Spiders
What Eats Spiders? 8 Natural Predators of Spiders in California
Spider infestation is never a good thing. The abnormally populous presence of spiders at home or at work can be a nuisance.
Although these insects eat unwanted insects such as ants, flies, mosquitoes, and bees, spiders are still a part of a food chain that makes them prey too. It’s important to understand what eats spiders and how spiders fit into your local ecosystem. This way, you can make smart decisions about which ones to keep and when to call for help from pest control experts.
Animals That Feed on Spiders
Spiders are still important in your local ecosystem. Here are some animals that feed on spiders as part of their diet:
1. Birds
Many bird species include spiders in their diet. Some birds, like the black-capped chickadee, robins, wrens, bluebirds, and the blue tit, actively search for spiders to consume. These birds will often catch spiders in their webs or on the ground.
2. Scorpions and Centipedes
Certain species of centipedes are predators of spiders. They are equipped with venomous claws that help them subdue and consume spiders. Scorpions also prey on spiders. Centipedes and scorpions will often overpower and kill spiders with their venom.
3. Reptiles
Some lizard species, particularly those with insectivorous diets, such as geckos, chameleons, and anoles, are common predators of spiders. They are particularly adept at catching spiders in their webs. Snakes also keep the spider population in check.
4. Insects
Certain insects, such as wasps and predatory beetles, feed on spiders. They may capture spiders and either paralyze them or consume them alive. Mantises are also predatory insects that are known to feed on spiders. They use their powerful front legs to catch and hold their prey.
5. Amphibians
Amphibians like frogs, toads, and salamanders consume spiders as part of their diet, especially smaller ones. They will often catch spiders in their mouths as they hop or crawl around.
6. Mammals
Some small mammals, such as bats, monkeys, shrews, and mice, will also eat spiders. Bats will often catch spiders in their wings as they fly around, while shrews and mice will hunt for spiders on the ground. However, this is less common compared to other groups of animals.
7. Other Spiders
Some spider species are cannibalistic and may feed on other spiders, including members of their own species. This is especially common among larger spider species such as tarantulas.
How These Predators of Spiders Help Control Spider Infestation
In addition to these natural predators, humans also sometimes eat spiders. In some cultures, spiders are considered a delicacy, and they are often fried or roasted. However, it is important to note that not all spiders are safe to eat, and some can be poisonous.
Spiders play an important role in the ecosystem, and their predators help to keep their populations in check. Without these predators, spider populations could explode, and this could have a negative impact on the environment.
It’s important to note that the specific predators of spiders can vary depending on the geographic location and the ecosystem. In California, a lot of these animals can be found.
Overall, these predators help in natural regulation of spider populations and can hugely help prevent their numbers from reaching levels that could be considered an infestation. This helps maintain ecological balance.
In addition, they also prevent over popular of spiders as they tend to have the potential to reproduce rapidly. Predators keep their numbers in check by consuming a portion of the spider population, preventing overpopulation.
In certain environments, spiders can become a nuisance when their populations become too dense. Predators help control these populations, reducing the likelihood of spiders encroaching on human living spaces and becoming a nuisance.
Seek Help from Spider Control Experts
Don’t wait for infestation to come. The presence of spiders and their webs can be a nuisance, attracting more insects to your home.
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate spiders. We offer QualityPro-certified spider control treatments to eliminate all types of spiders. Learn more about our Spider Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 619-494-3380 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate.
Spiders
5 Spiders That Resemble Black Widows
Black widows are pretty common in California. They are easily distinguishable by their glossy-jet black color and a red or orange hourglass on the underside. However, black widows are often hard to identify, especially when they are young. And a lot of us confuse other spiders as black widows due to their almost similar colors and body markings, including these spiders:
1. Red Widow (Latrodectus bishop)
An adult female red widow is reddish-orange with their legs reddish and abdomen black or dark colored. Its abdomen typically has rows of orange or red spots outlined in yellow or white. Female red widows do not have a full hourglass shape on their abdomen’s underside. They typically have one or two small red spots that look almost triangular.
2. False Black Widow (Steatoda grossa)
Although they are free from red hourglass marking, their glossy chocolate brown color might come off to some as similar to young black widows. They share the same rounded abdomen and have similar techniques when making webs. Although the false black widow only bites when picked up, it does not deliver the same level of sting and venom as the real black widow does.
3. Noble False Widow Spider (Steatoda nobilis)
This spider is considered hard to find in the United States, but it surely can be found in California. The adult female noble false widow spider has a bulb-like abdomen just like other widow spiders. The difference is its brown color and cream-colored spots that resemble a skull. They rarely bite, but when they do, it might cause discomfort due to their large fangs.
4. Domestic House Spider (Tegenaria domestica)
Also known as the barn funnel weaver spider, this spider looks like the black widow. The adult domestic house spider has a reddish-brown and pale abdomen with freckles. The color of its body varies from gray-brown to dark brown with two dark stripes on the cephalothorax. It does not have an hourglass marking. The domestic house spider moves quickly but is never aggressive and most likely retreats when confronted.
5. Black House Spider (Badumna insignis)
This dark-colored spider is bigger than widow spiders. Both male and female black house spiders have dark brown legs. Their gray abdomen has light markings on top of the body. Black house spiders can bite when disturbed, but they are not aggressive at all.
