Even though spiders are feared by many, they are excellent at keeping insect populations in check. But to many people, this benefit doesn’t outweigh the potential they have to harm us. Fortunately there are over 800 species of spiders in Texas and only a few of them can hurt people. The two groups of spiders that are considered venomous to humans are widow spiders and recluse spiders. Tarantulas, wolf spiders, jumping spiders and some other spiders look as though they should be venomous because they are often large and hairy, but their bite is known to be less harmful than a bee sting. If a person is allergic to spider venom, they can react severely to any spider bite.
Black Widow Spiders
The black widow spider and its relatives live all over the United States. Widow spiders can be found in protected cavities outdoors. They can live in garages, cellars, shrubbery, rain spouts and any area that remains undisturbed most of the time. Just like most other spiders, widow spiders are shy. Spiders almost only bite when they are accidentally disturbed in their hiding spot or web. Take care around areas they are likely to hide and wear gloves when you are working outdoors. The black widow spider is typically jet black with a red hourglass-shaped marking on their rounded abdomen, but coloring can vary. Males and juveniles are usually more colored and have orange or red and white markings on the back and sides. Some have spot-like markings. Adult widow spiders average about 1 ½ inches long and have eight eyes arranged in two rows. If you even notice you’ve been bitten by a black widow it might feel like a pin prick. There will be slight local swelling and two red spots surrounded by redness. Pain becomes intense in one to three hours, continuing for up to 48 hours.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Recluse spiders are also shy, as their name implies. They will hide in webs during the day and are predators of insects and other arthropods at night. Their body and legs cover an area about the size of a quarter or half-dollar. They can vary in color from orange-yellow to dark brown. The best way to identify a brown recluse is to look at its eye pattern and the markings on their back. Uncommon in spiders, they have six eyes that are arranged in three pairs. They also have a violin-shaped marking on the back that might blend with the background color. Depending on the amount of venom and the sensitivity of the victim, the effect of a brown recluse spider bite may be immediate or delayed. The bite can cause a stinging sensation within 24 to 36 hours. The bite also produces a small blister surrounded by a large congested and swollen area.
Spider Control in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
The more you know about spiders the less likely you are to fear them. You will also be able to distinguish between those that can hurt you and those that can’t. It’s good to learn how to prevent them from entering your home and how to control the ones that do. That’s where A Five Star Termite & Pest Control comes in. Give us a call today!
