Categories Flooring, Painting

The Truth About Spiders: Which Ones Are Dangerous & How to Manage Them

Spiders often get a bad reputation, but most species are harmless—and even beneficial—by controlling other pests like flies and mosquitoes. However, a few spiders can pose real dangers to humans. At Redi Pest Control LLC, we believe in separating fact from fear. In this guide, we’ll cover which spiders are truly dangerous, how to identify them, and the best ways to manage and prevent infestations in your home.

Dangerous Spiders in the U.S.

While most spiders are harmless, these two species have venom that can cause serious reactions:

  1. Black Widow
  • Appearance: Shiny black with a red hourglass marking on the abdomen.
  • Habitat: Dark, undisturbed areas like woodpiles, basements, and sheds.
  • Bite Symptoms: Sharp pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and sweating (seek medical attention if bitten).
  1. Brown Recluse
  • Appearance: Light to dark brown with a violin-shaped marking near the head.
  • Habitat: Closets, attics, and behind furniture.
  • Bite Symptoms: A painful sore that turns into a necrotic ulcer (requires medical treatment).

Note: Most “spider bites” are actually infections or bites from other insects. True spider bites are rare.

Harmless (But Scary-Looking) Spiders

Many large or fast-moving spiders are not dangerous to humans, including:

  • Wolf Spiders (hairy, fast runners—often mistaken for tarantulas).
  • Orb Weavers (large, colorful garden spiders with intricate webs).
  • Cellar Spiders (long-legged “daddy longlegs”—often found in basements).

These spiders help control pests and should be left alone or relocated.

How to Prevent Spider Infestations

  1. Seal Entry Points
  • Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
  • Install door sweeps and repair torn window screens.
  1. Reduce Hiding Spots
  • Declutter basements, garages, and attics.
  • Store firewood away from your home’s exterior.
  • Keep vegetation trimmed back from the house.
  1. Eliminate Their Food Source
  • Control other pests (like ants and flies) that attract spiders.
  • Use sticky traps to monitor insect activity.
  1. Natural Deterrents
  • Essential oils (peppermint, tea tree, or citrus) can repel spiders.
  • Regularly dust and vacuum to remove webs and egg sacs.

When to Call a Professional

While most spiders are harmless, an overpopulation or the presence of dangerous species may require expert help. At Redi Pest Control LLC, we offer:

  • Thorough inspections to identify problem areas.
  • Targeted treatments to remove spiders and their prey.
  • Preventative solutions to keep them from returning.

What to Do If You Find a Dangerous Spider

  1. Don’t panic—most spiders flee rather than bite.
  2. Avoid handling it—use a jar and cardboard to trap and release it outside.
  3. If bitten, clean the area and seek medical attention if severe symptoms appear.

Keep your home spider-free the right way. Spiders play a role in nature, but you don’t have to live with them indoors. If you’re dealing with an infestation or dangerous species, Redi Pest Control LLC is here to help.

Categories Industrial

Bed Bugs 101: Identification, Prevention, and Elimination

Few pests are as dreaded as bed bugs. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can turn your peaceful home into a nightmare, causing itchy bites, sleepless nights, and stress. At Redi Pest Control LLC, we understand how unsettling a bed bug infestation can be—and more importantly, how to eliminate it. In this guide, we’ll cover how to identify, prevent, and eliminate bed bugs for good.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

  1. Physical Appearance
  • Size & Shape: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (4–5 mm), flat, and oval-shaped.
  • Color: Reddish-brown (darkening after feeding).
  • Nymphs: Smaller, translucent, or pale yellow.
  1. Signs of Infestation
  • Bite Marks: Small, red, itchy welts in clusters or lines (often on arms, legs, or neck).
  • Blood Stains: Tiny rust-colored spots on sheets from crushed bugs.
  • Dark Spots: Fecal droppings (like black ink dots) on mattresses, furniture, or walls.
  • Musty Odor: A sweet, unpleasant smell in heavy infestations.
  • Shed Skins: Translucent exoskeletons near hiding spots.
  1. Common Hiding Places
  • Mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames
  • Cracks in furniture, baseboards, and walls
  • Behind electrical outlets and picture frames
  • Luggage, clothing, and upholstered furniture