Seek Help from Spider Control Experts
Even if these spiders are not as dangerous as black widows, they can be a nuisance, attracting more insects to your home.
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate black widow spiders and other spiders at home. We offer QualityPro-certified spider control treatments to eliminate California black widows. Learn more about our Spider Control & Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Couty.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 619-494-3380 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate.
Termites
California Termites: 3 Most Common Termites That Could Damage Your Home
Termites are pretty common all throughout California. These tiny insects have a reputation for being destructive. Their wood-munching habits can cause serious damage to homes, which is exactly why many homeowners don’t want them around their property.
Given the readily available wood and warm weather in California, termites are pervasive, which makes them even bigger trouble than they already are for a lot of us. Unfortunately, you may not know if they are already chomping on your property.
How do you know if termites are already present in and around your property? Can you identify which ones are the most damaging? Learn more about the three most common types of California termites.
1. Drywood Termite
The drywood termite is one of the most injurious termite species and is very widespread in Southern California. They do not need access to moist soil or water in order to survive, and they usually live in dry wood aboveground, such as lumber and decks. This species typically has red or brown bodies and grows between 9.5mm to 25.4mm long.
In southern California, swarms of western drywood termite peak during the day between September and November. In northern California, swarms may happen earlier.
2. Subterranean Termite
The subterranean termite is also one of the most damaging species alongside drywood termite. They normally live in soil to survive, so you can often find them underground or in wet areas aboveground. They create tunnels to hunt food. Subterranean termites tend to have translucent gray or brown bodies and slightly hairy wings, differentiating them from other species. They grow between 3.1mm to 9.5mm long.
There’s a species of subterranean termite called Formosan subterranean termite that is the biggest threat to your home, especially if you live in San Diego. Formosan subterranean termites can build colonies and cause damage quicker than other species of subterranean termites. They have translucent orange bodies.
Western subterranean termite swarms during daytime when it’s rainy in autumn, winter, or early spring. Arid-land subterranean termite swarms typically happen during the day in spring and fall. In San Diego, swarms happen at night and peak around June and July, while smaller swarms may take place for a few more months.
3. Dampwood Termite
Unlike drywood and subterranean termite, dampwood termite is less likely to inflict damage, although a swarm can be a nuisance for many homeowners. Moist and decaying wood in residential areas is their favorite spot, while swamp edges and wetland margins are also common habitats. Dampwood termite usually has light yellow or tan bodies and grows between 12.7mm to 15.8mm long.
Pacific dampwood termite usually swarms between August and October, just before sunset.
Got Termites? Call Termite Control Experts in California Today!
Although termite swarms are seasonal, they are active all year round. If you suspect there are termites on your property or you just want to protect your home against termites, you need to take the necessary precautions to ensure any activity does not progress and becomes damaging.
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate or prevent termites through our QualityPro-certified termite control treatments. Learn more about our Termite Control Service in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.
Call us at 800-901-1102 to schedule a FREE termite inspection/estimate.
Spiders
Identifying Common Spiders in California and Which Ones You Should Avoid
California is home to a wide variety of spider species. Some are venomous; others are completely harmless. But one thing is for sure—these spiders are quite common bugs found at home and can be a nuisance.
Spiders love the hotter weather. In California, the spider season runs from December to January, but you may notice a significant increase in their visibility by the end of May to June in Southern California. Spider webs and egg sacks are the first signs to look out for their presence.
If you are wondering which ones are the most common spiders in California and how to identify them, here’s an in-depth illustration of these spiders and which ones to avoid:
1. Black Widow Spider
Black widow spiders are generally common in California, and they are the most poisonous of all spiders in North America. They are easily identifiable by their shiny black body with a red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen.
Although they rarely kill humans, getting bitten by a black widow spider can pose extreme discomfort. If bitten by a black widow spider, you may experience painful swelling around the bite. Its venom has a chemical called alpha-latroxin which causes intense pain, muscle spasms, cramps, sweating, chills, and stomach ache. The symptoms may worsen for up to about 12 hours after the bite. After that time frame, the symptoms should start to die down.
As much as possible, you want to avoid black widow spiders. If found, use caution and call your pest control professional to handle the situation.
2. Brown Widow Spider
Another common spider in California is the brown widow spider, which can be recognized by its light to dark brown body with mottling of tan and brown with black accent marking and an orange hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen. The mature females typically have a dorsal abdominal stripe and three diagonal stripes on each flank.
The venom of the brown widow spider is as strong as the black widow, but it does not inject very much venom. The symptoms of brown widow bites are similar to black widow bites, causing an immediate, sharp, stinging sensation around the bite area.
Brown widow spiders are known to be shy, so they often stay away from humans. If you encounter one, use caution or better yet call a pest control professional.
3. Cellar Spider
Often mistaken for daddy long legs for their length, the cellar spider is identifiable for its long, thin legs and small body. They are very common on every continent except for Antarctica. In California homes, you can easily see them in dark, damp places such as basements and crawlspaces.
Cellar spiders are generally harmless. However, their large webs can be hard to remove, making them a nuisance.
4. Wolf Spider
Large, hairy, and has a pair of prominent eyes—the wolf spider is found throughout California. It’s named as such because of its wolflike habit of chasing and pouncing on its prey. Often found on the ground, the wolf spider can be found in different areas such as forests, deserts, and gardens.
