How Can a Pest Control Company in Knoxville Help Curb Spiders in Your Home?

Jun 03, 2025

Spiders are a common sight in Knoxville homes, and while most are harmless and even helpful in controlling other pests, a few species can pose a real threat. Understanding which spiders to watch out for — and what to do if you find them — is key to keeping your home safe and comfortable. In this post, we’ll highlight the two venomous spiders you should be concerned about, identify some of the more common (but harmless) species, and share practical tips for prevention and professional help.

Which Spiders Should Knoxville Homeowners Be Concerned About?

Thankfully, in Tennessee, the vast majority of spiders are harmless. However, two venomous spiders that can be found in the state are cause for concern if you spot them in your home. If you spot either of these spiders, it is wise to capture it if you can do so safely. You may also want to contact a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, to remove webs and nests and treat your home with the appropriate pesticides. The two spiders you need to be vigilant for are:

  • Black Widow - The black widow is characterized by a shiny black body and has a distinctive red or orange marking on the underside of the abdomen in the shape of an hourglass. They are most likely found in dark areas of your home that are rarely disturbed, including woodpiles, crawl spaces, and garages. If a black widow bites you, you can expect immediate sharp pain in the area, followed by muscle cramps, nausea, and sweating. Black widow bites are rarely fatal to humans, but they can still be fairly serious, especially in children, so you will need to seek immediate medical attention.
  • Brown Recluse - While not as infamous as the black widow, the brown recluse spider is also one you must be wary of if you find it in your home. It has a tan to dark brown body with a violin-shaped mark on its back. It is distinct in that it only has six eyes, instead of the usual 8, and these are arranged in pairs. The brown recluse will likely make its home in closets, attics, basements, and behind furniture. While the bite is usually painless in the early stages, it will blister over time and can develop into a necrotic wound. Fever, chills, and other more severe reactions may follow, but this varies from person to person.

Other Spiders Found in Knoxville

As previously noted, most of the spiders found in Knoxville are considered harmless, and many can help control the population of insects. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you want them setting up home in your space! When you have routine pest treatment from a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, they usually include knocking down webs and removing nests to minimize the spider population in your property. Some of the most common harmless spiders found in Tennessee include:

  • Wolf Spiders
  • Jumping Spiders
  • Orb Weavers
  • Cellar Spiders

Spider Prevention Tips

As with most pests, there are some steps you can take on your own to help prevent a spider infestation. Check out these tips from a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, that can help reduce the number of spiders calling your place home!

  • If you have shoes or clothing that have been stored for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to shake them out to dislodge any hidden arachnids! The same goes for your bedding!
  • Like most pests, spiders need an entry point to enter your home, so sealing up any cracks in windows, doors, and foundations can be helpful.
  • Spiders don’t like hanging out in the open; they need a hiding place. If you clean out storage areas regularly and keep them free from clutter, there will be fewer places for spiders to set up home.
  • Woodpiles and sheds are hotspots for spiders, so when working in these areas, you may want to wear gloves just in case one of the venomous spiders lurks there.

How Can a Pest Control Company in Knoxville, TN, Help With Spiders?

If you are struggling with a spider infestation in your home, there are several ways in which a pest control company in Knoxville, TN, can help. It starts with an inspection and identification of the spiders and other pests that you may be dealing with. A technician will inspect your property inside and out, paying particular attention to common entry points and breeding grounds. If venomous spiders are identified, special handling will be required for safety. Once they have established what they are dealing with, your pest control company in Knoxville will begin treatment. There are a number of different treatment options that can effectively control spiders, and they will choose the one that best suits your individual circumstances. They will also sweep away any existing webs to reduce the spider population and discourage their return. Once the initial problem has been dealt with, you will want to discuss an ongoing maintenance program with your pest control company in Knoxville to minimize the risk of reinfestation.

While most spiders in Knoxville are nothing to worry about, the presence of venomous species like the black widow and brown recluse makes vigilance important. By learning to recognize these spiders and taking steps to reduce their presence, you can help protect your home and family. If you’re dealing with spiders or want to keep them at bay proactively, a trusted pest control company in Knoxville, TN, can provide expert treatment and ongoing support to ensure peace of mind.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.

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