Living in Las Vegas means sharing your space with some eight-legged neighbors. While most people spot a spider and immediately worry about danger, the reality is that only a few species pose any real threat.
You’ll find 20 distinct spider species throughout the valley, from the harmless cellar spider hanging in your garage to the venomous black widow hiding in woodpiles.
Understanding which spiders live around you helps you respond appropriately when you encounter them, whether that means leaving beneficial hunters alone or calling professionals for dangerous species.
This guide walks you through every spider you’re likely to see in Las Vegas, with clear identification features, behavior patterns, and safety information for each species.
Desert Recluse

The desert recluse (Loxosceles deserta) earns its reputation as one of Nevada’s most concerning spiders, though encounters remain relatively uncommon. This light to medium brown spider measures between 6-20mm in body length and displays the characteristic violin-shaped marking on its back, though this feature can be difficult to spot and isn’t always reliable for identification.
You’ll typically find these spiders in undisturbed areas like storage boxes, closets, attics, and outdoor sheds. They prefer dark, quiet spaces and only bite when threatened or accidentally pressed against skin. Their venom contains necrotic properties that can damage skin tissue around the bite site, potentially leading to slow-healing wounds that may require medical attention.
Key Insight: Despite their fearsome reputation, desert recluses are genuinely reclusive. They actively avoid human contact and won’t chase or attack you. Most bites occur when people unknowingly disturb their hiding spots while moving boxes or putting on stored clothing.
The best prevention involves reducing clutter in storage areas, shaking out clothing and shoes before wearing them, and sealing cracks where spiders might enter your home. If you spot a desert recluse, contact pest control professionals rather than attempting removal yourself.
Western Black Widow

The western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) stands out as Las Vegas’s most recognizable dangerous spider. Females display a shiny, jet-black body with the distinctive red hourglass marking on their abdomen’s underside, while males are much smaller, brownish, and pose no threat to humans.
These spiders build irregular, tangled webs in dark, sheltered locations including woodpiles, garden sheds, garages, beneath deck boards, and around outdoor furniture. Female black widows rarely leave their webs and will bite defensively when their web is disturbed or they feel trapped.
Black widow venom affects the nervous system, potentially causing muscle pain, cramping, nausea, difficulty breathing, and elevated blood pressure. While bites are serious and require immediate medical attention, fatalities are extremely rare due to modern medical treatment.
Pro Tip: Before reaching into dark corners, under furniture, or into storage areas, shine a flashlight first. Black widow webs have a distinctive irregular appearance with strong silk strands that make an audible snap when broken.
Wear gloves when working in areas where black widows commonly hide, and teach children to recognize these spiders so they know to alert adults if they spot one. Professional pest control can effectively eliminate black widow populations from your property.
Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders (Hogna carolinensis and related species) rank among the largest and most commonly encountered spiders in Las Vegas, but their intimidating size exceeds their actual danger. These robust hunters measure 0.6 to 1.5 inches in length, with females significantly larger than males.
Their coloring ranges from dark brown to gray with pale or yellowish markings creating distinctive patterns on their bodies and legs. Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders don’t build webs for hunting. Instead, they chase down prey with impressive speed using their excellent eyesight and powerful legs.
You’ll spot these spiders on the ground level, both indoors and outdoors. They hunt at night and rest during the day in shallow burrows or under objects. Female wolf spiders carry their egg sacs attached to their spinnerets and, after hatching, the baby spiders ride on their mother’s back for protection during their first days of life.
While wolf spiders can bite if handled or provoked, their venom isn’t medically significant for humans. You might experience minor pain and swelling similar to a bee sting, but serious reactions are rare. These spiders actually provide natural pest control by consuming insects around your home.
Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders (Phidippus audax, Phidippus californicus) are the compact, curious spiders you’ll notice on sunny walls and windowsills. These small arachnids typically measure 10-15mm in length and are easily recognized by their stocky build and large, forward-facing eyes that can actually change color in some species.
Their jerky, start-stop movement pattern and remarkable jumping ability set them apart from other spiders. Some species can leap many times their own body length to pounce on prey or escape danger. Many jumping spiders display bold markings with combinations of black, white, and sometimes red or metallic colors.
These daytime hunters don’t build webs for catching prey. Instead, they actively stalk insects across surfaces, using their superior vision to track movement. You’ll often see them turning to watch you, which unnerves some people but simply reflects their visual acuity and curiosity.
Jumping spiders are completely harmless to humans and beneficial around your home. They consume flies, mosquitoes, and other nuisance insects. Many people actually enjoy watching these intelligent, personality-filled spiders go about their hunting activities.
Orb-Weaver Spider