Wolf spider does not pose a serious danger to people. They do have venom, but they are not poisonous. However, some people might be allergic to its venom. Since the wolf spider is large, its bite can be very painful. For bites that cause mild pain, swelling, or itchiness around the bite, the pain should not last long.
If you see a wolf spider inside your house, relocate them outside. There’s nothing to worry about as it is generally harmless.
5. Tarantula
Tarantulas are large, hairy, and stock spiders. They are considered the biggest spiders, so they can look terrifying to some people. Tarantulas are usually found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, mountains, and forests. In California, you can find them pretty much anywhere.
All tarantula species have venom, which they use for hunting prey. They don’t usually bite unless they are threatened. When a person gets bitten, tarantulas often just give a dry bite, meaning they don’t inject venom.
Although they are usually not aggressive, it’s best to leave them alone.
How to Get Rid of Spiders at Home
It’s best to be proactive when it comes to spiders. Before invading your home or showing signs of their presence, you can do a couple of things to make sure you’re keeping out the different types of spiders in California homes. Here are some important things to do:
Clean up seldom-used areas
House spiders love dark and undisturbed spaces, all the more giving you more reasons to make sure rarely-used areas get cleaned regularly. These include windows, storage areas, basements, attics, sheds, ceilings, and every other unused corner of your home.
Remove places where spiders may hide and build webs
Spiders can easily build dwellings pretty much anywhere. Boxes on the floor? Leaf litter? You name it. Spiders can take up residence near the structure if anything that doesn’t move. So, get rid of these things before spiders start building cobwebs there.
Close gaps and other points of entry
When there are cracks and other openings, spiders are one step away from entering your home. To prevent spiders from coming indoors, seal any gaps you can see, especially around windows and doors. Good screening not only prevents spiders from entering your home but also keeps out the insects they prey on.
Call a Pest Control Professional
The presence of spider webs, spider egg sacs, and spiders themselves are all common signs that your home has been infested. Having spiders around your house isn’t entirely bad. However, they become a nuisance when multiplying and inviting more insects into your home. Even if you get rid of spiders and cobwebs now, note that spiders are the kind of pests that keep returning if you don’t treat your home properly.
The best way to ensure complete spider protection is by reaching out to spider experts from Pro Pacific Pest Control. We will help you eliminate your spider problem for good with our spider control treatments.
To learn how our Spider Control and Treatment Service can help keep your home safe, don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-901-1102
Spiders
Top 5 Venomous Spiders in California
Venomous spiders can be found in many parts of the world, and California is no exception. There are several venomous spider species that call California home. These spiders vary in appearance, but they all share one thing in common: they can deliver a painful and potentially deadly venom.
All of these venomous spiders are most active during the summer months. They inhabit in many different parts of California, including urban areas, agricultural land, and forests.
While venomous spiders are certainly dangerous, fatalities are rare. Nevertheless, they can be a nuisance that you don’t want around your home. If you do happen to see a venomous spider, it is best to leave it alone and call a professional for help.
5 Most Common Poisonous Spiders in California
There are many venomous spiders found in California, but the five that we will focus on are the western black widow, brown widow, brown recluse, yellow sac spider, and desert recluse.
Western Black Widow
The western black widow is the most dangerous of all spiders. Its venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s venom. These spiders are typically found in the western United States, and they love to live near humans. Their webs are often located in dark, secluded areas like under rocks or inside sheds, crawlspaces, basements, barns, and woodpiles. Black widows are most active in warmer temperatures over 70 degrees.
The western black widow has a shiny black body with a red hourglass shape on its abdomen. They have eight legs and eight eyes. A young black widow spider is mostly orange and white, but as it matures, its color turns red and black. Females are much larger than males, with bodies that can grow between 14-16mm in length, and they can deliver a very painful bite. Although fatalities are rare, this spider should always be treated with caution.
The presence of webs in your home or on your property can be a sign that there’s an infestation of black widows. If you encounter a western black widow, stay calm and back away slowly. Do not attempt to touch or kill the spider as it may bite you. Call a spider control expert like Pro Pacific so we can safely remove black widows from your home.
Brown Widow
The brown widow is brown or grayish-brown in color and can be distinguished from other venomous spiders by its orange hourglass marking. A male brown widow’s body can grow 6-8mm long, while a female brown widow’s body can grow 12-16mm long. Mature brown widows look almost the same as young western black widows, so you might get confused when you see them. To spot a brown widow, look for the white dots on their abdomen.
This spider can be found throughout California and is well-established in the southern urban areas of San Diego, San Marcos, and surrounding suburbs. Black widows are most active during the fall and winter months, often hiding in dark, moist places such as under leaves, cracks or crevices, and closets.
It is important to be aware of these spiders and take precautions when working or playing outside in areas where they may be present. Bites from brown widows are extremely painful but not likely to be severe as a black widow’s bite. Nevertheless, one should seek medical attention if bitten by a brown widow.
Brown Recluse
Unlike the western black widow and brown widow, the brown recluse is less recognizable as they have dull brown colors that many spiders possess. Identifying a brown recluse can be tricky. It has a violin-shaped marking on its head, appearing near the eyes through the neck down toward the abdomen.
Do note that a red marking can also be found in some other spiders, and not all brown recluses have it. Hence, it’s not the most precise method to identify the spider. The best way to identify them is by counting their eyes — brown recluses only have six eyes compared to most spiders with eight.
