You’ve heard how dangerous a black widow spider. CBS News reported that “the bite of a female black widow is thought to be 15 times more potent than that of a rattlesnake. A bite can cause severe muscle pain and spasms, as well as abdominal cramps, for up to a week. More than 2,000 people report black widow bites yearly, but deaths are rare these days”.
What is a black widow spider?
Black widow spiders are known for their dangerously venomous bite. Females can be identified by a small red/orange-ish spot on their abdomen and males can be identified by their lighter color and a yellow or white marking on their ventrum. Black widow spiders are most recognized for the red hourglass shape under their abdomen. They have 8 legs and are 1-1/2 to 1-3/8 inches long with no antennae. The females are known to eat their male partner after mating.
Where do you find them?
Black widow spiders like well-lit and dry places such as:
Outdoors: stones, firewood piles, boards building materials, trash piles, under porches, in crawlspaces, barns, outhouses and sheds.
Indoors: cluttered areas of garages, crawl spaces and basements.
Black widows are active in temperatures 70 degrees or higher. They can survive in lower temperatures with the right conditions. Black widow spiders spin irregular webs, which they build at night near ground level. Once complete, these spiders hang upside-down in their webs.
Why do they bite?
A black widow is willing to strike if their eggs are in harm, if the spider has been startled, or if the spider feels threatened. Unfortunately, their reclusive behavior makes it’s hard to detect where a black widow is living in order to avoid them. While male black widow spiders rarely bite, females are known to be aggressive and bite in defense, especially after laying, and when guarding eggs.
What to do if you get bit?
Although dangerous, black widow bites create discomfort for three to seven days and the effects of a bite often include muscle pain, cramps, and muscle spasms. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and nausea. Antivenom has been created to minimize pain. Studies have shown that a placebo has been just as effective in combating pain associated with a black widow bite.
Fatalities are unlikely, as long as proper medical treatment is sought in a timely manner. Black widows are poisonous when ingested during the first 17 days of their life. If you notice black widows or signs of infestation, contact a professional immediately for a proper course of black widow spider control.
Black widow spider extermination
Unlike many pests which are unsightly or may cause damage to your home, black widow spiders can cause bodily harm and possible death. If black widows have invaded your yard, outbuildings, or worse, your home, it is essential you destroy these insects right away. Drive-Bye Exterminators pest control company gives you complete black widow spider extermination and stops the threat to you and your family. Despite their name, widows active in Florida may appear in reddish colors as well as black.
Don’t risk a Black Widow bite yourself; call an exterminator to deal with these dangerous pests. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of Florida’s best pest control companies.Drive-Bye Exterminators offers home and commercial pest control services in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Drive-Bye Exterminators has state certified inspectors and exterminators provide roach, subterranean termite, dry wood termite, roaches, spider, ant and flea services to both commercial and residential clients. Whether a business owner needs help getting rid of a termite infestation, or a homeowner wants to rid their kitchen of ants, Drive-Bye Exterminators offers each client the same level of professionalism and excellence.
Request a FREE Pest Control or Termite Inspection today with the Professionals of Drive-Bye Exterminators. Contact Us Today at 727-787-2127.
