There might not be a single bug on Earth more notorious than the black widow spider. These venomous arachnids are the stuff nightmares are made of; tiny, creepy, and deadly. But black widows aren’t quite as terrifying as Hollywood makes them out to be. In fact, black widow spiders really just want to be left alone to feast on other insects.
Nobody wants black widow spiders living with them. So, if you’re looking to get rid of black widows or just want to make sure you never get them in the first place, here’s your guide to effective black widow control in McKinney.
About Black Widow Spiders
Black widow spiders can be identified by their trademark color: jet black. They are, of course, famous for their distinct red hourglass pattern, but only female black widows have the red hourglass marking on their abdomens. These spiders can measure between 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches in length.
Black widows feed on whatever hapless bugs manage to get trapped in their webs, and in fact, a large population of pest insects can be the main reason that black widows and other spiders are attracted to your property. While black widows are regarded as some of the most venomous spiders on the planet, they aren’t quite as horrifying as you may think.
What Happens If I Find A Black Widow?
Black widows weave messy webs in dark, secluded areas with high humidity. They can be found in the corners of closets, basements, and attics as well as in piles of firewood and stone around the yard. Unlike ants or house flies, you’re unlikely to spot a black widow out in the open, as these spiders tend to keep a low profile.
Black widows don’t go out of their way to “hunt” humans and won’t bite unless disturbed or provoked. However, black widows will definitely not hesitate to bite and can cause a medical emergency for certain individuals.
Most healthy adults can tolerate a bite from a black widow, and bites aren’t instantly fatal. Children, the elderly, the sick, or people who are allergic are in danger of serious health complications if medical attention is not sought.
Oddly enough, some people don’t even feel the bite from a black widow, while others experience intense burning pain. The venom can cause headaches, cramps, convulsions, nausea, and a host of other symptoms. Some individuals will experience increased blood pressure and breathing difficulty as a result of being bitten.
Medical attention should always be sought for a black widow bite. Taking a picture of the spider responsible for the bite or capturing it can help medical professionals confirm the correct antivenom treatment.
How To Prevent Black Widow Spiders
As scary as black widow spiders can seem, they can be kept away from your property with a few simple adjustments:
- Clear away hiding spots: Wearing gloves and shoes, clear away cluttered areas in basements and attics where spiders can hide. Move firewood piles away from the property.
- Mow the lawn: By mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges regularly, you eliminate hiding spots for the insects that black widows and other spiders feed on.
- Reduce moisture: Ventilate attics and basements by opening windows regularly. Fix any leaking pipes to prevent moisture from accumulating. Try installing a dehumidifier to make your property less appealing to spiders and other pests.
- Clean up around the house: Prevent the bugs that spiders prey on from infesting your property by wiping down surfaces where you cook and eat, vacuuming or mopping floors, and taking out the trash.
If you have an active infestation of black widow spiders on your McKinney property, don’t try to handle the problem on your own. Get in touch with the pros at Adams Exterminating Company. Our trained technicians will safely eliminate your spiders so you can relax once again. Contact us today to request your free inspection.