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.

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.