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What Are Black Widow Spiders?
Black widow spiders are a species of venomous spider that live in most counties in our Middle Tennessee service area. They are glossy black in color and have a bulbous body with a distinct orange or red hourglass shape on their bellies.
Females can be 1½ inches around with their legs fully extended and have eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. Males are considered harmless and are about half the size of females. The males have red or yellow spots or bands on their sides or back.
Are Black Widow Spiders Dangerous?
Black widow spiders are a venomous spider species and their bites can affect humans. However, despite their bad reputation and the need to seek medical attention if you are bitten, it’s rare to be bitten and it’s extremely rare to experience long-term complications or death from a black widow bite.
Some people don’t notice that they have been bitten by a black widow right away, while others identify the bite as an immediate sharp pain. The severity depends on the location of the bite, how much venom was injected, and the person's individual sensitivity.
The black widow's venom travels through the bloodstream and affects the nervous system. Some common symptoms include severe cramping of the back and abdominal muscles, tremors, fever, and labored breathing. These symptoms typically subside within a couple of days. If you are bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention immediately and, if possible, collect and bring in the spider for identification.
What Causes Black Widow Spiders?
Black widow spiders prefer to live and build webs in areas that are warm, dark, and closed-in. They are often found along the perimeter of homes, crawl space doors, and AC units. Because of this, regular exterior applications similar to what is provided with our Perimeter Plus pest control or Green Choice pest control program can greatly reduce black widow spider populations.
Eliminating harborage areas can also help reduce the chances of black widow spiders moving onto your property. Rock and wood piles, lawn debris, and openings around your house can attract black widow spiders as they look for a secluded area in which to live.
How To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders
Call a professional pest control company for help getting rid of black widows. At All-American Pest Control, we offer effective home pest control services that target black widows, as well as house spiders and other household pests. Our services ensure you get rid of black widow spiders safely without risk to your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Rid of Black Widow Spiders Myself?
It is difficult to control black widow spiders without the help of a professional exterminator since they mainly live outdoors. It can also be dangerous to try to handle them on your own since they are venomous and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. If you are experiencing problems with black widow spiders, contact All-American Pest Control today.
How To Prevent Black Widow Spider Infestations
The best way to prevent black widow spiders is to eliminate their preferred habitats. Black widows prefer to stay in cluttered, undisturbed areas. Keep basements, garages, and other storage areas uncluttered and your yard free of debris to help decrease the population. Seal cracks and crevices in foundations and make sure that the screens are intact to prevent pests from entering your home.
Why Choose All-American Pest Control?
With 50+ years of industry experience, we know that it takes time, effort, and commitment to solve pest problems, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with All-American Pest Control. We provide services, a serious commitment, and thorough treatments to eliminate and prevent pests.
Our spider control services will protect your home from black widow spiders, house spiders, and more. The Perimeter Plus Pest Control plan provides year-round protection from invading pests.