The brown recluse is found throughout California but is most common in the central and southern parts of the state. It’s most active during the spring and summer months, hiding in darker, quieter, and warmer places such as under leaves, in cracks or crevices, and closets.
Brown recluse spiders should be treated with utmost caution. As one of California’s most poisonous spiders, the brown recluse can cause necrosis (the death of tissue) or even death with its bite. The first symptom of its bite is red, itching skin followed by an open sore, which usually comes with a rash of tiny red spots, fever, and nausea. Anyone who is bitten by a brown recluse should seek medical attention.
Yellow Sac Spider
The yellow sac spider is a common sight in California. You can tell a yellow sac spider by its distinctive pale yellow body. It has eight eyes equally divided into two rows. Female yellow sac spiders lay 30-48 eggs and protect them using their silk sac, which is a lot if they survive and grow into adult spiders.
This spider is most active during the spring and summer months, around March until October. It doesn’t build webs. Instead, it creates a flat silk sac and uses it to pass during the day, which often can be found in dark, moist places such as under a leaf, ceiling line, cracks, closets, and other protected spots.
The yellow sac spider is not considered dangerous, but it bites if they feel threatened. Its bite can cause redness, swelling, and sometimes even necrosis and is very painful. If you see a yellow sac spider, it’s best to leave it alone and contact a professional if you need help getting rid of it.
Desert Recluse
The desert recluse has a smooth, light brown body that grows up to 13mm long. Due to their similar appearance, desert recluse, and brown recluse are often mistaken interchangeably. They both have six eyes arranged in three groups of two and a violin-shaped marking on their bodies.
It’s most active during the fall and winter months. The desert recluse’s favorite spot to crash is in shrubs and cacti in desert areas (that’s why they’re called such) of California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada, especially during the fall and winter months. However, they can be found in other arid environments, such as those in California.
The desert recluse is not aggressive, although it can bite you if it feels in danger. Like the brown recluse, desert recluses are known to have necrotic venom. Its bite can cause swelling and redness. Seek professional help if you find one.
Get Professional Help From a Spider Control Expert in California
Spiders are the second most common pest our customers complain about. While they are important to eliminate unwanted insects, living with venomous spiders at home is not safe for you and your kids as they can cause painful, even deadly bites on humans.
If you need spider control experts, Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you get rid of spiders at home and prevent them from coming back. Learn more about our Spider Pest Control & Extermination Service, or directly call us at 800-901-1102 to schedule a free inspection and estimate for your spider control job.
Uncategorized
Is a California Black Widow Spider Dangerous?
In California, there are two species of widow spider — the western black widow spider and the brown widow spider. There are far more black widows in San Diego, Riverside, Orange Counties, and throughout California. Of the two, the western black widow presents more harm as its bite is much more severe than those of brown widow spiders. How serious? That’s what we’re going to discuss in this article.
A black widow’s bite used to be a life-menacing event. If it were the 1840s, a person bitten by a black widow would have to be transported by horse to get to a physician, without even any certainty upon arrival at the physician’s location that someone would be there to provide the treatment. Fast forward to date, we are now more capable of transporting patients to a hospital or clinic within minutes for treatment, not to mention the more modern medical infrastructure that can attend to such a life-threatening medical emergency. That’s why there are a few fatalities from black widow spider bites in California.
Don’t get too comfortable, though. Nothing has changed about black widow bites as they remain deadly and harmful. In fact, we serviced a household whose owner’s son got into the hospital because of a black widow bite. Watch the video testimonial.
You see, there’s no reason for you to ignore if you see signs of black widows at home. A black widow spider bite is venomous and can cause localized pain, resulting in symptoms like nausea, fever, body aches, stomach pain, and perspiration.
However, not all black widow bites end up bad. The aforementioned symptoms can only be experienced if the person bitten got too much venom from the spider. How do you know how much you got? Well, there’s really no way to tell. But, you can access the situation.
Black widow spiders bite and inject more venom if they feel threatened. In situations wherein you startle a black widow spider, it might respond with a warning bite. Although warning, it’s still painful but won’t likely result in any serious symptoms. But if you crawl into bed and trap the spider against the blanket, you’ll more likely get a much more powerful bite and worse symptoms.
So, where do you find black widow spiders the most? Black widows are reclusive, meaning they like to hide in dark, unoccupied spaces like attics, cellars, basements, and storage rooms. They can also be found in piles of wood in your yard where there are bugs they can feed on. You might not see them in your bedroom or dining area, but it’s still best to contact a pest control company if you happen to see a black widow or signs of their presence near you. Ultimately, you don’t want them around your kids and pets, so take the necessary precautions.
Black Widow Bite Prevention Tips
The last thing you want from black widows is to get bitten. Here are some tips to help you avoid their deadly bite:
- Be careful when going to dark, low-traffic areas at home like the basement or cellar, attic, and storage room. If it’s dark, bring a flashlight. Be cautious when picking boxes up. Black widow spiders like to weave webs between boxes to catch their prey.
- Jiggle things that have been barely touched before using them like shoes, blankets, and clothing. Black widows sometimes like to get cozy in these items.
- Wear gloves when doing yard work.
- Watch out when lifting objects, especially from piles of lumber, wood, and other organic materials where bugs are. Black widows feed on bugs, so they’re likely around too.
Seek Help from Spider Control Experts
Black widows are dangerous to humans. A black widow bite can hospitalize a person or worse cause death.
