Spiders are a part of our every day environment and one species of spider that adapted to live side by side with humans is the Southern black widow. They are often found near homes, patios, decks and garages. There is a lot of confusion about the Southern black widow spider and how to control them. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control will share more about the Southern black widow spider that is often found around our homes and businesses.
Southern Black Widow Spider Identification
The Southern black widow spider has become an iconic image for all the spider species. After all, most of us know a black widow spider when they see one. With their smaller head and what seems an oversized abdomen, bulking long black legs and a shiny black body with that distinct red hourglass marking on their underside, when people hear the word spider, that’s the typical image they see. The Southern black widow spider is considered a medium size spider and depending on where you’re from, the female can reach up to ½ inch in length. That does not include their legs. The males reach about ¼ of an inch in length and again, this does not include their legs.
Are Southern Black Widow Spiders Venomous?
Many see the Southern black widow spider as a threat and because of their venomous bite, they are an unwanted pest. Where their bite is dangerous and you should seek medical help if bitten, know that some can recover from a Southern black widow spider bite without the need of medical treatment or anti-venom treatments. Normally, the Southern Black Widow spider only bites if they feel threatened. The black widow spider makes a venom that affects your nervous system. Some people are slightly affected by it, but others may have a severe response. Right away, you may feel severe pain, burning, swelling, and redness at the site. More severe symptoms can include breathing difficulties, cramping, vomiting and tremors.
Where are Black Widow Spiders Found?
They will spin their web on the outside of a hole or dark areas where they can hide during the day and come out at night to feed. Often Southern black widow spiders will hide in shoes or other dark areas inside or around homes. Once people have disturbed the location, they can get a bite. The elderly and children definitely should be rushed to the hospital as the venom can be more fatal in those cases. You should never take their bites lightly. Even so, their bites aren’t nearly as deadly as many make it out to be.
How Do You Keep Black Widow Spiders Away?
It helps to seal up cracks around your home and yard and maintain a clean and clutter free yard. You can also prevent a ready food source for the Southern black widow spider. They will eat any insect that gets caught in their webs. They especially like cockroaches, moths and flies. Additionally you can spray pesticides and insecticides around your home. After you have contacted a professional pest control company and when they come out to perform their services, tell them about all the pests you’ve noted. If applicable, tell them you also have a black widow problem and where you have seen them the most. This helps them know what types of spray and control methods to use around your home.
Spider Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal, Management & More 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
A Five Star Termite & Pest Control wants to help safeguard you and your home from harmful pests such as the Southern black widow spider, or any other pest that intrudes in your home. If you have a pest problem and want a clean pest free environment, contact us today and we will help make your home or business pest free.
