Spider Extermination Services - Comprehensive Control & Removal

 What Are Spiders; History & Interesting Facts

When it comes to understanding spiders, knowing more about them can help alleviate some of the discomfort and paranoia you may feel. Spiders are surprisingly fascinating creatures with a long history and unique characteristics. At Pestex, we believe that knowledge is power, and understanding these eight-legged critters can make it easier to manage and control them in your home, allowing you to remain calm while making the right decision.

Understanding Spiders

Spiders belong to the class Arachnida, a group of arthropods distinct from insects. Here’s a breakdown of their basic characteristics and history:

• Anatomy: Unlike insects, spiders have eight legs and two main body segments: the cephalothorax (head and thorax fused together) and the abdomen. Their bodies are covered with a hard exoskeleton, which provides protection. Most spiders in Ontario have 8 eyes, but in some (very rare cases) like the brown recluse, they have 6 eyes!
• Diet: Most spiders are predators, feeding on insects and other small creatures. Their web-spinning abilities help them trap their prey, and build a self-sufficient habitat almost anywhere, although some species, like jumping spiders, actively hunt their prey rather than waiting for the prey to fall into their trap.
• Reproduction: Spiders lay eggs in sacs that they often guard or hide. Depending on the species, spiderlings may disperse through a process called ballooning, where they float through the air on silk threads.

A Brief History of Spiders

• Ancient Origins: Spiders have been around for over 400 million years, with fossils showing that they’ve changed very little over time. Their ancient lineage makes them one of the oldest surviving groups of land animals, and shows how resilient they are.
• Cultural Impact: Throughout history, spiders have appeared in various myths and folklore. In many cultures, they symbolize patience, creativity, and cunning. For example, in some Native American traditions, the spider is a symbol of wisdom and storytelling. 

Interesting Facts About Spiders

• Silk Production: Spiders produce silk from specialized glands called spinnerets. The most obvious use of silk is for building webs, but they also use sil for creating egg sacs, and even traveling long distances.
• Diverse Species: There are over 45,000 known species of spiders in the world, ranging from harmless house spiders to more dangerous ones like the Brown Recluse. Their diverse adaptations help them thrive in various environments.
• Venom: While many spiders have venom, only a few species in Ontario have venom potent enough to harm humans. Most spider bites are harmless and only cause mild irritation, and the only known venomous spider found in Ontario is the Black Widow, which has a bite that is painful, and (contrary to popular belief) is only fatal in rare instances which depend on the victim of the bite. The Brown Recluse spider is extremely rare in Ontario, although there have been sightings of it, and Pestex has dealt with them in the past. If you do find a Black Widow or Brown Recluse infestation in your home, contact a trusted exterminator like Pestex immediately to ensure the infestation is handled safely and effectively.