Although spiders don’t destroy structures, create allergens or transmit diseases like other pests, homeowners still want them controlled – which is where a pest management professional comes in. In most cases, an integrated pest management (IPM) approach works best to achieve effective indoor and outdoor spider control. Implementing an IPM program involves three key steps, outlined below.
Although spiders don’t destroy structures, create allergens or transmit diseases like other pests, homeowners still want them controlled – which is where a pest management professional comes in. In most cases, an integrated pest management (IPM) approach works best to achieve effective indoor and outdoor spider control. Implementing an IPM program involves three key steps, outlined below.
Inspect and exclude
Before treating a customer’s property for spiders, assess the environment to determine how conducive it is to spiders first. Then it will be possible to determine what treatments are appropriate. The pest manager should first inspect for spider webs in corners near ceilings, around windows and doors, behind furniture and other furnishings adjacent to walls. Then use a vacuum to remove webs and spiders from their harborages, and seal and dispose of vacuum bags immediately. Cracks and crevices should be sealed and weather stripping added around doors to prevent spiders from entering structures. Fly screens on doors and windows should be checked and repaired if necessary and any debris cleared away from around the structure.
Consider webs before applying treatments
Many water-based insecticides do not adhere to spider webs, so spraying webs will rarely result in long-term control. Apply an insecticide to areas where webs have been removed, as spiders are likely to return to these areas to reconstruct their webs. In areas where webs are not present, apply sprays to spider harborage areas around doors and windows, as well as in cracks and crevices.
Protect customers with confidence
Demand Insecticide is highly effective at reducing spider populations. Its iCAP technology formulation features small microcaps that release the active ingredient, lambda-cyhalothrin, quickly for immediate control. These microcaps can become lodged in a spider’s tarsal claws or the tufts of hairs between its claws, as well as on other hair follicles on a spider’s legs. Larger microcaps then release the active slowly, giving residual, long-lasting control of spiders and other indoor and outdoor pests.
Although most spiders are more of an annoyance than a danger, customers want these pests eliminated from their properties. By implementing a thorough IPM program, pest managers can enable their customers to live comfortably, without disruption.
Dale Hudson, Business Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management
