Most spiders that are found around Parrish homes are harmless. Their webs get in the way, and maybe they’re a little creepy, but they won’t hurt you. Black widows, on the other hand, can be dangerous. They’ve got a powerful venom that can do some damage when they bite. To keep them away, you need Westfall’s Lawn and Pest. Our Parrish pest control keeps you and your family safe from black widow spiders.
Identifying A Black Widow Spider
Many spiders can be confused with each other, but black widow spiders have a distinctive appearance that can easily be identified. Their bodies are black, with a red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of their abdomens. Black widows spin messy webs, often in secluded areas and sometimes close to the ground. They hang upside down in their webs.
Black widow spiders are one of only two venomousspiders in Parrish. Although they’re relatively common, they typically avoid people. They also don’t seek out people to bite; instead, they’ll bite in self-defense if they’re handled or if you put pressure on them.
The Symptoms Of A Black Widow Spider’s Bite
Although black widows generally avoid people, they do still bite, and they are venomous. Black widow venom attacks the nervous system, which can have serious effects. Most people experience pain, burning, swelling, and redness at the bite site. For some people, these will be fairly minor and will be the only symptoms. Other people might feel more intense pain and more severe symptoms.
There’s a long list of potential symptoms that could come along with a black widow spider bite. You should see a doctor if you experience muscle pain or stiffness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, a rash, weakness, tremors, or difficulty moving. Any child that a black widow spider bites should be taken to the emergency room immediately. These spiders are dangerous; you don’t need to constantly fear them, but you should be aware of the risks.
If a black widow spider bites you, be sure to wash the bite with gentle soap and water. You can apply a cold washcloth or an ice pack to relieve some symptoms. If possible, elevate the bite above your heart. Depending on your symptoms, taking a pain reliever or applying antibiotic cream might help. And if you develop symptoms beyond localized pain or swelling, seek medical attention.
Factors That Attract Black Widow Spiders In And Around Your Home
Black widow spiders prefer to live in cool, dark places. They’re often found in out-of-the-way areas, like lesser-used closets and sheds. They can also hide under yard debris and in wood piles. Because they like to hide, you might not see black widow spiders around your Parrish home, even if they’re there.
Because black widow spiders can be dangerous, it’s important to set up spider prevention systems around your home.
Following these steps can prevent spiders from living on your property and reduce your chances of being bitten:
- Keep storage areas clean
- Limit yard debris
- Don’t reach into closets or sheds blindly
- Wear gloves when handling objects that could be harboring spiders
- Address other pest issues
Spiders look for places to hide. If closets, basements, or sheds around your home aren’t disturbed or have lots of boxes or items to lurk in, black widow spiders can move in, and they’ll stay as long as they can. They’ll also live in piles of yard debris, under logs, and in wood piles. Reducing the clutter around your yard limits the places black widows can hide.
Because black widow spiders are most likely to bite when you put pressure on them, you’re most likely to be bitten when you accidentally pick one up. This is why you shouldn’t reach blindly into sheds or debris piles and should wear gloves when handling items that could be spider-hiding spots. Whether it’s a pile of firewood or a box out of storage, protect yourself and keep an eye out.
Black widow spiders eat insects and other spiders. If they’re living around your home, that means there’s something for them to eat. Addressing other pests around your home, whether it’s flies or mosquitoes, might be the key to getting rid of spiders.
Black widows can be dangerous around your home, so do-it-yourself treatment can also be dangerous. Your best option for black widow spider removal is to call a professional pest control company.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders
With Westfall’s Lawn and Pest, you don’t need to worry about harmful pests. Our spider treatments are customizable to fit your needs. We offer recurring treatments monthly or quarterly with guaranteed interior protection. We understand that black widow spiders can be stressful to find around your home, so we’ve built a company you can rely on. Reach out to Westfall’s Lawn and Pest today for help with spiders and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Parrish.
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