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you get rid of black widow spiders at home. We offer QualityPro-certified spider control treatments to eliminate California black widows. Learn more about our Spider Control & Extermination Service in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Couty.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 800-901-1102 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate.
Gophers
California Gophers: A Nuisance or a Friend?
California gophers or pocket gophers are small, burrowing rodents generally brown or gray in color and have long, slender bodies, clawed front paws, and strong front legs designed for digging. They have fine, short fur that keeps wet soil out of their skin.
These proficient diggers use their whiskers to help navigate dark, elaborate underground tunnels. Although they have four large front teeth, California gophers are able to close their lips behind their teeth to keep soil out of their mouths, even while using their teeth for digging.
What Attracts Gophers to Your Yard?
Several things attract gophers to your yard, including food, shelter, and water. Gophers are herbivores, so naturally, they are drawn toward vegetation. They love to eat root and tuber crops, grasses, shrubs, flowers, and even lawns. If your yard has rich vegetation, it is waving invitation cards to gophers who will most likely burrow and build tunnel systems, which is their home.
How Deep Do Gopher Tunnels Go?
Their tunnel system is a series of narrow, underground burrows that lead to various wider openings such as the main nesting area, feeding areas, food storage, and waste holes. These enlargements are formed into a sphere with the nesting area layered with dry grass or similar vegetation.
These tunnel systems can cover an area of 200-2,000 square feet with the main runway located parallel to the surface and about 6-18 inches below. Gophers typically nest and store their food as deep as 6 feet. Tunnel systems that cover a larger area are usually found in areas with dry landscaping in order to be near an adequate amount of food resources.
Learn more about what California gopher tunnels look like underground.
Signs of California Gopher Infestation
It’s rare to see a gopher hanging around outside in broad daylight as they spend most of their time doing things below ground level. When you see newly-dug mounds of soil, that could mean one thing — there’s a gopher in your midst! They love to dig tunnels and push the loosed soil up above the ground, leaving horseshoe-shaped mounds of soil on the ground.
Gopher infestation would become evident if you start seeing damage to your lawn, plants, flowers, and trees on top of the newly-dug mounds of soil. Damage to your water line may also indicate that gophers have found their way underground.
How Do You Get Rid of Gophers Permanently?
Gophers don’t ever abandon their tunnels unless you do something to get rid of them permanently. You can take steps to make your yard less attractive to gophers. This includes removing food, shelter, and water sources. You can also use deterrents to keep gophers away from your property.
Seek Help from Gopher Control Experts
California gophers are not harmful to human health. However, some may find them a nuisance when they begin damaging lawns, crops, and gardens.
Pro Pacific Pest Control can help without using any harmful chemicals. We offer QualityPro-certified gopher control treatments like fencing, trapping, and flooding tunnels with water to eliminate California gophers. We also use safety-compliant fumigation and rodenticides, if necessary. Learn more about our Gopher Control & Removal Service.
Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 800-901-1102 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate.
Pest Control
California Insect Identification: How to Spot Most Common Bugs at Home
Over 27,000 different insect species live in California, according to the University of California’s Environment and Natural Resources. While insects may all look different, they can be difficult to identify if you’re not familiar with their features.
This California Insect Identification Guide will teach you everything you need to know about correctly naming the most common insects that you can find at home, from their physical characteristics to their behavior. By knowing how to identify these critters, you’ll be able to understand their behavior better and assess whether or not they can cause any harm to your home or family.
11 Most Common Types of Insects in California and How to Spot Them
Every home probably has one or even more bugs. Here’s how you can identify the most common insects in California homes:
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that typically range in color from light tan to deep red. They can grow up to 7mm in length but are typically smaller than that. Bed bugs have flat bodies and are wingless, which makes them easy to distinguish from other bugs.
They are typically found in warm, humid environments such as hotels, motels, residential properties, and other places where people sleep. Bed bugs can be difficult to detect, as they often hide in seams and crevices during the daytime, not to mention they are too small for the naked eye.
While bed bugs themselves don’t typically carry diseases, they can cause a lot of discomfort and distress. They feed on the blood of humans and mammals. In extreme cases, bed bug bites can lead to a bacterial infection called cellulitis, manifested by itchy red bumps on your skin, which can be difficult to treat. Bed bug bites may also cause allergic reactions in some people. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, contact a pest control professional immediately.
2. Bees
Bees, alongside wasps and hornets, are distinguished from other insects by their three body segments: the head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have two pairs of wings and a pair of antennae. The heads of bees are typically black or brown, while the thorax and abdomen are often covered in stripes of yellow, orange, or red. They also have hairy bodies, which can make them look quite imposing.
There are over 20,000 different species of bees worldwide — 1,600 are found in California. As pollinators, they all play a vital role in our ecosystem. Bees, however, can sting, which they use to defend themselves and their nests. Though bee stings deliver no serious complications, they can be quite painful. So if you see them, do not disturb them, or it’s best to call a bee control expert to have the hive extracted or moved to a bee sanctuary.
3. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, silvery-white wingless insects with tapered heads. They have two long antennae and three pairs of legs. Silverfish are nocturnal and feed on a variety of foods. They can be found in moist environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
While they are not known to cause any serious diseases, they can contaminate food with their feces and saliva, which can lead to allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, silverfish can be a nuisance because they eat a variety of foods, including starch, sugar, and protein, as well as household items like clothes, paper, and books.
