What is a black widow?
Black widow spiders, also known by the latin name Latrodectus spp, are eight legged arthropods. They’re characterized by their shiny black color and the distinct red hourglass marking found on their bellies. Black widow spiders’ vary in size between the genders, with males measuring between 3 and 10 mm and females tending toward larger sizes up to 13 mm in length.
There are a few other black widow identification characteristics. They tend to be shy in nature and only socialize for the purpose of mating, which makes them particularly susceptible to being startled. They spin large webs with suspended cocoons during the night, as they are nocturnal, and if you see one it’s more likely than not going to be hanging upside down and showing off that tell-tale red hourglass shaped warning sign.
Are black widows dangerous?
Yes! If provoked, female black widow spiders have been known to attack and possess the most toxic bite of any known spider in the United States. Within the first hour of a bite from a black widow spider, you’ll begin to feel dull muscle pain, swelling of the bitten area, and general discomfort, nausea, and perspiration – if you’ve been bitten and feel these things, go to a doctor to be treated immediately. While their bites are unlikely to be fatal, that does not mean that, if left untreated, they cannot become a serious problem.
Why do I have black widows?
This variety of spider likes to hide in dark, secluded areas of your home. Crevices, garages, basement corners, cluttered attics, woodpiles, and anywhere they can find that has the right dimness and protection they prefer. If you have piles of leaves, wood, or old boxes in areas of your home that are also dim and dark, then you have the perfect breeding ground for a potential black widow spider infestation.
How can I prevent black widow infestations?
Don’t give them the environments they like to thrive in, including cluttered indoor and outdoor spaces. Keep seals on doors, windows, and all variety of entrance or exit in proper condition. Most importantly, if you ever see any webs or egg sacs in your home, immediately use a vacuum cleaner to remove them before eggs have a chance to hatch and spread infestations further.
How can Gregory Pest stop my pest problem?
An expert exterminator from Gregory Pest Solutions will be your full-service pest solutions provider. They specialize in the effective removal and prevention of black widows and their webs. All you have to do is give us a call.
When you hire us to evaluate how extensive your home’s pest problem is, one of our pros will be sent to assess the spider situation and then formulate an environmentally friendly plan on how to get rid of the black widow spiders. Once we implement our plan, our experts can make recommendations for sealing any openings that are prime for black widows as well as any other variety of spider so that you and your family can enjoy a lasting pest-free environment.
Where can I get help with black widows?
Sometimes black widows find their way into your home or business. If you need help getting them out, Gregory Pest Solutions has you covered. Our pest prevention services are comprehensive and offered in South Carolina. Whatever you need, commercial or residential, we’ve got you covered.
You can use the form below to get in touch with our team of expert pest removal technicians. Schedule an appointment, give us a call, or request a quote today.