In the United States, there are only a few spiders that everyone knows by name. Black widows are one such species. This infamous spider is one of the most dangerous in Salado and throughout the country, and knowing all the facts about them is the first step to keeping yourself and your home protected from them.
While black widows may seem easier to identify than other common spiders, it can’t hurt to go over their characteristics.
How To Identify A Black Widow Spider
When the most prominent characteristic of a dangerous spider is on its abdomen, it’s safer to know some of the other defining features, so you don’t have to get close enough to look for them.
Black Widows:
- Around 1 and ⅜ inches long
- Small, rounded body
- Females - characteristic red hourglass on the stomach
- Females - brownish-black
- Eight eyes with two pairs that almost touch
- Young black widows - orange and white color
- Create messy webs, usually in corners close to the ground
- Choose dark and dry locations to make their webs
- Pick ants, beetles, cockroaches, and scorpions for food
- Mostly active at night and in warmer temperatures
Bites from black widow spiders are rare, but the likelihood increases if you approach their web or threaten them in any way. Making a black widow feel threatened enough to bite may be as simple as moving a box in the garage that they were using as a hiding spot. Bites are very rare, but the side effects include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
There have been no known deaths due to black widow bites in the United States, but the venom can be lethal to children and the elderly. If you believe you or someone you love has been the victim of a black widow spider bite, it’s best to seek medical attention.
How To Prevent Black Widows
These spiders are more likely to choose outdoor buildings like sheds and garages to nest, so it was most likely an accident if they are in the home. To keep these dangerous insects away from your home and property, try these tips.
- Seal any cracks, holes, and crevices around the outside walls and foundation of your home and around your outdoor buildings to prevent them from getting in.
- Make sure screens, doors, and windows are well-maintained and secure.
- Keep firewood stored at least twenty feet away from the house and keep it raised up off the ground. Wear gloves when transporting them and check the logs thoroughly before bringing them indoors.
- Reduce the clutter in garages and basements to eliminate black widow hiding spots.
Preventing spiders from getting in might seem like a losing battle, and perhaps the spiders already have foothold in your home. If you suspect an infestation of any kind, but especially a black widow infestation, don’t try to deal with it alone.
White Knight Pest Control Can Protect Your Home From Black Widows
Especially in rural communities like Salado, pest prevention and control are necessary to keep family and pets safe from spider bites. Our inspection, prevention, and extermination methods can keep your home routinely safe from invaders, and there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes with a protected home. Call White Knight Pest Control today, or visit us online for a free estimate.