What Jacksonville Residents Should Know About Black Widow Spiders
While there are many types of spiders in North Carolina, most people have at least heard of black widows. Black widows get their name from the idea that the females bite the heads off of males after mating, but this rarely occurs in nature. There is also a good deal of misconception regarding these spiders and their bites which we will go over.
Jacksonville pest control companies know that black widow spiders are one of the few dangerous spiders we find in our area. We’ll walk you through how to tell if the spider you found in your home is a black widow, where you may find them, and most importantly, how to safely get rid of spiders like black widows in your home.
How To Tell If The Spider In Your Home Is A Black Widow
Black widow spiders have a few characteristics that help them stand out from other types of spiders in North Carolina. These spiders are typically black, with two red triangles on their abdomen in the shape of an hourglass. They measure between 1/2 and 3/8 of an inch, and the females are typically larger than the males.
Their webs can also help distinguish them from other spiders found in homes. Black widows construct messy webs that have irregular shapes. You will likely find the webs near ground level. Another sign of these spiders in your house is finding silken egg sacs, typically in doorways. It is important to note that if you find any of the above evidence, the safest option is to contact a pest control company to remove them safely.
The Symptoms Of A Black Widow Spider’s Bite
Black widows are not typically aggressive spiders, but the females will bite, especially if they feel their eggs are in danger. Black widow spiders and their bites are rarely deadly, despite what you may have heard. However, they are still dangerous spiders if you get a bite.
The symptoms of a black widow spider bite include fever, nausea, increased blood pressure, and sweating. You will feel pain immediately if bitten, which generally peaks between one to three hours. It is important to note that the pain can linger for up to three days. If you find yourself with a black widow bite, it is unlikely to be fatal if you seek medical attention immediately.
Where You Might Find Black Widow Spiders On Your Property
Black widow spiders have conditions they prefer when looking for a spot to build their webs. Here are some of the places on your property you may find them:
- Black widows prefer sheltered, dim locations to spin their webs, so garages, basements, and crawl spaces are where you will most likely find these spiders in your house.
- You will typically find them in places their prey are attracted to, mainly cluttered areas in your home.
- Outdoors these spiders prefer dry, man-made structures such as barns, sheds, and woodpiles.
Of all the spiders found in homes in North Carolina, black widows are ones you do not want to deal with on your own; female black widows can be aggressive spiders, mainly if they have just laid eggs.
How To Safely Get Rid Of A Black Widow Spider Problem
Efforts to get rid of spiders naturally with liquid mixtures of water and ingredients like vinegar or peppermint will be futile. Ultimately, you’ll only experience mild relief. Better ways to prevent these arachnids are:
- Close holes in foundations, windows, and doors.
- Fix leaks and moisture defects right away.
- Control warmth by utilizing a dehumidifier.
- Decrease clutter around the house to eliminate possible nesting centers for spiders.
- Brush up spider cobwebs and eggs.
- Keep grass and plants clipped.
- Sit greenery and wood two feet from the property.
- Scan storage items, outdoor furniture, and wood before bringing them indoors.
- Contact B&T Pest Control if you have critters that spiders consume.
Commercial pesticides and other management products for spiders aren’t robust enough to cease an infestation. If they were, they still would be problematic because of their pricing and hazards. B&T Pest Control can offer you intricate interior and exterior pest control treatments that are cost-efficient and safe. Block out dangerous black widow spiders now! Call us today!
The Safe & Effective Way To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders
The safest and most effective way to get rid of black widow spiders is to contact a local pest control company. Even trying to remove webs on your own can be dangerous. At B&T Pest Control, our service team members have experience dealing with all types of spiders in North Carolina. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your options for a pest-free home.