The Hawaiian cane spider, being rather large, may inspire alarm if it enters your home. Here's what you should know about this species, including when to call an exterminator and arrange for pest control.

What You Should Know About Hawaiian Cane Spiders

Also known as huntsman spiders, the cane species is characterized by small brown bodies with whitish bands and hairy black-spotted or -banded legs stretching up to five inches long. Despite what some internet hoaxes would have you believe, they're not big enough to cover the siding of your home. However, since they're thick, hairy, and about the size of a tuna can, they do tend to startle people into calling for exterminators.

As they're nocturnal hunters, cane spiders typically hide in narrow, shadowed areas and stay out of your way during the day. Even when you find one, they're more likely to try to flee than bite you. Nevertheless, they will bite if provoked, and their venom will cause noticeable pain around the site, in addition to a headache. Fortunately, bites rarely result in any serious or long-term injuries.

How to Keep Them Out of Your Home

Because their bodies are flat, Hawaiian cane spiders can squeeze their way into your home through tiny cracks in the roof, walls, or floors. Caulk or seal every opening you find, and install screens on your doors and windows so you can bring fresh air in without inviting spiders as well.

If you find one of these spiders in your home, it's safe to assume there are more; the females lay roughly 200 eggs several times each year. Call an exterminator to remove them and help guard your home against future infestations.

If you need an exterminator for Hawaiian cane spiders or any other pests, contact Mid-Pacific Pest Control Inc. in Wailuku, HI. For more than 20 years, their 30 experienced technicians have provided pest control and fumigation services. You can even schedule their inspections and services monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or annually to keep your home free of pests at all times. To check their availability, call them at (808) 249-2233 or send a message online.