Given the danger of black widow bites, it's not surprising that many Texas homeowners would like to keep these eight-legged creatures as far from their properties as possible. But how can you tell if it's a black widow or some other kind of spider?
Save yourself from dangerous spider bites by enlisting the help of pest control in Plano. Professionals like those of us at All-Safe Pest & Termite can help keep you safe from black widows and other dangerous pests.
How To Tell If It's Black Widow Spiders On Your Property
Many Texas spiders are tiny and can be hard to differentiate. Luckily black widow spiders have some traits that make them easier to recognize than most. For starters, black widows have a bright red or orange hourglass shape on their bellies. And while it may not seem distinctive at first, their black bulbous bodies are another key indicator. While these spiders are small, they are also generally recognizable to most over other types of spiders.
Black Widow Spider Bites Can Lead To Serious Medical Problems
Black widows are arguably the most dangerous spiders in the country. While their bites rarely inject enough venom to be fatal, the FDA does produce an antivenin to counteract black widow venom to reduce side effects and the possibility of death.
Black widows are small spiders, and their bite may feel like a pinprick or nothing at all. If you look closely, you may be able to see two tiny fang marks on your skin following a bite. Black widow venom is a neurotoxin that causes pain at the bite site and spreads throughout the body, causing fever, increased blood pressure, sweating, and nausea. Healthy individuals can often recover from a black widow bite over a few days, but children and the elderly can have more extreme reactions.
The Safe And Effective Way To Remove Black Widow Spiders
If you want to get rid of spiders in the house, including black widow spiders, it's best to enlist the services of a professional pest control business like All-Safe Pest & Termite.
We will inspect your home for spider activity and potential entry points and develop a treatment plan based on your needs. Our services can include web removal, dust application, glue board monitoring, and liquid residual products. We will also follow up and provide you with a full warranty so that you can be confident spiders will not return.
Five No-Nonsense Prevention Tips To Avoid Future Black Widow Spiders
Avoiding black widow spiders in your home can include the same steps you would take for other types of spiders in Texas, including:
- Limit entry: Seal cracks and crevices in your home's exterior. Use weatherstripping and door sweeps to eliminate gaps. Fix or replace torn screens.
- Reduce clutter: Spiders like to hide in sheltered areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed. Clearing out cluttered areas can minimize these hiding spots.
- Sweep away webs: Making a point to sweep away webs as you find them will discourage black widows and other spiders from sticking around.
- Limit pest prey: The number one thing attracting spiders to your property is their insect prey. Eliminating any underlying pest issues can help you avoid spiders coming to hunt them.
- Get professional help: If you are serious about spider prevention, a professional pest control expert can help get you on the right track.
If you're interested in getting expert spider control help to prevent black widows and other dangerous pests, call All-Safe Pest & Termite today and request your free, no-obligation quote.