According to the CDC, black widow spiders are the most venomous spiders in North America, so it's no wonder there are more questions about these kinds of spiders than any other. Here with answers to your questions about black widows and other Dallas pest control questions are the experts from Addison Pest Control.
Where Do Black Widow Spiders Live?
Black widow spiders are commonly thought of as backyard spiders, but this species can live in a variety of different places, both inside and out. The important thing for black widow spiders is they find a protected area that is unlikely to be disturbed. Outside this could mean inside a woodpile, tree stump, or shrubs, within barns, outhouses, sheds, or other outbuildings.
When they move inside, black widows tend to gravitate towards dark, cluttered areas like garages, basements, crawlspaces, attics, or closets. They may also hide inside shoes or underneath furniture. Black widows are more active during the night when they spin their messy webs.
Is A Black Widow Spider Bite Deadly?
Many people want to know are black widow spiders poisonous? Technically poisonous means toxic when ingested, and since we don't plan on eating black widows, the correct term is actually venomous. The response is that while black widow bites are extremely serious, they are rarely fatal. Black widows are one of the few spiders with fangs long enough to pierce our skin, and added to that; they are one of the most venomous spiders in North America.
It's important to take precautions when dealing with these and other pests. Wear gloves and protective equipment if you plan on interacting with a black widow. Keep firewood stored away from your home and seek prompt medical attention if bitten by a black widow.
Signs of a black widow bite include vomiting, difficulty breathing, chills, sweating, stomach cramps, and pain.
What Do I Do When I Find A Black Widow Spider In My House?
If you find a black widow in your house, you'll want to take extreme care to avoid being bitten. The best way to get rid of black widow spiders is with professional solutions from Addison Pest Control. We can remove the most common spiders in Texas, including the black widow, and help you set up plans to prevent dangerous and nuisance spiders from returning to your home. Call today to find out more about our spider control options.
What Should I Do To Get Rid Of The Black Widow Spiders In My Home?
The best way to get rid of black widows and other common house spiders is to minimize the factors attracting them to your home and minimize possible entry points. Get rid of spiders in your house with the following tips:
- Minimize factors that attract spider prey like flies and cockroaches by storing food properly and keeping trash cans covered.
- Eliminate excess moisture by fixing leaks, maintaining drainage, addressing condensation, and using dehumidifiers as needed.
- Organize cluttered areas inside your home where spiders are likely to hide.
- Remove brush piles, downed trees, and other debris from your property to limit harborage areas.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your foundation and exterior walls and install weather stripping around windows and doors to minimize gaps.
- Trim branches and shrubs away from exterior walls.
For help preventing and controlling black widows and other dangerous pests, don't hesitate to call on the local pest control experts at Addison Pest Control. We can help you eliminate spiders from your home and put plans in place to prevent them from returning. Call today to request your free inspection.