Black widow spiders are notorious for being some of the most dangerous spiders around. But how much do you know about them? Learn how to identify a black widow, what the symptoms of a bite are, and how to get rid of these dangerous pests for good.
At Pro Active Pest Control, we offer residential and commercial pest control in Lincoln, including rodent control, spider control, bed bug control, and even more. We hope you’ll trust us to eliminate black widow spiders from your property.
Not sure if you have black widow spiders on your property? Read on to find out more information.
How To Identify A Black Widow Spider
There are two types of widow spiders: brown widow spiders and black widow spiders. The black widow spider is the much more dangerous spider of the two.
Since black widow spiders are not the common house spiders that you may be used to, you may have some trouble identifying them. Black widow spiders are usually black and have what looks like a red hourglass shape found on the underside of their abdomen. That red hourglass shape is their most distinguishing feature. It’s important to note that young black widow spiders are usually orange and white, while more mature black widow spiders are black. These spiders are up to 1 1/2 inches long, have eight legs, and have eight eyes. Their lifespan is about a year long.
Black widow spiders are mainly active in hotter climates, when the temperature is about 70 degrees or higher, but they can also be active in lower temperatures at times. These spiders enjoy spinning irregular-looking webs close to ground level, and can typically be found hanging upside down in their spider web.
The Symptoms Of A Black Widow Spider Bite
Do you believe you or a loved one has been bitten by a black widow spider? Black widow spiders are nothing like the harmless house spiders you’ve encountered in the past. A bite from a black widow is uncommon but not impossible, and the consequences can be frightening. In the unlikely event of a bite, it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for. The symptoms of a black widow spider bite include:
- A small red mark at the site of the bite
- Rigid stomach muscles
- Urine retention
- Sweating
- Pain
- Numbness
- Fever
These symptoms usually resemble having a bad flu. If you believe you’ve been bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can. Medical professionals will be able to supply you with the appropriate treatment that you need.
Where You Might Find Black Widow Spiders On Your Property
Black widow spiders usually look for dry and dark locations to spin their webs. Outdoors, these spiders can usually be found in barns, sheds, woodpiles, and tree stumps. Indoors, you’ll usually find black widow spiders in garages, attics, basements, and crawl spaces. The more cluttered the area, the more likely a black widow will choose to spin its web there.
The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders On Your Property
Living with black widow spiders would make anybody feel uneasy. The next logical step would be to get rid of black widows hiding in your property altogether.
The safest, best way to kill spiders is to contact a professional. This is where we step in! Here at Pro Active Pest Control, we’ll work hard to ensure that black widow spiders are the least of your worries. Our expert team will determine the appropriate pest control service for your property and provide quick and efficient results. Before you know it, your concerns about black widow spiders will be a thing of the past. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you and your family live pest-free.