Black widow spiders are notorious for being one of the only species of venomous spiders in Texas. Although their venom is potent, black widows may not be the terrifying arachnid many people fear. If you’re dealing with black widows around your home, contact All-Safe Pest and Termite for help. Our Houston pest control is centered on keeping you and your home safe and pest-free. Call us today to learn more about our spider control options.
How To Identify A Black Widow
Black widows are distinctive spiders. They’re all black with a bright red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen. Adult black widows are typically between an inch and an inch and a half long. Black widow spiders can also be identified by their webs, which are messy and irregular.
Black Widow Spider Bites Can Lead To Serious Medical Problems
The good news is that black widows do not bite humans very often. They know they can’t eat humans, so they bite only for self-defense. However, black widows are venomous spiders. Their venom is potent and can cause severe reactions. You should seek medical attention if a black widow spider has bitten you.
Where You Might Find Black Widow Spiders On Your Property
Black widows like to hide. If you do see one—and you might not—it’ll probably be in a secluded, quiet area of your home. Black widows build their nests in areas where they won’t be bothered, such as in attics, under porches, and sheds. Wood piles, in particular, can be dangerous. Black widow spiders will hide in the wood, then bite when someone reaches into the pile.
Black widow prevention hinges on keeping spiders out of your house. You can take a few steps to make your home a little more spider-proof.
- Seal cracks in the walls
Spiders can fit into small spaces. And because black widows don’t like to be bothered, they’ll especially try and crawl into holes in the walls. Having cracks in the walls gives spiders a way to enter your home, and they can provide extra hiding places. You can keep spiders out by taking the time to repair these gaps.
- Reduce clutter
Excess clutter around your home and debris around your yard gives spiders more hiding places. But by keeping corners clear and spaces open, black widows won’t have anywhere in your home to feel protected, which can keep spiders away.
- Be careful with firewood and other outdoor items
You should store firewood at least twenty feet from home and off the ground. Additionally, any outdoor storage—including tool sheds and garages—should be entered cautiously. Wear gloves when reaching into an area you can’t see clearly, and be careful when picking up items that have been stored outside.
- Address other pest issues
Black widows eat insects and other spiders. If you see lots of them around your home, there are also lots of available bugs for them to eat. Taking care of that issue—getting rid of whatever insects the spiders are feeding on—might be the solution you need for solving a spider problem.
Black widow infestations around the home can be a stressful situation. That’s why All-Safe Pest and Termite offers spider control options to take this off your shoulders.
How To Safely Get Rid Of A Black Widow Spider Problem
All-Safe Pest and Termite offers treatment options for all different types of spiders in Houston. Our plans are affordable and effective at getting rid of spider infestations. After a thorough inspection to find where the spiders are hiding, we’ll work with you to find the best way to remove black widow spiders from your house. All it takes is a phone call, and we’ll be on our way to providing a spider-free future.