Are Spiders Really Good For Pest Control? What Shreveport Homeowners Should Know
Seeing a spider scurry across your wall or build a web in the corner can be unsettling. But before you reach for a paper towel (or shoe), you might wonder: Are spiders actually helpful? Could they be keeping other pests in check?
The short answer: Yes, spiders help by eating insects like flies and mosquitoes. But relying on spiders to control pests? That’s where things get tricky. For Shreveport and NW Louisiana homeowners, understanding the real role spiders play, and when to call in the pros, can save your home from bigger pest problems.

Common Spiders Shreveport Homeowners May Encounter
If you live in Shreveport, you’ll likely encounter a variety of spiders around your home, including, but not limited to:
- House Spiders
These are the typical web-spinners you find in quiet corners and basements. Their webs might look messy, but these spiders mostly keep to themselves and don’t often bite. - Wolf Spiders
Ground hunters, wolf spiders don’t build webs but chase down prey. Their large, hairy appearance can be intimidating, but bites are generally not serious. - Black Widows
Easily recognized by the bright red hourglass on their underside, black widows are venomous and can pose health risks if disturbed. They prefer dark, secluded areas like woodpiles or sheds. - Jumping Spiders
Small, quick, and curious, jumping spiders don’t build webs. They rarely bite and are considered harmless.
Knowing which spiders are common helps you understand which ones are harmless roommates and which deserve caution.
How Spiders Help Control Pest Populations
Spiders naturally feed on many common household pests, including:
- Flies and gnats — especially in Louisiana’s humid climate where these bugs thrive.
- Mosquitoes — a big plus considering mosquito-borne illnesses in our region.
- Ants and other small insects — depending on the spider species.
Outside, spiders play an important role in the ecosystem. They act as a natural pest control force, catching bugs before they become a bigger nuisance.
The Reality Check: Why Relying on Spiders Isn’t Enough
Even though spiders eat some insects, they are far from a complete solution for your home’s pest problems. Here’s why:
Spiders mean other pests are inside
If you’re seeing spiders, it usually means their food source—other bugs—is plentiful inside your home. That’s a bigger problem than the spider itself.
- Not all spiders are harmless
Here in Shreveport, you can run into venomous species like the black widow. Their bites have the potential to cause serious health issues, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems or other health conditions. They can also be dangerous for pets. - Spiders don’t target all pests
They won’t do anything about termites, roaches, or rodents, which are some of the most destructive and unhealthy pests for your home. - Webs and egg sacs create their own mess
Even if spiders are eating bugs, their webs can be unsightly, and egg sacs can lead to more spiders inside your home.
Why Shreveport Homeowners Need Professional Pest Control from Anti-Pest
Relying on spiders alone is like patching a leaky roof with duct tape — it might help a little, but it won’t fix the problem. That’s where Anti-Pest comes in.
Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company offers comprehensive home pest control in Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding communities. Our Pest Plan includes:
- Non-venomous spider and insect elimination
We reduce the insect populations that attract spiders, so they don’t stick around. - Targeted pest treatments
From cockroaches and ants to rodents and red wasps, we handle all the pests. - Year-round pest protection
Our ongoing pest treatments create a barrier around your home to keep pests out for good.
Our local experts know the unique challenges homeowners in our region face — the heat, humidity, and seasonal pests — and tailor our services accordingly.
Ready to Keep Your Shreveport Home Pest-Free?
Spiders might catch a few bugs, but they shouldn’t be your pest control strategy. For a home that’s truly free of pests — spiders included — rely on the trusted professionals at Anti-Pest.
Call us today to get in touch using our online form and take the first step toward a pest-free home!

Pests covered under Anti-Pest’s Pest Plan: Argentine ants, carpenter ants, Pharaoh ants, rover ants, fire ants, German cockroaches, American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches, smokey brown roaches, ground beetles, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, non-venomous spiders, earwigs, sow bugs, pill bugs, crickets, earwigs, mice, red wasps, Norway rats, and roof rats.
Pest Plan
General Pest Control
For Northwest Louisiana homeowners looking for year-round pest control for common house-infesting pests, our Pest Plan is a great option! Service includes an initial inspection and service to take care of the existing pest problem and then ongoing services that keep insects and rodents away!
- Ongoing pest protection
- Service every other month
- Covers 20+ common pests
- Exterior pest treatments
- Interior pest treatments, if necessary
- Fire ant control within 50ft of the structure
- Spider web removal
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*Initial Service starts at $120. After Initial Service, subscriptions start at $40/month. Other terms and conditions may apply.
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