Spiders can be scary. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 100 million people have arachnophobia in the United States alone — nearly one out of every three people! While the vast majority of spiders we encounter are harmless, a few species can cause real trouble if provoked. Here’s what you need to know about dangerous spiders in Plano, TX.
The Most Dangerous Spiders In Plano
Almost every spider is venomous to some degree, but only a select few are venomous enough to endanger human life. Two of those highly venomous spiders can be found in the Lone Star State; black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. These two species share some surprising similarities but can be easily differentiated.
- Black widow spiders: Black widows can grow up to 1 ½ inch in length and are easily identified by their deep black color. Females are marked with a distinct red hourglass pattern on their underbelly. They prefer to nest in dark, moist environments with little disturbance like stacks of wood, attics, and basements.
- Brown recluse spiders: An average brown recluse spider measures between just 1/4 and 1/2 inches long. They are shades of solid brown in color with no discernable patterns besides a distinct “fiddle” shape on their back. They weave messy webs in dark, undisturbed locations.
How Bad Are The Spiders In Plano?
A bite from a brown recluse or black widow spider typically isn’t a death sentence but can lead to severe health complications without proper medical help. Healthy, active adults are usually not in serious danger, but children, the elderly, and the sick are highly vulnerable. These two spiders won’t intentionally hurt or attack you but will bite defensively if accidentally disturbed.
Black widow bites can result in nausea, muscle cramps, and vomiting. Breathing difficulty and increased blood pressure can also occur in some individuals. Bites are not always felt when they happen but may also feel like a sharp burning pain like being stung by a hornet.
Brown recluse bites are often painless. It’s not until several hours after injection that the effects of the venom can be felt. Intense burning at the site of injection followed by blisters, lesions, and discoloration of the skin are common symptoms. Chills, fever, and vomiting are all common responses to a brown recluse bite.
Regardless of health or age, if you or someone you know has been bitten by one of these spiders, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Why You’ve Got Spiders
You could be attracting spiders to your Plano, TX property without even realizing it. A few common factors that cause spider problems are:
- Moisture issues: Excess moisture and humidity are attractive to most spiders. Leaking pipes and faucets or even dripping air conditioner units may draw them. Stuffy basements and attics with no ventilation are ideal for spider infestations.
- Other pests: Spiders are predators that eat other bugs. If you have an existing infestation of pest insects on your property, their presence could be attracting hungry spiders.
- Clutter issues: Piles of firewood, stacks of stones, discarded boxes, and all sorts of miscellaneous clutter all provide hiding spots for shy spiders to build their webs.
Why You Should Call Adams Exterminating Company
Dangerous or not, nobody wants to share their property with a brood of creepy spiders. That’s why if you’re experiencing spider problems on your Plano, TX property, you should contact the spider control experts at Adams Exterminating Company. We can safely remove any webs you may have and eliminate the presence of pest insects that attract spiders. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our home pest control services!