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Black Widow Spiders

What are they?

Black widow, (genus Latrodectus), one of the several black spider species characterized by an hourglass-shaped marking on the abdomen. Black widows are found throughout much of the world, particularly the Latrodectus mactans. The black widow’s bite often produces diaphragm muscle pain, nausea, and mild paralysis which make it difficult to breathe. Most victims recover without serious complications, but for very small children and the elderly a bite can be fatal.

Many different kinds of spiders live in Homes and around buildings. Some, such as garden and cellar spiders, construct webs to help entrap their prey. Widow spiders belong to the cobweb spider family and spin loosely organized trap webs. The webs are usually found under objects such as rocks and ground trash or under an overhanging embankment.

How to identify them?

Look for red markings on black female widows. The female black widows on their bellies are better known for the red spots. A black widow on the underbelly may have a connected red hourglass shape, or two triangles which do not touch in a slight hourglass shape.

One form of black widow has a row of reddish dots, rather than the hourglass shape for which the species is recognized. There is a lot of variance in black widows coloring. The markings can sometimes be brown, yellow, or orange. Also, sometimes the hourglass shape may be a single triangle or dot.

Search for a black body which is smooth, hairless. Black widows females are a gleaming black color. This color, except where the red spot is, should cover their legs and their abdomen. The body should be smooth and hairless. Search for coloring of juvenile and male black widows in brown and white. Both sexes’ male and juvenile black widows have smaller brown bodies and white markings. The stomach of the male is smaller and more oval shaped.

Many different kinds of spiders live in Homes and around buildings. Some, such as garden and cellar spiders, construct webs to help entrap their prey. Widow spiders belong to the cobweb spider family and spin loosely organized trap webs. The webs are usually found under objects such as rocks and ground trash or under an overhanging embankment.

Do black widow spiders infest?

The appearance of webs in the home or on the property is one of the most visible signs of a spider infestation. Black widow spiders generally build messy, irregular webs near ground level. Finding a silken sac containing eggs in the doorway is another indication that an infestation of the spider is underway. If you see any of those signs, you may need professional services of black widow spider extermination.

Call our service at Advance Pest Control to tackle the infestation.

Are Black widow spiders harmful?

Black widow spiders are one of a few structure-invading spiders with both fangs large enough to pierce human skin and venom strong enough to inflict significant side effects. In North America, the black widow is the most venomous spider. Bites, however, are very rarely lethal because the amount of venom injected is very small and very few people have black widows encounters in which they are bitten. Not every black widow bite is venomous.

A bite which is non-venomous cannot cause symptoms. However, the signs of a venomous bite may not be apparent but they may develop later.

Along with some pain and swelling at the bite site, bite of a black widow can show the following symptoms.

  • Itching or rash
  • Extreme stomach ache
  • Muscle or shoulder pain.

What are these spiders attracted to?

They can be found around piles of wood, and often enter homes when firewood is brought into a building. They prefer dark, dry sheltering places, and can be found in eaves, boxes, rodent holes, basements, barns, unused blankets and shoes inside, and crevices in the patio and deck.

Preventive measures

  • To prevent infestation of black widows, keep your yard in top shape by cutting tall grasses and removing piles or firewood and debris that are ideal habitats for web building and food collection.
  • Homes with infestations of insects can be especially attractive to black widows as they feed on ants, flies and other bugs that live in the house.
  • Wear gloves even when moving things out of basements, garages or storage areas to avoid bites. Be vigilant about spider webs, and shake your shoes before putting on.

Long term solution

Hiring a pest control professional can have several advantages in managing pests, particularly because they know how to treat and handle infestations properly. Some of the main reasons for hiring a professional pest control include, specialized plans, put together strategies specifically tailored to your specific needs. Such plans are often calculated on the basis of your home size, infestation rates and long-term prevention strategies.

The cost of DIY pest controls can be costly as the price of pesticides, sprays and other purchased items can add up, particularly if the products are misused. It is better to invest in cost-effective approaches at a Advance Pest Control service. Our team of specialists are trained to handle potential hurdles and the risks associated with the treatment. Although there are harmful sprays that can be used to attempt to get rid of disease-carrying pests, the use of pest control services will ensure full elimination year-round. Speak to our representative today to get the best rates.

For more information please call Advance Pest Control : 604-786-4161