Orb-weaver spiders (Araneus spp., Argiope spp.) are the master architects of the spider world, creating the classic circular webs you picture when thinking about spider webs. These spiders vary widely in size and coloring depending on the specific species, but all share the distinctive wheel-shaped web design.
You’ll find their webs stretched between plants, across pathways, around outdoor lights, and in garden areas. They construct new webs daily or repair existing ones, typically working during nighttime hours. Their webs serve dual purposes: catching flying insects and helping control mosquito and fly populations around your property.
Most orb-weavers feature bulbous abdomens and relatively small heads. They position themselves in the web’s center or hide in nearby foliage, monitoring web vibrations that signal trapped prey. Their legs often display distinctive banding patterns.
Common Mistake: Walking through orb-weaver webs accidentally causes many people unnecessary alarm. These spiders are non-aggressive and harmless. If you regularly walk the same outdoor path, use a stick to clear webs before you pass through, or simply take an alternate route to preserve the spider’s hunting trap.
These beneficial spiders deserve protection in garden environments where they provide free, effective pest control. They pose no threat to humans and rarely bite even when handled.
Banded Garden Spider

The banded garden spider (Argiope trifasciata) is a specific orb-weaver species you’ll recognize by its distinctive appearance and elaborate webs. Females grow substantially larger than males, reaching up to 25mm in body length, while males remain quite small at around 5-9mm.
This spider displays silver and yellow banding on its legs and a white or light-colored body with dark markings. Their webs often include a distinctive zigzag pattern of silk called a stabilimentum running through the center, which may help attract prey or strengthen the web structure.
Banded garden spiders prefer sunny locations in gardens, meadows, and along building edges where flying insects are plentiful. They hang head-down in their webs, waiting for prey to become entangled. When disturbed, they may shake their web vigorously to appear larger or more intimidating.
Despite their size, these spiders are harmless to humans. They focus exclusively on catching and eating insects, making them valuable allies in controlling garden pests. Their venom is not medically significant, and they bite only in extreme defensive situations.
Golden Silk Orb-Weaver

The golden silk orb-weaver (Trichonephila clavipes) creates some of the most impressive webs you’ll encounter, with golden silk that can span several feet. Female golden silk orb-weavers are large spiders with bodies reaching 25-40mm in length, featuring elongated abdomens with striking yellow, orange, or gold coloring accented by brown or black markings.
Their webs appear golden or bronze in sunlight due to the unique silk composition, which is remarkably strong and stretchy. You’ll find these impressive structures in areas with good insect traffic, often between trees or large shrubs. The spiders position themselves in the web’s center, ready to quickly wrap captured prey.
These spiders are non-aggressive and beneficial for controlling flying insect populations. While their size can startle people, they pose minimal risk. Bites are extremely rare and produce only mild, temporary effects similar to a bee sting.
Males are dramatically smaller than females and often hang around the edges of female webs, waiting for mating opportunities. After mating season, males typically die while females continue hunting and maintaining their webs.
Crab Spider

Crab spiders (Thomisidae family) earn their name from their crab-like appearance and sideways walking movement. These ambush predators hold their front legs extended sideways, ready to grab passing prey. They measure relatively small, typically 4-10mm in body length.
Their coloring varies dramatically based on the species, with many displaying remarkable camouflage abilities. Some crab spiders can change color gradually to match flowers or bark where they hunt, though this process takes several days. Common colors include white, yellow, pink, green, and various browns.
You’ll find crab spiders waiting motionless on flowers, leaves, bark, or building surfaces. They don’t build webs but instead ambush insects that come within reach. Their patient hunting strategy makes them highly effective predators despite their small size.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy gardening, crab spiders are excellent allies. They consume aphids, flies, bees, and other insects that visit flowers, helping maintain a balanced garden ecosystem. Their camouflage makes them nearly invisible until you look closely.
These spiders are harmless to humans and rarely bite even when handled. Any bite would produce only minor, temporary irritation. Consider them beneficial residents of your garden spaces.
Ground Spider

