Here in Raleigh, we have to deal with all sorts of different spiders. While all of these spiders are beneficial to the world around them, when they come into our homes, they become pests. To make matters worse, some of the spiders that come into our homes can be quite dangerous to people. One such spider is the black widow. Considered to be the most dangerous spider in America, the black widow is a pest no Raleigh property owner ever wants to encounter. It's important for you to take the necessary steps to keep this dangerous arachnid from around your property.
Identifying Black Widow Spiders
Black widows, like all spiders, are arachnids and have segmented bodies that consist of two parts, as well as eight legs. Black widows are predominantly black in color, and the females feature a red hourglass-like figure on their abdomens. Only the female black widows bite, so if you spot the hourglass, be extremely cautious.
Black widows prefer to build their webs in dry areas that are close to the ground. Outside, this could be under rocks, fallen trees, or by decks, in woodpiles, or on dense vegetation. Black widows can also build their webs inside of sheds and garages. If they venture inside a home, black widows will often be found in basements and crawlspaces, especially if they are filled with clutter or debris.
Threats Posed By Black Widow Spiders
Black widows are considered to be the most dangerous spider in the United States. This is because black widows possess very strong venom that can have adverse effects on the central nervous system of people who are bitten. In rare instances, bites from black widows have resulted in death. Although this is uncommon, there are still several other reasons you do not want to be bitten by one of these spiders.
Bites from black widow spiders are extremely painful. The affected area will usually swell before the pain spreads throughout the body. Additionally, black widow bites can result in extreme stomach cramping and profuse sweating. Most of the symptoms of a black widow bite can be kept under control with treatment by a medical professional. If you think you have been bitten by a black widow, be sure to seek medical attention immediately, without delay.
Black Widow Spider Prevention Techniques
When it comes to black widow spider prevention, the main objective is to limit the number of places on which they might build their webs. Since black widows feed on other pests, basic pest prevention should be practiced to lower the odds of having black widows enter your home.
Black widow prevention techniques include:
Keep woodpiles away from the exterior of your home.
Keep gardens away from the exterior of your home.
Remove any fallen trees, rocks, or debris from around your yard.
Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home with caulk.
Install weather stripping around windows and exterior doors.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Install window and door screens where needed and ensure all existing screens are well-maintained.
Fix leaky pipes and fixtures around your home.
Use dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels low around your home.
For More Black Widow Spider Prevention Advice & Assistance
If you have any further questions regarding black widow spider prevention, or if you are currently dealing with black widows on your Raleigh property, contact the professionals here at Pest & Termite Consultants right away. Our trained pest technicians have all the experience and expertise required to effectively remove and eliminate any black widow infestation with which you are dealing. We will work with you to create spider prevention and treatment plans to ensure your property is protected from future infestations. Don’t put your health at risk by letting black widows roam free around your home. Call the Raleigh pest experts at Pest & Termite Consultants today.