What we deal with
The big hairy one that sends people running in late summer is usually a rain spider (Palystes), which looks fearsome but is reluctant to bite and best left alone or moved outside. Sac spiders (Cheiracanthium) are the small pale ones you find in folded curtains and behind picture frames, and they are behind many of the night-time bites people blame on other things. Violin spiders (Loxosceles) are shy, brownish and like undisturbed cupboards, garages and storerooms, and their bite can cause a slow-healing wound, so they are worth taking seriously. Button spiders (Latrodectus), both the black and the brown species, turn up under garden furniture, in meter boxes and around pool pumps on Cape Town properties. Daddy longlegs, baboon spiders in rural Boland plots and a range of orb weavers make up most of the rest.
Signs to look for
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: The vast majority of local spiders pose no real threat to people, and they do a decent job of keeping insect numbers down. Violin and sac spider bites can cause tissue damage that needs medical attention, and button spider venom is neurotoxic, so a bite from one should always be seen by a doctor. In businesses such as guest houses, clinics and food premises, visible webs and spiders lead to complaints and can count against you on a hygiene inspection.
How we treat it
We start by identifying the species, because a rain spider on the wall and a nest of button spiders by the jungle gym call for very different responses. Webs and egg sacs are removed by hand or vacuum first, which takes out a surprising amount of the next generation. We then apply a residual spray or a fine insecticide dust into the places spiders actually live: roof voids, behind fitted units, wall cavities, garages, eaves and window reveals, keeping it away from where children and pets play. Where insects are drawing the spiders in, we treat or advise on that food source too, because spiders follow their prey. Finally we point out gaps around doors, vents and pipes that need sealing.
- Identify the spider
We look at the webs, the egg sacs and ideally the spider itself, or you can send us a WhatsApp photo beforehand.
- Find where they live
We check the roof space, garage, outbuildings, garden furniture and dark storage areas where spiders hide during the day.
- Remove webs and egg sacs
Physical removal comes first so the treatment is not just sitting on old silk.
- Targeted treatment
Residual spray and dust go into cracks, voids and eaves rather than across open floors.
- Deal with the food supply
We point out lighting, moisture and insect problems that are feeding the spiders and treat those where needed.
- Report and advice
You get a short report on what we found, where we treated and what to seal or change.
Things most people don't know
Daddy longlegs are often said to be the most venomous spider in the world with fangs too weak to bite. It is a myth. They are harmless to people and actually prey on other spiders, so a few in the corners of the house are not worth losing sleep over.
The first thing a technician checks is not the spider but what it is eating. Bright security lights, damp areas with lots of small insects, or an ant trail along the wall will keep drawing spiders in no matter how often you spray.
People often kill rain spiders on sight, but they rarely bite and they eat cockroaches. If one wanders in, a container and a piece of cardboard will get it outside without any fuss.
When it peaks in Cape Town
Spider activity climbs from late spring and peaks in the hot, dry months from January to March, which is exactly when rain spiders come indoors and people start to notice them. Button spiders are most visible in summer around gardens and pools. In the wet winter months many spiders retreat into roof spaces and garages, so a treatment then catches them where they shelter.
DIY or call a professional?
Honestly, a broom, a vacuum and better outdoor lighting solve a lot of spider complaints without any chemical at all. Supermarket aerosols kill the spider you spray but do little for the ones in the roof void or wall cavity. If you suspect violin or button spiders, or you are seeing bites, get it looked at properly rather than guessing.
What affects the price
The cost depends mainly on the size of the property and how many outbuildings, garages and roof spaces need treatment. A house with a heavy insect problem feeding the spiders takes more work than one with a few webs in the corners. We give a free quote after a quick look or a WhatsApp photo, and contract clients get spiders covered as part of their routine visits.
Preventing it coming back
- Swap white outdoor bulbs for warm yellow or LED ones so fewer insects gather, which means fewer spiders setting up around your doors.
- Shake out shoes, gardening gloves and clothes that have been left on the floor or in the garage before you put them on.
- Keep stacked wood, bricks and old pots away from the house walls, because these are prime spots for button spiders.
- Brush down webs regularly and vacuum the corners and the backs of cupboards, which gets rid of egg sacs before they hatch.
- Fit fine mesh to vents and seal the gaps around pipes and under doors with sealant or brush strips.
- Pull beds slightly away from the wall and keep bedding off the floor to reduce night-time bites from sac spiders.
Frequently asked questions
Is the rain spider in my house dangerous?
Not really. Rain spiders are big and fast but rarely bite, and the bite is painful rather than dangerous; the kindest option is to catch it under a container and put it outside.
How do I know if I have violin spiders?
They are light brown with long legs and a darker violin-shaped mark on the front of the body, and they hide in undisturbed storerooms, cupboards and garages. Send us a clear photo on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it is.
Will the treatment harm my pets?
We treat cracks, voids and roof spaces rather than open floors, and we ask that pets are kept out until surfaces are dry. We will explain any specific precautions on the day.
How long does a spider treatment last?
A residual treatment keeps working for a good while, and our treatments carry a minimum 3-month guarantee. New spiders can still wander in from the garden, which is why sealing gaps and fixing outdoor lighting matters.
Why do I have so many spiders this year?
Usually because there is more for them to eat. A warm spell, a lot of outdoor lighting or an underlying insect problem will bring spiders in behind it.
What should I do if someone is bitten?
Clean the bite, keep the spider if you can safely do so for identification, and see a doctor, especially for a suspected button or violin spider bite. Do not rely on a pest controller for medical advice.
Spider Control by area
We cover all of these suburbs from our base in Brackenfell. Pick yours for local advice.