Ground spiders (Gnaphosidae family) are the fast-moving nocturnal hunters you might glimpse scurrying across floors or walls at night. These spiders typically measure 8-15mm in length with flattened bodies that help them squeeze into tight spaces. Their coloring ranges from tan to dark brown or gray, often with a somewhat velvety appearance.
During daylight hours, ground spiders hide under stones, bark, leaf litter, or in cracks and crevices. They emerge after dark to actively hunt prey on the ground level rather than building webs. Their speed and agility make them effective predators of various insects and other small arthropods.
Inside homes, you’ll encounter ground spiders in basements, garages, and along baseboards. They enter buildings through gaps under doors, cracks in foundations, or openings around utility lines. Once inside, they continue their nocturnal hunting patterns.
These spiders are beneficial and harmless. While they can bite if roughly handled, such incidents are uncommon. Any bite would cause only minor, temporary discomfort. They help control household insect populations naturally.
Reducing their indoor presence requires sealing entry points and addressing moisture issues that attract both the spiders and their prey. Regular cleaning and reducing clutter eliminates hiding spots they prefer.
Long-Bodied Cellar Spider

The long-bodied cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides) is the delicate, wispy spider you’ll find hanging upside down in corners throughout your home. These spiders feature extremely long, thin legs and small bodies measuring just 7-10mm in length, though their leg span can exceed 50mm.
Their pale yellow-brown to light gray coloring and fragile appearance lead many people to call them “daddy long-legs,” though this nickname also applies to harvestmen, which aren’t spiders. You can distinguish cellar spiders by their eight legs attached to a distinct body with two sections.
These spiders build loose, irregular webs in dark, quiet areas like basements, garages, closets, and ceiling corners. When their web is disturbed, cellar spiders perform a distinctive behavior: they vibrate rapidly, making themselves appear blurry and harder for predators to catch.
Key Insight: Cellar spiders actually help control populations of more dangerous spiders. They’re known to hunt and kill black widows and other spider species, making them valuable allies in your home. Their venom is not harmful to humans.
Leave these beneficial spiders undisturbed in areas where they don’t bother you. If you need to remove them from living spaces, simply vacuum up the spider and web. They pose absolutely no threat and provide free pest control services.
Funnel Weaver Spider

Funnel weaver spiders (Agelenidae family) create the distinctive flat, sheet-like webs with funnel-shaped retreats that you’ll notice in grass, bushes, building corners, and between rocks. These spiders measure 10-20mm in body length and display brown, tan, or gray coloring with various patterns.
The funnel serves as the spider’s hiding spot and retreat. The spider waits inside this tube-like structure, monitoring vibrations from the sheet web spread in front. When prey lands on the sheet, the spider rushes out, grabs it, and quickly retreats back into the funnel.
You’ll find their webs particularly noticeable in early morning when dew collects on the silk, revealing intricate sheet patterns. These webs appear frequently in ground-level vegetation, under eaves, and along foundations. Unlike orb-weaver webs, funnel webs are not sticky.
Funnel weavers are fast-moving spiders when hunting but generally shy and non-aggressive toward humans. They’re not dangerous and contribute to controlling insect populations around your property. Bites are extremely rare and produce only minor, temporary effects.
These spiders are most noticeable in late summer and fall when mature adults are most active. Their webs can be numerous in favorable locations but don’t indicate an infestation problem.
Giant Crab Spider / Huntsman Spider

The giant crab spider or huntsman spider (Olios giganteus) earns recognition as one of Las Vegas’s largest spider species, with females reaching leg spans of 3-4 inches. Despite their intimidating size, these spiders are relatively uncommon encounters in urban areas.
These spiders display brown coloring and hold their legs extended sideways like crab spiders, but their size sets them apart immediately. They’re fast-moving nocturnal hunters that don’t build webs, instead actively chasing down prey across surfaces.
Huntsman spiders hunt cockroaches, crickets, and other large insects during nighttime hours. During the day, they hide in cracks, crevices, behind furniture, or under objects. Unlike wolf spiders that carry egg sacs with their spinnerets, female huntsman spiders carry their egg sacs in their jaws.
Important Note: If you find a huntsman spider in your home, resist the urge to panic despite their size. These spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. They’re actually beneficial, providing natural cockroach control. If removal is necessary, trap them under a container and release them outside.
Their venom is not medically significant. While a bite would certainly be painful due to the spider’s size, serious medical consequences are unlikely. These spiders prefer to flee rather than confront humans.
Tarantula