4. Cockroaches
Several different species of cockroach can be found in California. They vary in size, from less than an inch to over 2 inches long. They are typically dark brown or black in color. Roaches have a flattened body, six legs, and two antennae. They also have a pair of wings, but these are usually not used for flying. They only fly when they feel threatened.
Like silverfish, roaches are nocturnal. They are also drawn to food and moisture and can often be found in kitchens and bathrooms. Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and will eat anything they can find, including rotting food, feces, and even other insects.
They are also known for being very resilient creatures — they can survive for up to a week without food or water, and they are resistant to many kinds of pesticides. They are also well known for their rapid breeding habits; a single cockroach can produce up to 50 offspring in a year. Cockroaches can also spread disease, so it is important to get rid of them if you find them in your home.
5. Termites
Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that live in colonies, often mistaken for ants. They are differentiated by their straight waist, and they have straight antennae, as opposed to the elbowed antennae of ants. Termites are usually larger and have broader heads than ants. They also have wings, which ants lack.
Termites are not known to spread diseases harmful to humans, but they may cause allergic reactions to some people, whether through their saliva or droppings. It’s important to know that termites are one of the few insects that eat wood, which can lead to extensive damage to homes and other structures. On average, California homeowners pay $3,000 to repair termite-initiated damage.
Learn more about the different types of termites and which one is eating your house.
6. Crickets
Crickets are well known for their loud chirping at night, which is used to attract mates. They range in color from light brown to black and typically have a greenish hue. But, they can be easily identified by their long antennae, dropped abdomen, and long, thin hind legs. Crickets are generally about 1 inch long but can grow up to 2 inches long.
They love to eat leaves and can often be found in gardens or fields. Crickets usually only bite humans if they feel threatened, and even then their bites are not harmful. Nevertheless, having crickets around your house chirping loudly every night can be a cause of a disturbance to your family.
7. Earwigs
Earwigs are easily recognizable by their elongated body and a pair of pincers or forceps at the end of their abdomens. They range in color from brown to reddish-brown, and some have stripes or bands on their bodies. Earwigs typically measure 0.2-2 inches long but can grow up to 3 inches long.
Earwigs are nocturnal, and they typically reside in moist environments like gardens and basements. They’re also very good climbers, so they may be found scaling walls or ceilings. Earwigs are scavengers and will eat anything they can find, including other insects. They’re also known to damage crops and plants.
Because of their intimidating pincers, earwigs might look harmful to humans. However, they are not. Still, earwigs have to be removed from your home as they can eat any of your stored food.
8. Ticks
Ticks are small creatures that measure 3-7mm long. They have a hard, flat body that is covered in bristles, and they typically display a reddish-brown color. Ticks are among the most common types of biting insects found in California. You can find them in animals and even human hair.
Ticks are ectoparasites, which means that they live on the outside of their host’s body. They attach themselves to animals or people by embedding their mouthparts into the skin. Once attached, they will suck blood from their host until they are full. Ticks can be quite irritating and cause a great deal of discomfort due to itchiness, especially if they are not removed quickly.
In California, ticks can also be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and even urban areas. There are several different species of ticks in the state, some of which are known to carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), and ehrlichiosis. It is important to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect yourself from tick bites.
9. Wasps
Wasps are identifiable by their narrow waist and two pairs of wings. They can range in color from black to yellow, and some species have brightly colored stripes.
All wasps are predators — they feed on a variety of insects. They also scavenge for food and will eat anything that is available. Wasps are social creatures living in colonies that can contain anywhere from a few dozen to a few thousand individuals. They build nests out of mud, paper, or chewed-up wood.
The behavior of wasps can vary depending on the species. Some species are known to be aggressive and will attack anything that they perceive as a threat. In some cases, they can cause serious injury or even death. Others are more passive and will only sting humans or animals if they are directly threatened. When you see wasps, it’s best to seek professional help to have them removed from your property.
10. Moths
Moths come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all moths have large wings. The wings of a moth can be either covered in scales or covered in hairs, ranging in color from black to white, while some species have brightly colored markings.
Moths are nocturnal creatures, and they are most active at night. They are attracted to light, so you can usually find them swarming your lights at home. Moths are herbivores, and they feed on a variety of plants. Some moths are known to eat the leaves of trees, while others are known to eat flowers. That said, moths are generally harmless creatures.
However, there are a few species that can be harmful to humans. The most common type of moth-related injury is caused by the larvae, or caterpillars, of certain species. These caterpillars can release a toxic substance that causes irritation, skin rashes, and sometimes nausea or vomiting when they come into contact with human skin. When you see an eclipse of moths swarming your lights, don’t hesitate to call for professional help.
11. Fleas
Fleas are tiny parasites measuring 1-3mm, and therefore they can fit into the smallest of spaces and can be difficult to see with the naked eye. They have a hard body shell that protects them from being crushed, and they can jump up to 18 inches in height, so it’s so easy for them to find a new host.
Fleas are not picky eaters. They will feed on any blood that is available, commonly from cats, dogs, and even humans. Fleas can be a nuisance to both humans and animals, and they can cause a variety of health problems. They cause skin rashes, hair loss, and allergic reactions. They can also transmit various diseases to humans and animals, including plague and typhus. When you see fleas at home, get pest control help immediately.
