Clark Exterminating Blog

Moisture, fungus and rot... or not? How would you feel if we told you that fungus could be lurking right under your feet? If left untreated, this could cause significant damage in the crawl space areas of your home. The good news? There's a simple solution to prevent a slew of problems!

You may find we're a little old school when it comes to solving these problems...but it works. A vapor barrier is the first and most inexpensive solution. Installing a vapor barrier typically costs around $500 for an average-sized home. If active fungus is found, removal of any batt fiberglass insulation is necessary. Once insulation is removed, all wood within the crawl space should be treated with a fungicide. Then, it's time to install the vapor barrier. This will kill the fungus and make it inhospitable to grow back.

Insulation is “Not Necessarily Necessary”

Halloween is right around the corner, and while webs make great decorations, you probably don’t want to see real ones sticking around your house. We’ve all seen a spider web at some point in our lives — probably several. But did you know that there are different types of webs, each with its own unique functions? Here are a few common webs you should look out for around your living space!

Black Widow Web (Cobweb)

Black Widow spiders typically spin sticky, tangled cobwebs in various areas of the house and garage to catch prey. These webs may appear rather disorderly, and they’re typically near the ground. You may find them in a shed, in the attic, in the garage or in storage rooms that people rarely enter. Cobwebs often collect dirt and debris, and you may find yourself sweeping them out of corners or crawl spaces. While black widows spin this type of web, other harmless spiders such as the house spider create cobwebs as well. 

Brown Recluse Web (Tent Web)

Brown recluse webs are often dome-shaped, loosely constructed and off-white or grayish in color. These webs aren’t used to catch prey like most other webs, but to serve as a home base for the spiders. The brown recluse will lay eggs, protect its young and hide out in its web, but will hunt for prey outside of it. These webs are often found in dark, dry areas that are out of sight such as ductwork, attics, boxes and basements. Be careful not to run your hand through one — brown recluse bites are no joke!

Other Webs

Other common webs include funnel webs, mesh webs, orb webs and sheet webs. Webs can be found all over the place, from tree branches in your yard to the corners of your bedroom. The rule of thumb is to never put your hand in a web to clear it away. Always use a broom, long stick or vacuum cleaner hose. If you suspect there are venomous spiders in your home, it’s important to call a professional pest control company to safely remove them as soon as possible. 

Are spiders making you uncomfortable in your own home? Contact us today ​to set up a professional evaluation and take back your living space! 

Brown recluse spiders are among the most feared and most dangerous pests you can find in your home. Often hidden in dark, warm and dry environments, catching sight of one can be both startling and anxiety-inducing! How do you identify these creepy creatures, can you prevent them from getting cozy inside your home, and what should you do if you come across one? 

Identifying the Brown Recluse 

Brown recluse spiders are most often identified by the dark brown violin shaped lines on their backs. Their name says it all — they are very reclusive, mainly only seen when they are out stalking prey. Other common nicknames are fiddleback or violin spider. They are tan to dark brown in color, and their color is uniform all over (instead of banded, striped or spotted) their bodies with no visible hairiness. Brown recluse spiders also have smooth legs without bulging or swollen leg joints, and they stand and move like hunters. Unlike the majority of spiders, the brown recluse has six eyes instead of eight, and they’re arranged in a semicircle in three sets of two. Although many spider species share some of these characteristics, only the brown recluse spider has them all. As far as webs go, the brown recluse spider will spin a tent web to protect themselves and their young — not to catch prey — and they’re usually pretty dusty. Most people mistake their webs for cobwebs, and if you run your hand through one, you risk getting bitten! 

Prevention 

You can help prevent brown recluse spiders from entering your home in a variety of ways. Check your home for cracks or holes in the foundation, doors or windows. Store firewood and boxes away from your home instead of near entryways or in the garage. Brown recluse spiders normally aren’t aggressive, and will usually only bite people when they are in hiding. Shaking out clothing that hasn’t been worn in a while, such as your hunting clothes, is a good idea. Pick up shoes, clothes and gloves and properly store them when they aren’t in use. Don’t leave shoes outside or in the garage if they’re dirty; bring them in and clean them immediately. Always shake your shoes before placing them on your bare feet just in case. 

Getting Rid of Spiders

If you see a brown recluse spider in your home or garage, the safest thing you can do is call a reputable pest control company to handle the problem. Brown recluse spider bites can range from mild to severe, sometimes resulting in necrotic skin lesions. In rare cases, especially when a child or elderly person is bitten, the venom can cause major complications. The professionals at Clark Exterminating will safely eliminate the spiders from your living space, and ensure that your family is safe again. 

Remember at Clark Exterminating “The Bug Stops Here!”

Little Rock: 501-228-0322 

North Little Rock: 501-758-0322 

Conway: 501-329-0396 

Benton: 501-776-1388 

Bryant: 501-847-1388 

Jacksonville/Cabot: 501-843-1322 

Hot Springs: 501-623-2335 

To many, seeing a cockroach scurry across the kitchen counter or pop out from behind a sponge is nightmare fuel. German cockroaches are common indoor pests that can enter your home from outside, a nearby building or in boxes and bags brought into the house.  They’re found all over the United States, and can easily contaminate food and spread bacteria throughout the areas your loved ones frequent. The good news? You can help prevent them! Read on to learn how.

Clean Up Regularly

German cockroaches are attracted to dirty dishes, food that has been left out, and garbage. It’s important to clean up after a meal and not leave food or crumbs laying around. It’s also important to rinse dishes before placing them in the sink. Wipe down your counters each night, and sweep up any food crumbs that land on the floor as soon as possible. If you have one, use your garbage disposal to discard food instead of throwing it away. You should also take your garbage out each night, and store it away from entryways.

Make Repairs

It’s important to repair leaky pipes in the kitchen or bathroom as soon as possible, as moisture draws cockroaches in. You don’t want to find a group of these under your sink! Seal off cracks in your sinks or bathtubs, and soak up standing water after a shower instead of leaving it on the floor to dry. Hang damp towels instead of leaving them on the floor as well.

Check Bags & Luggage

Cockroaches can take a ride in your luggage or boxes, so it’s important to check both before bringing them inside your home. If you pick up boxes from storage or another person’s house, look inside before you bring it with you. After a trip, check your suitcases and bags. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

If you see cockroaches in your home, it’s important to get help from a professional right away. German cockroaches can lay several eggs at once, and it doesn’t take long for them to mature. Infestations can happen quickly if you aren’t careful!