The desert tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) stands as Nevada’s most iconic large spider, though most Las Vegas residents never encounter one despite their local presence. Females display thick, bristly tan or brown hair covering a stocky body that can reach 5.5 inches in leg span. Males are thinner with darker, often black coloring.
These impressive spiders spend most of their lives in underground burrows, which they often seal with silk and dirt to regulate temperature and humidity. You’re most likely to spot tarantulas during fall when mature males leave their burrows searching for females, sometimes appearing in broad daylight crossing roads or yards.
Desert tarantulas hunt at night, consuming grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, other spiders, and occasionally small lizards. They’re ambush predators that wait near their burrow entrance or actively patrol small territories for prey.
Despite their frightening appearance and size, desert tarantulas are docile and rarely bite humans. When threatened, they typically display defensive postures, rear up on hind legs, or flick urticating hairs from their abdomen toward the threat. These hairs cause skin irritation and should not be touched.
If bitten, the venom produces effects similar to a bee sting—localized pain and swelling but no serious medical consequences for most people. These spiders deserve observation and appreciation from a respectful distance rather than fear or harm.
Dwarf Tarantula

The dwarf tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) is a smaller relative of the desert tarantula, though “dwarf” is relative—females still reach 2-3 inches in leg span. These tarantulas display similar stocky builds with dense hair covering their bodies, typically in shades of brown, gray, or black.
Like their larger cousins, dwarf tarantulas live in burrows and exhibit primarily nocturnal behavior. They’re more commonly found in undeveloped desert areas on the outskirts of Las Vegas rather than in urban neighborhoods. Their burrows provide protection from extreme temperatures and predators.
These spiders feed on insects, other spiders, and small arthropods. They’re sit-and-wait predators that detect prey through ground vibrations near their burrow entrance. When suitable prey passes by, they strike quickly and inject venom to immobilize their meal.
Dwarf tarantulas share the desert tarantula’s docile temperament. They bite only when severely threatened and possess venom that produces minor, localized effects. Like other tarantulas, they can flick irritating hairs as a defense mechanism.
Encountering a dwarf tarantula is uncommon in developed areas. If you do see one, appreciate it from a distance and allow it to continue on its way. These spiders play important roles in desert ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
Mouse Spider

The mouse spider (Scotophaeus blackwalli) is a ground-dwelling species that earned its common name from its soft, velvety appearance rather than any relationship to mice. These compact spiders measure 8-15mm in body length with dark brown to black coloring and a slightly fuzzy texture to their bodies.
You’ll find mouse spiders hiding during the day under bark, stones, in leaf litter, or within buildings in dark corners and storage areas. They’re nocturnal hunters that actively search for prey rather than building webs. Their diet consists primarily of small insects and other arthropods.
Inside homes, mouse spiders typically enter through gaps and cracks, seeking shelter and food. They prefer quiet, undisturbed areas and generally stay near ground level. These spiders move quickly when exposed to light, scurrying to find new hiding spots.
Mouse spiders are harmless and shy. They avoid human contact and bite only if grabbed or pressed against skin. Even then, their bite produces minimal effects—slight redness and irritation that resolves quickly without treatment.
Controlling mouse spiders indoors involves sealing entry points, reducing clutter that provides hiding spots, and addressing moisture issues. However, their presence in small numbers isn’t cause for concern, as they help control other household pests.
Cobweb Spider