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

  1. While Traveling
  • Inspect hotel rooms before unpacking—check mattresses, headboards, and furniture.
  • Keep luggage off the floor (use a luggage rack or bathroom tub).
  • Wash clothes in hot water immediately after returning home.
  1. At Home
  • Encase mattresses and pillows in bed bug-proof covers.
  • Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots.
  • Regularly vacuum carpets, furniture, and baseboards.
  • Be cautious with secondhand furniture—inspect thoroughly before bringing it inside.
  1. Early Detection
  • Use bed bug interceptors under bed legs to catch them early.
  • Monitor for signs weekly, especially after travel or hosting guests.

How to Eliminate Bed Bugs

  1. DIY Methods (Limited Effectiveness)
  • Heat Treatment: Wash bedding and clothing in hot water (120°F+) and dry on high heat.
  • Vacuuming: Helps reduce numbers but won’t kill eggs.
  • Steam Cleaning: Kills bugs on contact but must reach deep into cracks.

Warning: DIY sprays often scatter bed bugs, making infestations worse.

  1. Professional Bed Bug Treatment

At Redi Pest Control LLC, we use proven methods to eradicate bed bugs completely:

  • Chemical Treatments: Targeted, EPA-approved insecticides for deep infestations.
  • Heat Treatments: Raising room temps to 120–135°F to kill all life stages.
  • Follow-Up Inspections: Ensuring no bugs survive or return.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs

  1. Don’t panic—but act fast. Bed bugs multiply quickly.
  2. Avoid moving infested items (spreads the problem).
  3. Call a professional for an immediate inspection and treatment plan.

Don’t Let Bed Bugs Take Over Your Home

Early action is key to stopping an infestation before it grows. If you suspect bed bugs, contact Redi Pest Control LLC today for a fast, effective solution.

 

Categories Carpentry, Home Maintenance

Top 5 Signs You Have a Termite Infestation (And What to Do Next)

Termites are silent destroyers, causing billions of dollars in property damage each year—often before homeowners even realize there’s a problem. At Redi Pest Control LLC, we know how critical early detection is in preventing costly repairs. If you suspect termites are invading your home, here are the top 5 signs to look for—and the steps you should take next.

  1. Hollow-Sounding or Damaged Wood

Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin outer layer while hollowing out the interior. If you knock on wood (like baseboards, door frames, or window sills) and it sounds hollow or feels brittle, termites may be at work.

What to do:

  • Tap suspected wood with a screwdriver—if it crumbles easily, you likely have an infestation.
  • Schedule a professional termite inspection immediately to assess the damage.
  1. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations

Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes to travel between their nest and food sources (your home’s wood). These tubes are often found along foundations, crawl spaces, or exterior walls.

What to do:

  • Don’t disturb the tubes—this can cause termites to retreat and make treatment harder.
  • Call a pest control expert to inspect and eliminate the colony.
  1. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors

During swarming season (usually spring), reproductive termites shed their wings after finding a new nesting site. If you find small, translucent wings near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures, it’s a strong sign of termite activity.

What to do:

  • Vacuum up the wings but save a sample for pest identification.
  • Contact a professional to determine if an active colony is nearby.
  1. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termites push out their excrement, called frass, which resembles tiny wood-colored pellets or coffee grounds. You may find these near baseboards, attics, or wooden furniture.

What to do:

  • Avoid cleaning frass immediately—it helps identify infestation points.
  • Get a termite inspection to locate the nest and prevent further damage.
  1. Stuck Doors or Warped Windows

Termites produce moisture as they eat, which can warp wood over time. If doors or windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, termites (or water damage) may be the culprit.

What to do:

  • Check for other signs (mud tubes, frass, hollow wood).
  • Don’t ignore it—structural damage worsens over time.

What to Do If You Suspect Termites

  1. Don’t panic—but act fast. Termites won’t go away on their own.
  2. Avoid DIY treatments. Store-bought sprays rarely reach hidden colonies.
  3. Call a professional. At Redi Pest Control LLC, we provide thorough inspections and effective treatments to eliminate termites and protect your home.

Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late

Early detection saves money and stress. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, contact Redi Pest Control LLC today for a free inspection and peace of mind.