Description

Spiders are arachnids with eight legs, two body regions and no wings or antennae. In Côte d’Ivoire’s tropical environment, spiders are present year-round and particularly abundant during and after the rainy season. Most species found in Abidjan are harmless, but some — including funnel web spiders and large tropical huntsman spiders — can deliver painful bites that require medical attention. Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas and are commonly found in warehouses, storage rooms, basements and the upper corners of buildings. Some species prefer humid environments while others thrive in dry, warm spaces like attics and subfloor vents.

Habits

Spiders are predators that feed on insects, other spiders and any prey they can subdue. They produce silk used to spin webs, construct egg sacs and line their dwellings. Web shapes vary by species — orb-shaped, funnel-shaped or irregular. Some species live in burrows while others roam freely. Spiders do not have chewing mouthparts — they use digestive enzymes in their saliva to break down prey before consuming it. In commercial settings, a high spider presence is often an indicator of a broader insect infestation, since spiders follow their food source. Addressing the underlying insect problem is key to long-term spider control.

Defense

• Address the root cause — spiders follow insects. If you have a spider problem, you likely have an underlying insect infestation. Your Orkin Pro will identify and treat the food source driving spider activity.
• Eliminate harborage areas — remove piles of wood, leaves, old tyres and debris near your building. Keep storage areas organized and reduce clutter where spiders can hide undisturbed.
• Seal entry points — spiders enter through gaps around pipes, windows, doors and vents. Seal all entry points and install screens on exterior vents.
• Regular cleaning — remove webs regularly to discourage re-establishment and monitor for new activity. In warehouses and storage facilities, regular inspections are essential.
• Professional treatment — Orkin Côte d’Ivoire applies targeted residual treatments in harborage areas and entry points to eliminate spider populations and prevent re-infestation.

Contact Orkin Côte d’Ivoire today for a free inspection and customized spider control program for your home or business.