SPIDERS
Heavy rains may force
some ground nesting spiders to "high ground", which may bring them onto
the foundation and siding as well as indoors. Debris that remains
on the ground for an extended time may attract insects and other small
arthropods that are suitable prey for spiders. You may also
run into spider
webs strung across gaps in vegetation. Although many spiders can
bite, the majority of them are harmless and their venom has little,
if any, effect on people other than those individuals who are hypersensitive. However, it's always a good idea to be cautious and wear work gloves when cleaning up debris outdoors or moving items that have been stored undisturbed for long periods of time..
Black widow spiders are found in many areas of North Carolina, but actual encounters with people are relatively rare. Recluse spiders have been found in *some* areas of the state but they are still considered to be rare. Mechanical control (vacuuming corners and under/behind furniture, swatting the spider with a rolled-up magazine or newspaper, or stepping on them, etc.) should be more than adequate for the random spider that shows up indoors. Applying pesticides indoors for spiders probably isn't necessary and probably is not a good idea during cleanup (you may be removing the very chemical you've just applied) If you prefer to use a pesticide, any common household insecticide will work. Some suggested pesticides can be found in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual. You can reduce the likelihood of an accidental spider bite by wearing gloves whenever handling debris or articles that have been undisturbed for some time either indoors and outdoors. Click here for more information on spiders.
Black widow spider picture by J.R. Baker, NCSU-Entomology