Spiders belong to a group known as "arachnids." They're more closely related to scorpions, ticks and mites than insects. Distinguishing spiders from insects starts with understanding their differences.
Spiders have two distinct body segments: a head-and-thorax segment, known as a "cephalothorax," and an abdomen. Insects have three segments: the head, thorax and abdomen. Spiders have eight legs, six to eight eyes and no antennae, but insects have six legs, two eyes and two antennae. Another key difference is that spiders have fangs instead of insect-like jaws.
Adult spiders may be as small as a poppyseed or measure several inches across. Their colors and markings vary as well. Some common spiders include the following:
In most spider species, males are smaller and less colorful. Baby spiders hatch from egg sacs in large numbers and look like small versions of adults.
Spiders feed on insects, not plants. They're typically found in garden debris or dark, moist spaces where insects congregate. Seeing spiders in your home may signal a bigger insect problem that drew spiders in from the outside.
Some spiders weave webs to catch their prey, but others hunt their food instead. Signs of indoor infestations include simple cobwebs or intricate webs, and egg sacs filled with new spider generations waiting to hatch.
Effective spider control targets spiders before they find their way inside — and controls the insect pests that draw them there. Amdro® brand has several products that kill spiders and other insect pests and provide residual protection:
Spiders can't get inside unless they have a way in. It takes less than 1/16 inch hole for common spiders to squeeze through. Seal any openings in your home's foundation, and keep your property free of yard and garden debris that attracts insect pests.
* Except fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully.
Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.
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