestation Areas

Some parts of a home provide more favorable conditions for spider infestations. Common problem spots include:

• Attics - dark, undisturbed areas with insect prey
• Basements - cool, damp conditions spiders gravitate to
• Garages - lots of clutter and insects around lights
• Sheds - secluded spaces with prey like crickets
• Crawlspaces - cracks and crevices leading inside
• Wood piles - moist areas for spider nests
• Vents - access from outside into walls

Focus on thoroughly inspecting and treating these high-risk areas of your home for the best chance of controlling spider infestations.

Spider Infestation Treatment Tips

To clear out unwanted spiders, try these treatment tips:

• Vacuum and clean infested rooms thoroughly to remove webs and spiders.
• Seal cracks and crevices where spiders may enter with caulk.
• Install weatherstripping under doors to block access.
• Use insecticides labeled for spider control in affected areas.
• Limit exterior lighting and move it away from doorways.
• De-clutter infested spaces to reduce hiding spots.
• Have a professional pest control company treat serious infestations.

With vigilance and proper treatment, most homeowners can eliminate common spider infestations and prevent future ones from developing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.