With warm breezes blowing and the sun's heat luring people to spend more time outdoors, many Plano residents anticipate airing out their properties and removing long-accumulating "dust bunnies." Waiting in the recesses of your nooks and crannies could be a black widow spider, and if you are not adequately protected, it could put a damper on your cleaning frenzy. For this reason, professional pest control in Plano is imperative for your safety.
How To Identify A Black Widow Spider
There are over 3,000 different species of spiders crawling around North America. The black widow spider in Plano, Texas, is of particular concern; therefore, identifying it is crucial.
Four characteristics of black widow spiders include:
- It has an oval, shiny black body with two red triangles (the shape of an hourglass) under its abdomen.
- It measures between 1 1/2 to 1 3/8 inches long.
- Like other spiders, black widow spiders have eight legs.
- It builds messy, irregular webs at ground level.
Black widow spiders pack a powerful and painful punch when they bite. With this danger possibly lurking in dark places around your property, it is wise to have a pest professional like All-Safe Pest & Termite on call.
The Dangers Of A Black Widow Spider's Bite
Black widow spiders don't look for a fight, but they will bite when their web is disturbed (chiefly when a female has laid eggs). When black widow spiders do bite, the aftereffects can be very uncomfortable.
Dangers associated with a black widow bite include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Fever
- Cramps/muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Sweating
Symptoms associated with black widow spiders will typically resolve after a few days; however, children and older people are more prone to severe reactions. Fatalities are rare, but people should seek medical attention early if severe symptoms occur.
The Safe And Effective Way To Remove Black Widow Spiders
Removing creepy spiders from your property may seem like a straightforward proposition, but it is not. Residents should use extreme caution when attempting to remove venomous spiders like black widows.
Four safety recommendations include:
- Using a broom or vacuum to clean cobwebs
- Wearing heavy gloves when moving stored items, yard debris, and firewood
- Inspecting clothing or shoes stored away for a long time
- Identifying spider hideouts with a flashlight before removing them
The best way to eliminate black widow spiders is by contacting the Plano pest control experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite. We know where black widows like to hide and have specialized equipment to remove them safely.
Five Simple Prevention Tips To Avoid Future Black Widow Spiders
Nobody wants the dangerous black widow spider hanging out in the corners of their property. With some easy steps, it is possible to reduce the possibility of future black widows finding comfortable accommodations on your property.
Five simple prevention tips include:
- Frequently inspecting favorite hideouts (corners, dark, undisturbed places, cracks) and removing webs with a broom/vacuum
- Keeping clutter to a minimum (especially in garages, sheds, basements, and attics)
- Keeping yard debris and stacked firewood well away from foundations
- Trimming vines, shrubs, and tree limbs that touch buildings
- Ensuring screens and door sweeps are in good repair
Let's face it, black widow spiders are tiny and can slip into the smallest spaces. The best way to get rid of black widow spiders is with help from All-Safe Pest & Termite. Place a call to All-Safe Pest & Termite today - you can trust that our 30+ years of experience will solve your home pest problems quickly and efficiently.