A Business Manager’s Guide to Cobwebs
As a business manager, it can be challenging to keep your workplace clean and presentable at all times, especially when dealing with pest problems such as spider webs and spiders. If you’re looking to get rid of spiders in your office or commercial property, there are a few ways to do so.
Why Do Cobwebs Build Up Indoors?
Aside from being unsightly, the presence of cobwebs suggests a spider infestation, which can be a safety concern for your business or lead to negative reviews for restaurants and retail stores. Spiders build webs to catch prey, but they will abandon them once they start to fall apart. Cobwebs tend to accumulate in corners near the ceiling, which can be difficult to reach in many commercial buildings. They are often visible to customers, especially when they float lazily in the air when the air conditioning or heating is on. Cobwebs take a long time to deteriorate naturally, so it’s important to deal with them to present a cleaner image to the public.
Are spiders a threat to humans?
Many people are afraid of spiders, but generally, spiders pose little danger. While giant house spiders can startle you with their size and appearance, their bites are typically not painful and do not cause harm. Most spiders found in your business are not hazardous to humans.
Nonetheless, there are a few venomous spider species in North America that can be harmful to you or your employees:
Brown Recluse – This spider is among the most lethal in the country. Its bite can destroy flesh and cause death if not treated immediately. The brown recluse spider is mainly found in dark places and reproduces quickly. It is characterized by a dark “violin” shape on its back.
Black Widow – This spider is one of the most recognizable venomous species in the United States. It is a large black spider with a reddish hourglass shape on its abdomen. Although its bite can cause severe muscle pain and cramping, it rarely results in death. Black widow spiders primarily inhabit the southern, western, and northern parts of the country.
Hobo Spider – This spider lives in the Pacific Northwest and builds funnel webs outdoors. It was once believed that the hobo spider’s bites caused body tissue to decay at the bite site. However, recent research has shown that the spider’s venom does not contain any tissue decaying components.
As an employer, it’s in your best interest if you spot one of these spiders in your office, contact a professional pest control company right away.
How Can You Get Rid of Spiders
To prevent bug, spider, and cobweb infestations from happening, it may be necessary to call in an exterminator to take care of it. A professional pest control service will determine what attracts spiders to your business, identify entry points, and provide solutions to keep them outside the building. This can be beneficial, especially if you’re dealing with more dangerous spiders like the black widow, which can hide in cracks and be harmful to employees or customers. It’s also important to seal any cracks or openings in your property, as this can help prevent spiders from entering in the first place.
How Can You Remove Cobwebs?
To maintain a pest-free workplace, it’s essential to periodically clean and remove any webs or insects. You can hire a commercial cleaning service like NAE Cleaning Solutions to help you get rid of dead spiders and other insects. For those with high ceilings or difficult-to-reach areas, it’s best to seek the assistance of a commercial cleaning specialist. They use commercial vacuums with attachments that can easily access hard-to-reach areas where cobwebs tend to develop. These vacuums will remove the cobwebs, as well as any spider eggs left behind. Commercial cleaners may also use citrus-based cleaning products, which spiders dislike.
Building relationships with a pest control company and commercial cleaning company is a good way to get rid of unwanted guests like spiders, wasps, ants, rodents, etc. Additionally, having conversations with your employees and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to avoid encounters with spiders can be beneficial.
If you do encounter a spider, it’s unlikely to harm you, but it can be scary. It’s always a good idea to remain calm and avoid provoking the creature, as this can cause it to bite. If you are bitten, it’s important to seek first aid immediately.
What You Can Do to Stop Spiders
Stopping a spider infestation, even with harmless species like the common house spider, can be frustrating. While spiders are beneficial creatures, they don’t belong inside. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address the problem. Here are some tips to help eliminate spiders from your business:
Reduce clutter – Since spiders like to hide, reducing clutter will eliminate their hiding spots.
Remove food sources for other pests – Spiders require food, and the need to hunt other insects in your business is an excellent source of sustenance. Dispose of food scraps and keep food properly sealed to prevent other pests, which in turn will attract fewer spiders.
Seal your building – Spiders enter buildings through openings in doors, windows, and foundations. Seal these openings to prevent access.
Avoid using outdoor lights – Spiders are drawn to flying insects, and flying insects are drawn to outdoor lights. Turn off outdoor lights to avoid attracting them.
In conclusion, while spiders can be a hazard in the workplace, there are ways to eliminate or prevent their presence. Hiring a professional pest control service, sealing cracks and openings, periodically cleaning, and building relationships with employees are all beneficial ways to avoid spider infestations and keep your property clean and safe.
