It is alarming when a spider surprises you while you're walking around your home. Unfortunately, that's not the worst thing that can happen. Almost all of them are venomous, and certain species are harmful to humans. A bite from one whose venom is highly toxic can land you in the hospital. While most are harmless to humans, encountering any of them is not a chance you want to take.

Spiders are not insects. They are part of group of animals called "arachnids." They have two body segments, can't chew, can't fly, and of course, have eight legs. Some have no eyes, while others have twelve. Of all house pests, spiders are arguably the most feared pest, which is ironic as there are over 43,000 species worldwide.

In Muncie and the surrounding area, there is a wide variety that calls our neighborhood home.

• Black Widow: They are black and shiny with a red hourglass shape on their back. They are usually found in dark, dry places like basements and garages. If you happen to work on construction sites, beware. They can be found in outdoor toilets. This spider's venom has been discovered to be 15 times more dangerous than that of a rattlesnake.

• Jumping: You would imagine this spider would have the most muscular legs of the arachnids as it can jump up to twenty times its body length when threatened. However, it is not strength that propels them. When they are ready to jump, they shift their upper body's fluid pressure to their lower, like an animal hydraulic system. This causes the legs to extend rapidly, vaulting them through the air. Their unique eyes allow them to see all around without moving their head.

• Long-Bodied Cellar: Often referred to as Daddy Longlegs, their legs are very thin compared to most. They love dark, dank places like basements, and of course, cellars. This species truly falls into the nuisance category. Instead of cleaning or reusing their webs, they continue adding layer upon layer, which can cause an embarrassing number of cobwebs around your home.

• Wolf: They are usually brown with dark markings and have long spiky legs and hair on their body. They have excellent eyesight, especially in the dark, using their three rows of eyes. This is one of the few that does not use a web to catch its prey. They track down their meals using incredible speed, up to two feet per second. These guys are an in-law's dream as they work hard at being parents. Unlike others, they carry their eggs sacs, and then once the babies are born, they carry the young for a few more days.

Getting rid of spiders might seem like a daunting task. At Bug Off Pest Pros, we provide the best pest control services to your home and office. With over ten years experience, we use the latest technology to provide you with long-lasting relief from pests. We are the #1 most trusted pest control company in Muncie, Indiana, and offer a free estimate. Contact us today.