If you've spotted black spiders with red markings on your property, you've encountered the infamous black widow. These dangerous spiders are a significant health hazard, as their painful bites can have serious, even fatal, consequences. Because they feed on other common household bugs, black widow spiders are attracted to homes that already have insect invaders.
Don't try to handle these venomous pests on your own. Learn more about black widow spiders in this informative guide and how A-1 Bonded Termite can keep these pests away from your property.
How To Identify A Black Widow Spider
Black widow spiders get their name from a myth that females kill and eat male spiders after mating. While females are much larger than males, this phenomenon rarely occurs. There are five species of black widow spiders found in the United States. Adult insects are black with signature red markings on their abdomen. These two triangular-shaped red markings come together to form an hourglass shape. Young spiders are orange and white and have the same markings as adults.
Black widow spiders are nocturnal and weave their webs close to ground level at night. Rather than the beautiful symmetry of a garden spider web, these webs have a messy, disorganized appearance and uneven shape. They prefer to catch and eat cockroaches, beetles, ants, and scorpions. Female spiders lay their eggs in a round, yellowish sac. Finding webs or egg sacs in your home or yard is a telltale sign of an infestation, and you should contact an exterminator right away.
The Dangers Of A Black Widow Spider's Bite
Known as one of the most poisonous spiders in California, the black widow spider has a severe bite. They are only aggressive when provoked, which is why you should never attempt to remove these pests from your home without the help of a professional. When they do bite, black widow spiders inject venom that negatively impacts the nervous system. Fortunately, most people suffer mild effects, such as burning, swelling, redness, and pain at the bite site.
Black widow spider bites cause severe reactions that require immediate medical attention on rare occasions. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Stiff or sore muscles, approximately eight hours after being bitten
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors or weakness
- Itchy rash
- Swollen eyelids
- Trouble breathing
- Severe abdominal pain
If you have a black widow spider bite and are suffering from one or more of these reactions, you need to head to the closest emergency room.
Factors That Attract Black Widow Spiders To Your Property
It's important to know what makes homes attractive to black widow spiders in order to keep them away. Here are some of the factors that entice these dangerous pests to your property:
- Tall grass
- Firewood piles
- Yard debris, such as branches and leaves
- Prior insect infestations, specifically ants, flies, cockroaches, and beetles
- Cluttered storage areas with old paper and cardboard boxes
- Bright lighting at night, which attracts pests that black widow spiders feed on
- Leaky pipes or sources of moisture
Make an effort to eliminate these attractors to keep spiders away. In the event of an infestation, contact a pest control professional, like A-1 Bonded Termite.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders
Whether you're dealing with a black widow spider infestation or are looking to prevent one, A-1 Bonded Termite has your back. We've been proudly serving the community since 1976 and are one of the best sources of pest control in Anaheim.
Our treatment services start with a full inspection to diagnose the problem. We'll then come up with a customized solution to target and eradicate these worrisome pests from your property. Don't let black widow spiders keep you up at night. Give us a call today to learn more about how A-1 Bonded Termite can get rid of spiders in your home for good.