Cobweb spiders (Theridiidae family) create the irregular, tangled webs that appear in corners, along ceilings, under furniture, and in other sheltered spots throughout your home. This diverse family includes many species varying in size and coloring, typically measuring 3-10mm in body length.
Their webs lack the organized patterns of orb-weavers, instead forming loose, three-dimensional tangles of silk threads. These sticky strands trap walking and flying insects that the spiders quickly wrap and consume. The webs accumulate dust over time, creating the “cobweb” appearance.
Common species display colors ranging from pale yellow to brown or gray, often with rounded abdomens. They build their webs in undisturbed areas and spend most of their time hanging upside down near the web’s center, waiting for vibrations that signal captured prey.
Common Mistake: Many people assume all cobwebs indicate dirty or poorly maintained homes. However, cobweb spiders frequently build in clean spaces, and their webs can appear overnight. Regular cleaning removes the webs, but spiders will rebuild unless entry points are sealed.
These spiders are harmless household inhabitants that control flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. While related to black widows (also in the Theridiidae family), most cobweb spiders pose no danger. Any bites would produce only minor, temporary effects.
False Widow Spider

The false widow spider (Steatoda grossa) resembles the black widow enough to cause concern, though it’s significantly less dangerous. These spiders measure 7-14mm in body length with shiny brown to purplish-black coloring and pale markings on their bulbous abdomens—but no red hourglass.
False widows build irregular cobwebs in dark, sheltered locations similar to true black widows: garages, sheds, under outdoor furniture, in woodpiles, and inside homes near windows, in basements, or in storage areas. They’re nocturnal and spend days hidden in silk retreats near their webs.
Their diet consists of various insects that become trapped in their sticky webs. False widows are shy and non-aggressive, preferring to flee when disturbed rather than bite. However, they will bite defensively if grabbed or pressed against skin.
While false widow bites are not medically significant like black widow bites, they can cause more discomfort than most harmless spiders. You might experience localized pain, redness, and swelling lasting several hours to a few days. Rarely, some individuals experience more pronounced reactions including headaches or mild nausea.
Distinguishing false widows from black widows is important. Look for the absence of the red hourglass marking and the generally lighter, brownish coloring. When in doubt, treat any widow-like spider with caution and contact pest control if needed.
Lynx Spider

The lynx spider (Peucetia viridans), also called the green lynx spider, displays a distinctive bright green coloring that helps it blend into vegetation where it hunts. These spiders measure 12-16mm for females and 12-13mm for males, with long, spiny legs covered in prominent black spines.
Unlike most spiders, lynx spiders are active daytime hunters that don’t build webs. They prowl through plants and bushes stalking prey, using their excellent vision and quick reflexes to pounce on insects. Their bright coloring provides camouflage among green leaves and stems.
You’ll find these spiders in gardens, landscaped areas, and anywhere with substantial vegetation. They’re most active during warmer months and particularly common on flowering plants where they hunt bees, flies, and other pollinating insects.
Pro Tip: Lynx spiders have a unique defensive ability—when threatened, they can spray venom from their fangs up to several inches away. While this rarely occurs and the venom isn’t dangerous, it can cause temporary eye irritation if it makes contact. Admire these spiders from a respectful distance.
Despite their defensive capability, lynx spiders benefit gardens by consuming pest insects. They’re not aggressive toward humans and bites are uncommon. Any bite would produce mild, temporary effects similar to a bee sting.
Sheet Web Spider

Sheet web spiders (Linyphiidae family), also called money spiders or dwarf spiders, are among the smallest spiders you’ll encounter, typically measuring just 2-4mm in body length. Their diminutive size means they’re often overlooked, though their webs are more noticeable.
These spiders create horizontal sheet webs with knockdown threads above them. The structure works cleverly: flying insects hit the upper threads, fall onto the sheet below, and get trapped. The spider waits underneath the sheet and pulls prey through to consume it.
You’ll find sheet webs in grass, low vegetation, between branches, and sometimes indoors near windows or in corners. The webs appear particularly striking in morning dew, revealing countless tiny sheets glistening across lawns and gardens. In some environments, sheet web spider populations reach remarkable densities.
Sheet web spiders are completely harmless and beneficial. They’re far too small to bite humans effectively, and their role in controlling tiny flying insects makes them valuable ecosystem members. Their presence indicates healthy insect populations in your yard.
These spiders are most noticeable in fall when mature adults are abundant and web-building peaks. Their tiny size and beneficial nature mean no control measures are necessary—simply appreciate their intricate miniature engineering.
Nursery Web Spider

