Featured
The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
Call Us
Licensed Technician
Lots of homeowners ask “is a spider a bug” when they spot webs around their home. In everyday talk, we call all creepy-crawlies “bugs.” As a licensed pest control technician since 2015, I’ve helped many people sort out this mix-up.
Many people lump spiders, ants, and roaches together as “bugs.” Basically, anything that crawls raises alarm. Especially in wooded, moist areas like Mt. Vernon, spiders build webs fast in eaves and crawl spaces.
In entomology, a bug is a specific insect in the order true bugs (Hemiptera). They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and often a distinctive wing layout. Examples include stink bugs, bed bugs, and boxelder bugs.
Spiders belong to Class Arachnida, while insects sit in Class Insecta. These groups split over 500 million years ago. Today, they play very different roles in yards and homes.
Spiders and insects look similar at first glance. But key features set them apart:
Here’s a quick look at how spiders and insects fit in nature’s tree:
This shows spiders and insects are distant cousins, not close relatives.
Way back, “bug” became a catch-all for small critters. Media and marketing kept that trend alive. So when someone asks “is a spider a bug,” they usually mean any six- or eight-legged pest.
In the DMV area, spider numbers peak in late summer and fall. According to common Maryland spiders, orb-weavers, wolf spiders, and house spiders thrive in moist, wooded yards. They love eaves and porch corners.
When folks ask if spider control comes with bug services, I explain our two-pronged approach. First, we remove webs with a tool called a webster. Then, we treat the foundation perimeter with a non-repellent product. All the products we use are EPA approved having passed through our internal research team. Each product is one we would feel comfortable using in our own homes. Our licensed technicians handle spiders differently than insects.
Insect sprays often miss spiders because arachnids don’t bite or feed like insects. For harsh-looking species, we follow guidance on medically important spiders. Then we spot-treat corners and entry points. That mix of mechanical web removal and targeted spray works best.
Here are simple steps to cut down on both spiders and insects:
For a how-to guide, see How to Get Rid of Spiders in House: No More Webs & Crawlers and How to Get Rid of Spiders: Easy Steps for Homeowners.
Conclusion
Now you know that when someone asks is a spider a bug, the answer is no. Spiders are arachnids, a separate class from true bugs and insects. Understanding this helps you choose the right treatment and appreciate spiders’ role in controlling unwelcome insects.
Call us at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected] for any questions or an estimate. Our licensed technicians are ready to help you keep spiders and bugs in their place.
In everyday language, yes. But scientifically, spiders are arachnids, not true bugs in Hemiptera.
True bugs have three body segments, six legs, antennae, and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Spiders have two main parts, eight legs, fangs, and spinnerets.
Count the legs: six legs means insect, eight means spider. Check for antennae (insects) or spinnerets (spiders).
Most insect sprays target chewing or sucking pests and may not affect spiders. Our two-step spider control uses web removal plus non-repellent sprays for better results.
The term “bug” went from a technical term for Hemiptera to a slang word for any small creature. Marketing and media kept that broad use alive.
Yes. Spiders eat hundreds of millions of insects every year. They help keep flies, mosquitoes, and other pests in check.
If you see heavy webbing in eaves, corners, or foundation gaps, or if you find a black widow in basements or sheds, call us. Our licensed technicians know how to handle them safely.
We recommend quarterly visits to maintain the barrier and remove new webs. Under The Better Promise, you get unlimited callbacks until the issue meets your needs.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
