Spiders come in all shapes and sizes, but they share some key traits that make them easy to identify. All spiders have eight legs—four pairs that are typically long and slender. Unlike insects, which have three body segments, spiders are arachnids with two main parts: the cephalothorax (the front section that houses the eyes, mouth, and fangs) and the abdomen (the round back part where vital organs and silk-spinning equipment reside). In Canada, most spiders measure between 3 to 8 mm, with males usually smaller than females.

Spider Troubles: What You Need to Know

While spider bites are rare, they can happen—often when someone unknowingly puts on clothing or shoes with a spider inside. The black widow is the only potentially dangerous spider in Canada, but bites are seldom fatal. Symptoms can include muscle cramps, sweating, and headaches, and if untreated, bite sites may become infected. Beyond physical risks, spiders can trigger anxiety for those with arachnophobia and can make your home look less inviting with their webs.

Why Are Spiders in My Home?

Common Canadian spiders include wolf spiders, cellar spiders, and jumping spiders. They thrive in dark, damp places, often sneaking into homes through cracks and crevices. Once inside, they prefer basements, garages, and corners where they can spin webs and hunt for insects. Most spiders live for about a year, but some can last up to 15 years!

Should You Be Concerned?

While spider bites are uncommon, they can cause distress and mess in your home. If you’re frequently spotting spiders, it might be time to take action.

Preventing Spider Invasions

To keep spiders at bay, seal up any gaps around windows and doors, and keep your home clean to eliminate their food sources. Regularly removing webs and using dehumidifiers can make your space less appealing to these eight-legged intruders. If you find an overwhelming number of spiders, it may be time to call in a pest control expert to tackle the issue.

Don’t let spiders take over your space—take action today!

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