Black widow spiders are some of the most feared creatures on earth. Renowned for their deadly venomous bite, just the sight of a black widow is enough to paralyze you with terror. But is it all true? Are black widow spiders really that dangerous? The answer is: yes and no. If you think you’ve spotted black widow spiders in Buda, here’s what you need to know.
About Black Widow Spiders
Black widow spiders can be identified by the trademark red hourglass pattern on the underside of their abdomen. They are typically small, ranging in size from 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches in length. As their name suggests, they have a black coloration.
Black widows, like most spiders that reside in manmade structures, prefer a dark, moist, undisturbed habitat. Outside, they will spin their webs in woodpiles or stone walls, but will seek out shelter areas like sheds, attics, and basements where there is little human traffic. Organic debris and yard waste where prey insects can be found will also attract black widows.
The Danger Of Black Widow Spider Bites
Despite their reputation, a bite from a black widow spider isn’t necessarily deadly. The truth is, a bite from a black widow is usually only life-threatening for young children, the elderly, and the sick. But just because a bite isn’t a death sentence doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the threat seriously.
A bite from a black widow can cause a wide variety of excruciating symptoms. While some victims may not feel the bite at all, others experience sharp burning pain akin to a sting from a wasp. A black widow bite can be identified by redness and swelling occur at the site of injection, along with two minuscule fang marks like dark red pinpoints. A bite is often followed by headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. A bite from a black widow can also cause breathing difficulty and increased blood pressure.
Even if you’re a perfectly healthy adult, even if you think you can handle it, you need to get immediate medical attention if bitten by a black widow spider. Remain calm, put ice on the wound, and try to positively identify the spider if possible before medical help arrives.
How To Prevent Black Widows Spiders From Getting Into Your Buda Home
So, it’s clear that you don’t want to be bitten by a black widow, and you certainly don’t want vulnerable members of your family to be bitten. The good news is, there are ways that you can keep black widow spiders from entering your home.
- Get Rid Of Hiding Spots: Make sure there are no cluttered areas in your home where black widows can hide. Always wear gloves and shoes when disturbing areas where black widows may be.
- Clean Your Yard: Make sure to regularly mow your lawn and trim any hedges or brush close to your property to discourage prey insects from congregating. Move any piles of firewood, stone, or brick as far away from the home as possible.
- Eliminate Other Pests: Black widow spiders could be drawn to your property because of a reliable food supply. They prey on common household pests like flies, mosquitoes, and ants. Simply cleaning your kitchen and dining space to control the insect population can deter black widows from coming indoors for a meal.
- Sweep Up: Use a vacuum to remove all the webs that you see on and around your property.
Black widow spiders are a serious threat to your health and safety. Keep your family safe with the experts at White Knight Pest Control. If you need advice or assistance in dealing with black widows in your Buda, TX home, get in touch with us today at White Knight Pest Control for professional spider control services!