The Dangers Lurking In The Shadows: McAllen Black Widow Spiders

Spiders are predatory arachnids with two primary body segments, eight legs, multiple eyes, and no wings or antennae. All spiders can produce silk of differing types, but not all species spin webs for capturing types of prey. Most spiders produce venom, which they can inject with their fangs (chelicerae).

Some of the most common types of spiders found in Texas include wolf spiders, orb weaver spiders, brown recluse spiders, and black widow spiders. The brown recluse and the black widow represent the two most common types of spiders that may pose human health risks. 

The black widow spider is named because the female may kill the male after mating. The female black widow has a shiny, black body with a red or orange marking on its underside. The males generally appear more brown than black and usually have a smaller body than the female. 

Have you noticed the presence of spiders everywhere in your home?  Promptly contact a professional McAllen pest control expert with the knowledge regarding how to eliminate spiders from the property both safely and effectively. 

Five Places Black Widow Spiders Can Be Hiding In Your Home

If you are among the many local property owners struggling with spiders in your house, consider identifying some of their likely hiding spots as follows: 

1. Many types of spiders create webs in the upper corners of interior walls and will position themselves nearby.
2. Spiders sometimes will frighten property owners who encounter them when opening boxes or bags previously in storage areas.
3. If a spider is seeking moisture, it will often hide in basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, or laundry areas.  
4. Spiders that prefer drier environments might hide in air vents, attics, or closets.
5. During the daylight hours, some spiders will hide below furniture or appliances. 

Keep in mind that the presence of spiders often indicates that the premises also houses another type of pest that these unwanted critters prey on. 

Symptoms Of A Black Widow Spider Bite

A person that a black widow spider bites might experience a host of potential symptoms. The location of the bite, the depth of the bite, or the age of the individual can all influence the severity of it.  Many people will feel a sharp “pin-like” prick and experience redness, swollen, or itchy skin. 

More serious symptoms might include stomach cramps, headache, nausea, and sweating. Those who experience severe symptoms should promptly seek medical attention. Keep in mind that bites from most species of spiders could create irritation, and those who scratch at the area may develop a secondary infection. 

How To Effectively Kill Black Widow Spiders 

Using extreme caution, a property owner might use a fly swatter to kill a black widow or use a vacuum with strong suction to capture the spider and promptly empty the contents into a durable bag to seal and dispose of immediately. After noticing a potentially dangerous black widow spider, property owners are strongly encouraged to contact a professional pest control expert. 

How To Keep Black Widow Spiders Out Of Your Home

Property owners should closely inspect the exterior of the property for small cracks or gaps that may serve as points of entry for spiders. Use a durable caulk, sealant, or weatherstripping product to close any openings. Promptly repair any damaged window screens and install sweeps on exterior doors. 

Spiders will typically move indoors when sufficient food sources exist; therefore, other preventative measures to limit the number of insects or flies are critical. For example, regularly sweep up crumbs, wipe counters, and ensure trash cans containing food scraps have functioning lids. 

Contact the team with Bugworks Termite & Pest Control Company today for a spider control estimate.