Get Professional Help From a Pest Control Service in California
There are a few ways to get rid of these pests. However, the most effective way to eliminate these pests is by identifying and removing their food and water sources. For example, you can seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, fix leaky pipes and taps, and store food in airtight containers. By taking these steps, you can make your home less hospitable to unwanted insects at home.
If you need pest control and prevention experts, Pro Pacific Pest Control is here to help you out. Learn more about Pro Pacific Pest Control, or directly call us at 800-901-1102 to schedule a free inspection and estimate for your pest control needs.
Spiders
California House Spiders: Understanding Different Spiders at Home
Spiders come into your home for a few different reasons. Most of them love to stay indoors to catch prey and stay away from predators throughout the spring and summer months. But as the fall season rolls around, spider activity may start to intensify. During this time, male spiders crawl out of the woodwork to find a mate.
Spiders also like to stay indoors simply because they may have found food in your house. By food, meaning other bugs that have also found their way inside your home. Regardless, you want to keep spiders outside. The bad news is there are so many to keep count of.
In North America, over 3,400 species exist—66 of them can be found in California. Though many types of spiders in California homes cause no harm to residents, there are some dangerous ones you should also note.
How do you spot the common California house spiders? Where do they usually live? And how do you know if this spider is dangerous or not? In this blog post, you’ll get answers to your burning questions.
10 Most Common Types of Spiders in California Homes
Some of our customers can easily identify the most common types of spiders in California homes, such as tarantulas and black widow spiders. Some homeowners, however, can barely identify any. And the worst thing is, they don’t know whether the spider they encounter is dangerous or not.
Ultimately, it’s important to get to know the typical California house spiders besides tarantulas and black widow spiders. Here are some of them:
1. Tarantula
Starting with one that you’ve probably seen at one point — tarantulas. They’re considered the world’s largest spiders.
What do tarantulas look like?
Tarantulas have fairly hairy legs and bodies, which makes them look terrifying to many people. Their size and color may vary depending on their species and hideout.
Where do tarantulas live?
Tarantulas are quite common in the desert regions — and yes, that includes California. But more specifically, tarantulas live underground in burrows, which they dig using their forelegs and fangs. They might also use abandoned burrows. Some tarantulas also use funnel-shaped webs in trees.
Tarantulas are nocturnal for the most part. During the mating season, male tarantulas can get very bold and can be found wandering into homes in broad daylight.
Are tarantulas dangerous?
Despite their menacing appearance, tarantulas shouldn’t be feared. Sure, they are venomous, but they’re not dangerous. In fact, their venom is milder than a honeybee.
2. Black widow spider
Black widow spiders can be found in households all over the world. In California, it’s even more common.
What do black widow spiders look like?
Most black widow spiders are recognizable for their glossy black color. The females measure about 3-10mm in length, twice bigger than males. They’re more recognizable for their hourglass-shaped red marking on the underside of their bellies. Meanwhile, males are more reclusive and can hardly be seen.
Where do black widow spiders live?
Indoors, they can hide in garages, basements, barns, mailboxes, crawl spaces, and sheds. They also like edges and corners around your house, as well as tall grasses and dark hideouts.
Are black widow spiders dangerous?
The black widow is venomous. Their bites may cause vomiting, intense muscle pains and stiffness, and difficulty breathing due to diaphragm paralysis. They might not inflict any serious harm on some people. However, it can be fatal to some, including kids, the elderly, and the sick. Despite that, black widow spiders aren’t considered aggressive unless threatened.
3. American house spider
Known for creating Halloween-like webs, the American house spider is one of the most popular type of spiders in California homes.
What do American house spiders look like?
American house spiders are as small as a nickel. They’re often gray with white markings and have a rounded belly.
Where do American house spiders live?
American house spiders are commonly found in abandoned buildings and homes. Nonetheless, they can establish a dwelling all over your attic, basements, cabinets, or garages — pretty much anywhere dark and hidden.
Are American house spiders dangerous?
Nope. Generally, they’re not aggressive. In fact, they can be easily daunted by the presence of people.
4. Wolf spider
What do wolf spiders look like?
Although their sizes vary, wolf spiders are generally one of the largest California house spiders. They can grow up to an inch and a half. And they’re often mistaken as baby tarantulas because of their large size and hairy body. Wolf spiders tend to be black, grey, or brown.
Where do wolf spiders live?
Wolf spiders are outdoor species, but they may still dwell indoors. You may find them in basements, sheds, or garages where insects are, especially in the late summer and fall.
Are wolf spiders dangerous?
They’re not, although they can still bite.
5. Brown recluse
What does the brown recluse look like?
The brown recluse is distinguishable for its violin-shaped marking on the top of its head and down its back. They range from light to dark brown. While most spiders have eight eyes, the brown recluse only has six that appear in a triad. They can grow 6-11 inches in length with fine hair covering their belly.
Where does the brown recluse live?
The brown recluse is nocturnal. They want to stay away from humans, so they usually create their webs in secluded, undisturbed places like sheds, basements, and cellars. But, they can also be found under sheets, shoes, and folded clothes.
Is brown recluse dangerous?
Yes! The brown recluse is deemed a dangerous spider. It stings when it bites. Their venom has the ability to kill the cells and tissues around wounds. When bitten, get medical help immediately!
6. Domestic house spider
The domestic house spider is pretty common all over the world. This is more commonly known in California as the barn funnel weaver or the common house spider.
What does a domestic house spider look like?
