Everyone seems to deal with spiders to varying degrees. Some people seem to cope well when encountering spiders. Then there are those who suffer from arachnophobia, a severe fear of eight-legged creatures. Whether you’re either one of those or somewhere in between, one thing is certain — nobody wants spiders in their house, especially black widow spiders.
Though they may not be as prevalent as most types of house spiders, these poisonous spiders are not uncommon in San Mateo. Black widows are known for their potent venom and should be avoided at all costs. If you happen to come across one in your home, it is highly recommended that you contact your local San Mateo pest control company. Don’t put yourself or your family at risk. Pacific Pest Management has highly trained technicians that can safely remove these dangerous pests for you.
How To Identify A Black Widow Spider
There are quite a few common spiders in northern California, and there are even spiders that look like black widows. So, having the ability to identify the more dangerous spiders is important to your family’s safety.
The female black widow has a shiny black body, while their male counterpart is more of a light gray color. The distinguishing red hourglass on the underside of the female abdomen is what separates the black widow from other species. The males have a group of red dots on their backs instead of the hourglass. The female grows to a length of ½ to ¾ inch long and has long, thin legs.
The Dangerous Effects Of A Black Widow Spider's Bite
Black widows are considered the most venomous spiders in California. Even though their bite is very rarely lethal, it is recommended that you seek medical attention at once if bitten by one. The venom they inject attacks the human nervous system, and symptoms can vary greatly.
- The immediate reaction is usually a bad burning pain that will swell and redden with time.
- Your muscles may then become achy and stiff.
- Nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting are also possible symptoms.
- You may experience heavy perspiration, breathing difficulty, and weakness.
Time is of the essence when dealing with a black widow spider bite. Please don’t wait for these symptoms to arise before you contact your physician.
Factors That Attract Black Widow Spiders To Your Property
One rule of thumb in keeping black widows away is to reduce their food source of insects. Good housekeeping is one of the most effective ways to accomplish that goal. Some steps you can take include:
- Get rid of clutter in and around your home, especially in dark, secluded places like basements and garages. Those are the black widows’ favorite hangouts.
- Keep spills and food crumbs to a minimum on kitchen floors, countertops, and food pantries.
- Make sure trash can lids have a tight seal.
- Seal up any cracks and crevices that black widows can use as an entryway into your home.
- Check that all windows and doors have a tight fit when closed.
These are just some of the tips to help control black widows, along with many other types of different pests. Unfortunately, they are no guarantee.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders
Your best bet to rid your San Mateo home of black widows is to call in the professionals. Pacific Pest Management has more than 17 years of knowledge and experience in pest control. We have the safest and most effective treatment and prevention plans to solve your black widow problems. Give us a call today to learn about our effective and affordable control solutions to fit your needs.