There’s a Spider Beneath Your Feet… and It’s Closer Than You Think
Not all pests crawl across your kitchen floor. Some—like the Pacific Trapdoor Spider—dig deep, building hidden silk-lined burrows in the damp soil around your home. From there, they silently wait for the perfect chance to strike.
While these spiders aren’t aggressive toward people, their presence near foundations and crawlspace edges is unsettling—and often a sign of other pest or moisture problems. If you’ve never seen one, don’t feel lucky; they prefer to stay out of sight.
At Alaska Pest Management (APM), we know that keeping a home pest-free means looking below the surface. That’s why APM’s Spider Treatment is designed to protect your crawlspace and foundation from stealthy invaders and the conditions that attract them.
What Is the Pacific Trapdoor Spider?
The Pacific Trapdoor Spider (Antrodiaetus pacificus) is a unique and fascinating arachnid found in damp, forested regions of the Pacific Northwest—including Southeast Alaska.
Here’s what makes it different:
- Large, sturdy body with thick legs and strong fangs
- Color: Usually, dark brown or black
- Size: Up to 2 inches across
- Behavior: No webs—instead, it builds burrows with camouflaged “trapdoors”
- Diet: Small insects, which it ambushes from underground
Unlike orb weavers or house spiders, the trapdoor spider lives underground year-round, occasionally venturing out during breeding seasons or if displaced by heavy rain or construction.
Where Are They Hiding?
Their favorite spots include:
- Damp soil along foundations and crawlspace edges
- Under plastic vapor barriers or landscaping mulch
- Shaded garden beds and mossy ground near wood piles or stone foundations
- Soil left undisturbed around the base of buildings
- Yard work exposes a tunnel entrance
- A pest inspection reveals burrows near the foundation
- A wandering spider is spotted close to a crawlspace entry or basement access point
Why They Matter (Even If You Rarely See Them)
Even though Pacific Trapdoor Spiders aren’t considered dangerous to humans, their presence is more than just creepy—it’s a warning sign.
Here’s why:
- They thrive where insects are abundant—meaning other pests are also present
- They require consistent moisture—a sign of leaks, wood rot, or poor ventilation
- They burrow near foundations—putting them one step closer to entry points
So while these spiders might not infest your living room, their burrows under your crawlspace often signal deeper issues needing professional attention.
DIY Spider Control Fails with Trapdoor Species
Most DIY pest sprays and over-the-counter treatments are designed for surface-dwelling spiders. Trapdoor spiders, on the other hand, hide in deep burrows, meaning sprays rarely reach them.
Common homeowner mistakes include:
- Spraying visible spiders without targeting nests
- Failing to treat crawlspaces and foundation gaps
- Ignoring environmental attractants like mulch, moisture, and leaf litter
- Not addressing companion pests like ants and beetles (their food source)
That’s why APM’s Spider Treatment goes far beyond surface sprays.
How APM Keeps Trapdoor Spiders Out—For Good
At Alaska Pest Management, we use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to spider control. That means we don’t just kill spiders—we address the why behind their presence and stop them at the source.
1. Full Inspection of Crawlspaces and Foundations
We begin by thoroughly checking:
- Crawlspace corners
- Soil conditions
- Entry points along the foundation
- Evidence of burrows or spider activity
Our trained techs know what to look for, even when burrows are camouflaged.
2. Non-Repellent, Long-Lasting Spider Treatments
Unlike basic sprays, we use:
- Professional-grade, non-repellent solutions
- Perimeter applications that penetrate burrow zones
- Low-toxicity formulas that are pet- and family-safe
- Targeted dusts for crawlspaces and moisture-prone areas
Our spider treatment is part of a responsible, long-term solution.
3. Crawlspace Sealing and Environmental Control
- We advise on vapor barriers, ventilation, and dehumidification
- We help homeowners seal cracks, gaps, and crawlspace entries
- We address other pests (like ants) that might be feeding the local spider population
4. Seasonal Monitoring and Maintenance
Trapdoor spiders live long lives and reproduce slowly—meaning even one missed burrow can become a future problem.
We offer:
- Seasonal re-treatment options
- Ongoing pest prevention plans
- Monitoring tools to watch for new activity
You Might Also Be Dealing With…
Trapdoor spiders are a quiet threat, but they often appear during peak summer pest season alongside:
- Ants (especially moisture ants near crawlspaces)
- Yellowjackets and paper wasps nesting under eaves
- Other spiders, such as house spiders, sac spiders, or orb weavers
That’s why APM’s Spider Treatment can be bundled with Wasp and Ant Services for a complete summer solution.
How to Tell If Trapdoor Spiders Are Nearby
You may not see the spider—but these signs suggest they’re there:
- Small holes in soft dirt with silk lining
- Sudden spider sightings in bathrooms or basements
- Increase in insect activity around your foundation
- Moist or musty-smelling crawlspaces
If you’re unsure, call APM for an inspection—we’ll let you know what’s hiding under your home.
Protect Your Home from the Ground Up
The Pacific Trapdoor Spider may live in silence—but it thrives where pests and moisture are out of control.
With APM’s Spider Treatment, Southeast Alaska homeowners get:
- A local team who understands the region’s unique pest pressures
- Safe, non-invasive treatments that work where DIY sprays fail
- Long-term exclusion strategies to keep spiders out—permanently
Call APM today to schedule your crawlspace inspection and spider treatment.
Don’t wait until you see one. Let’s deal with what’s hiding beneath your home—before it crawls up.
