Whether a spider is dangerous or not, you probably don’t like the thought of them crawling anywhere near you. Most common invasive spiders are relatively harmless, but some can be downright dangerous. The black widow is among these more dangerous varieties, and learning how to avoid spider infestations of all kinds will help you stay protected from a nasty bite.
What Are Black Widow Spiders?
You probably know black widows for their iconic crimson hourglass marking found on their bellies. It’s good to be able to tell them apart from other common spiders, as they are one of the two most dangerous spiders in North America. Despite their venomous bites, black widows tend to be docile and solitary creatures. They are nocturnal hunters, meaning they tend to hide out in dark places during the hours of the day that people are out and about. Black widows often nest in woody areas, including piles of debris and stacks of firewood.
The Dangers Of A Black Widow Bite
While they are rare, black widow bites are far more serious than a normal spider bite. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a bite, seek medical attention immediately:
- Dizziness: Toxic compounds, like those found in a black widow’s venom, often cause high blood pressure, which contributes to dizziness and vertigo.
- Nausea: Our bodies respond to black widow poison by trying to expel it from our bodies, though this does little to address intravenous toxins from a spider bite.
- Short Breath: In addition to dizziness, some people experience tightness in the chest or shortness of breath following a black widow bite.
- Muscle Spasms: Black widow venom is designed to paralyze their prey. While humans are too big to be stopped completely, the effects can result in muscle spasms or numbness.
Tips For Spider Prevention
Spiders are mostly attracted to a property because other pests, the ones they eat, are already there. As such, spider prevention, including black widow prevention, is really about limiting access for a range of invasive pests. Here are some steps you can take:
- Crack Sealing: Small cracks or holes in a structure can act as wide open entryways for small bugs. Regularly check for and fix these areas.
- Food Storage: Foraging pests like ants and meal moths are attracted to easy food found in the pantry or fridge. Store food in secure areas and sturdy containers that can’t be chewed through.
- Trash Storage: The waste we keep in the trash bin is just as attractive to pests as the ready-to-eat foods we keep on-hand. Store trash in secure bins with tough bags, and make sure your outdoor receptacle is also fortified against foragers.
- Deep Cleaning: Stored food isn’t the only thing bugs can survive on. Pests can detect tiny crumbs or food traces that you might not be able to see. Regularly deep clean for crumbs and spills, especially under heavy appliances.
Get Help From Pest Pro Pest Control
Spider prevention is important because you don’t want to have to learn the hard way that a population is dangerous before you act on it. Since you have to protect against a wide range of bugs to truly keep spiders at bay, the best course of action for protection is to enlist the help of professionals. At Pest Pro Pest Control, our experts can provide your Salt Lake City property with more advice for pest prevention and we can get started on a thorough inspection right away. Whether black widows or other spiders are a problem on your property, you don’t want to let them hunt and grow in numbers. For total protection from dangerous and common spiders, trust Pest Pro Pest Control today.