The nursery web spider (Pisaurina mira) demonstrates remarkable maternal care that sets it apart from most spider species. Females measure 12-15mm while males are slightly smaller, with brown or tan coloring featuring lighter central stripes running along their bodies.
These spiders are active hunters that don’t build prey-catching webs. Instead, they roam vegetation hunting insects during daytime hours. The “nursery web” name refers to their reproductive behavior: females carry egg sacs in their jaws until shortly before hatching, then build a special silk tent to protect emerging spiderlings.
You’ll encounter nursery web spiders in gardens, lawns, and areas with low vegetation or ground cover. They’re sometimes mistaken for wolf spiders due to similar coloring and hunting behavior, but wolf spiders attach egg sacs to their spinnerets while nursery web spiders carry them in their chelicerae (mouthparts).
The protective silk nursery that mothers construct represents one of nature’s most impressive examples of parental investment in spiders. The mother guards this structure until her offspring disperse, often not eating during this protective period.
These spiders are harmless and beneficial for controlling garden insects. While they can bite if handled roughly, such incidents are rare and produce only minor, temporary discomfort. Their presence in gardens indicates healthy ecosystems with sufficient insect prey populations.
Comparison: Dangerous vs. Harmless Spiders in Las Vegas
Feature | Dangerous Spiders | Harmless Spiders |
---|---|---|
Species | Desert recluse, Western black widow | Wolf spider, jumping spider, cellar spider, most others |
Bite Symptoms | Necrotic wounds, muscle cramps, neurological effects | Minor pain, slight swelling, temporary irritation |
Medical Attention | Required immediately | Rarely necessary, watch for allergic reactions |
Behavior | Defensive, bite when threatened or trapped | Flee from humans, bite only if roughly handled |
Typical Locations | Dark, undisturbed areas (storage, woodpiles, sheds) | Varied: walls, ceilings, gardens, outdoor structures |
Prevention Priority | High—professional control recommended | Low—natural pest control benefit outweighs concerns |
Frequently Asked Questions
Focus on two key dangerous species in Las Vegas: desert recluses (light brown with violin marking) and western black widows (shiny black with red hourglass underneath). If you can’t confidently identify a spider and it matches these general descriptions, treat it as potentially dangerous. However, most spiders you encounter—including large, scary-looking wolf spiders—are harmless. When in doubt, take a photo from a safe distance and contact pest control professionals for identification.
Wash the bite area with soap and water, apply ice to reduce swelling, and monitor the wound. If you suspect a bite from a desert recluse or black widow, seek medical attention immediately. Watch for warning signs including increasing pain, spreading redness, necrotic tissue development, muscle cramps, difficulty breathing, or neurological symptoms. Most spider bites from harmless species resolve on their own within a few days with basic first aid.
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, foundations, and utility entry points. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects (spider prey), or switch to yellow u0022bug lightu0022 bulbs. Keep woodpiles, debris, and storage items away from your home’s exterior. Inside, reduce clutter, vacuum regularly to remove webs and egg sacs, and address moisture issues that attract both spiders and their prey. Regular professional pest control creates a barrier that significantly reduces spider entry.
Desert tarantulas look frightening but are docile and rarely bite humans. Their venom produces effects similar to a bee sting—localized pain and swelling but no serious medical consequences for most people. The greater concern is their urticating hairs, which they can flick when threatened. These hairs cause skin and eye irritation. If you encounter a tarantula, observe from a respectful distance without touching or provoking it. They play important ecological roles and should be appreciated rather than feared.
No, hunting spiders including wolf spiders, jumping spiders, huntsman spiders, ground spiders, and tarantulas actively pursue prey rather than building webs. Web-building species include orb-weavers, cellar spiders, cobweb spiders, funnel weavers, sheet web spiders, and black widows. Understanding whether a spider builds webs helps with identification and control strategies. Hunters typically enter homes while pursuing prey, while web-builders settle into quiet corners and undisturbed areas.
Spider activity peaks during warmer months from spring through fall, with late summer and early fall showing maximum activity as many species reach maturity. Male tarantulas emerge in fall searching for mates. Indoor spider encounters often increase in autumn as spiders seek shelter from cooling temperatures. However, species like black widows and cellar spiders remain active year-round in protected areas. Regular preventive pest control throughout the year provides better protection than seasonal treatments alone.