They have typically dark orange to brown or beige (even grayish) bodies. They’re pretty small yet elongated. Females can grow between 7.5-11.5 mm, while males can grow between 6-9 mm.
Where does a domestic house spider live?
They’re often found in the corners of windows and ceilings, creating funnel-shaped cobwebs with a center hole. The female house spider is usually just sitting pretty in the middle of the web, waiting for her insect prey. If left undisturbed, the domestic house spider can survive up to seven years in the same web.
Is a domestic house spider dangerous?
No, they’re not. They will stay out of man’s way when their web gets disturbed.
7. Daddy longlegs spider
What does a daddy longlegs spider look like?
Daddy longlegs spiders are gray to brown, sometimes clear, with chevron patterns. Their cylindrical body grows the size of a peanut, but their very thin legs can go on up to 50 mm long.
Where does a daddy longlegs spider live?
They like to live outside for the most part, on the lawn or up in trees. But, it’s not uncommon to see them inside enclosed spaces. At home, you can spot them hanging inverted in their messy, irregular-shaped webs in the dark, undisturbed areas such as corners, attics, and cellars. That’s why it’s also called a cellar spider.
Is a daddy longlegs spider dangerous?
No! Contrary to popular belief, daddy longlegs spiders aren’t venomous.
8. Hobo spider
What does a hobo spider look like?
The hobo spider is often confused with other common spiders in California homes primarily because of its brownish color. They have very hairy legs, too. However, the distinctive features of this spider are the V-shaped stripes on their abdomens.
They’re also known as funnel weavers.
Where does a hobo spider live?
They are commonly found in dark, dry, and warm areas such as attics, basements, closets, and furniture. They may hide in clothing, beds, and shoes too.
Is a hobo spider dangerous?
The hobo spider can be aggressive. Its bite can cause pain, redness, and swelling surrounding the affected area, which can be easily treated with an over-the-counter painkiller or ice pack. The good news is hobo spider bites don’t give you necrotic lesions.
9. Jumping spider
What does a jumping spider look like?
There are so many species of jumping spiders, and they look a little different from one another. Their colors vary from solid black to black and white stripes with iridescent spots. Two things they all have in common are their large, front-middle set of eyes and hairy bodies and legs.
Where does a jumping spider live?
They can be found in your house. However, they don’t weave webs. You might see them crawling inside ceilings, climbing walls, or hanging out in attics or trees.
Is a jumping spider dangerous?
Not really. However, jumping spiders may bite if threatened.
10. Yellow sac spider
What does a yellow sac spider look like?
They’re usually pale beige or yellowish and have a dark V shape on their body.
Where does a yellow sac spider live?
They hide in the sac during the day and then hunt at night. They create sacs in the corners where the wall meets the ceiling, whether it’s the kitchen, the living room, or the bedroom.
Is a yellow sac spider dangerous?
It’s not common for yellow sac spiders to pose any danger. They can bite, but it’s nothing too serious. However, there have been reports of hospitalizations for some people who have pre-existing medical conditions.
How to Avoid California Spiders in Houses
It’s best to be proactive when it comes to spiders. Before invading your home or showing signs of their presence, you can do a couple of things to make sure you’re keeping out the different types of spiders in California homes. Here are some important things to do:
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Clean up seldom-used areas
House spiders love dark and undisturbed spaces, all the more giving you more reasons to make sure rarely-used areas get cleaned regularly. These include windows, storage areas, basements, attics, sheds, ceilings, and every other unused corner of your home.
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Remove places where spiders may hide and build webs
Spiders can easily build dwellings pretty much anywhere. Boxes on the floor? Leaf litter? You name it. Spiders can take up residence near the structure if anything that doesn’t move. So, get rid of these things before spiders start building cobwebs there.
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Seal gaps and other points of entry
When there are cracks and other openings, spiders are one step away from entering your home. To prevent spiders from coming indoors, seal any gaps you can see, especially around windows and doors. Good screening not only prevents spiders from entering your home but also keeps out the insects they prey on.
Seek Professional Spider Control Help
The presence of spider webs, spider egg sacs, and spiders themselves are all common signs that your home has been infested. Having spiders around your house isn’t entirely bad. However, they become a nuisance when they’re multiplying and inviting more insects into your home. Even if you get rid of spiders and cobwebs now, note that spiders are the kind of pests that keep returning if you don’t treat your home properly.
The best way to ensure complete spider protection is by reaching out to spider experts from Pro Pacific Pest Control. We will help you eliminate your spider problem for good with our spider control treatments.
To learn how our Spider Control and Treatment Service can help keep your home safe, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Papers
Something’s a bit…. “Buggy” about Ikea
Ikea Making Burgers, Hot Dogs, Meatballs With Bugs Inside
(via Business Insider)
Ikea is known across the globe for its furniture offerings, but many may not know that every location also has its own full-service restaurant.
Among the dishes served there, the Swedish meatball is probably the most famous.
Space10, Ikea’s external future-living lab in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been reinventing Ikea’s iconic meatball.
The company already took a huge step towards creating sustainable fast food when it made the meatballs vegan in 2015, and it’s continuing to experiment with new ideas. There are two versions of the “Neatball”: one made from root vegetables, and the other made from mealworms.
Though the company told Business Insider that there are no current plans to put the new dishes on Ikea’s menu, the ideas is to “Come up with dishes that look good, taste good – and are good for people and planet.”
