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SPIDERS: THE CREEPY CRAWlers
Did you know there are an estimated 3,500 species of spiders in the U.S? While most of us welcome beneficial and harmless spiders in our gardens because they keep other pests away from your flowers and vegetables, you probably don't want to host them in your home. But, when they make their way into your home, they’re not such a pleasant sight. Most household spiders are harmless to humans, but you’ll want to be aware of any Black Widow or Brown Recluse sightings, as their bites are highly toxic. To learn more about specific spiders you do NOT want to see in your home, continue down below. If you believe you may have these spiders in your home, call now! Don't wait until a spider bite has occurred.
Brown Recluse Spider
Habits of a Brown Recluse Spider:
True to its name, the brown recluse is both brown and reclusive. The body of an adult brown recluse is light brown, except for a darker, violin-shaped marking on the back, immediately behind its eyes. This mark helps identify the spider, though it develops as the spider does and is not present in young brown recluses. An even more important identifier is the number and arrangement of the eyes. Unlike most spiders which have eight eyes, brown recluse spiders have six eyes arranged in three pairs.
Brown recluse feed on small prey such as insects. Indoors, they are typically found in any undisturbed area, such as seldom-used clothing and shoes, under furniture, inside boxes, among papers or in crevices such as baseboards and window moldings. Crawl spaces, attics, closets and basements are the most common hiding areas. Outside, these spiders are usually found around utility boxes woodpiles and around rocks.
Brown Recluse Spider Bite:
Both the male and the female brown recluse spider can bite and inject venom. While usually not felt, the bite results in a stinging sensation followed by intense pain as long as six to eight hours later. A small blister can develop around the bite which can then turn into an open ulcer. Symptoms of this bite can include fever, restlessness and difficulty sleeping. Call a physician or go to an emergency room immediately if bitten.
How to prevent Brown Recluse Spiders:
Clothes and shoes should not be left on the floor, or they must be shaken out before wearing, especially if stored in the basement, garage, or other dark areas. Store clothing and shoes inside up off the ground in dressers or plastic containers. Pay close attention to boots, gloves, baseball mitts and skates that are used less often. Be sure to shake out items that are used less often before using. Seal all internal and external cracks and crevices to prevent entry. If you are bitten by a brown recluse spider, seek prompt medical attention.
Black Widow Spider
Black widows are notorious spiders identified by the colored, hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. Black widow spiders get their common name from the popular belief that the female eats the male after mating, a phenomenon which rarely happens in nature. Although fatalities are rare, the black widow’s venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s and can cause muscle aches and nausea, as well as make breathing difficult.
Habits of a Black Widow Spider:
Black widows are active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive in lower temperatures with the right conditions. Black widow spiders spin irregular webs, which they typically build at night. Once their web is complete, these spiders hang upside-down in their webs, which are usually less than 1 foot in diameter.
Black Widow Spider Bite:
The biggest threat posed by black widows is their bite. Young children, elderly and those that have their immune system compromised are at the highest risk. While male black widow spiders rarely bite, females may bite in defense, especially after laying eggs. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and nausea. Pain is usually almost immediate and reaches its maximum in 1-3 hours. The pain associated with a black widow spider bite may continue for one to three days and then gradually subside.
How to prevent Black Widow Spiders:
People can minimize the risk of being bitten by a black widow spider by reducing clutter in basements and garages. Wear heavy gloves when moving items that have been stored for a long period of time. Before wearing shoes, make sure to inspect them as they are a frequent spider hiding spot. Store firewood five inches off the ground and at least twenty feet from the house. If you are bitten by a black widow spider, seek prompt medical attention.
Wolf Spider
The average wolf spider can range from 1/2 to 2 inches long. Wolf spiders are identifiable thanks to their hairy body, which ranges in color from orangish-brown to gray or black and features splotches or stripes that give it a camouflaged look. The eight eyes of the wolf spider are set in three rows of three different sizes, with two medium-sized eyes on top of its head, two large eyes front and center, and four small eyes below those.
Habits of a Wolf Spider:
Wolf spiders can live just about anywhere they can find a consistent supply of insects to feed on. Wolf spiders can be a very common pest in the fall when they're seeking shelter from the cooling temperatures, a practice that often drives them indoors. In the home, they can be found around door or window frames, in houseplants, and in basements and garages. Wolf spiders actively hunt during the night and usually rest in sheltered places during the day. They are fast on their feet and pursue prey.
Because wolf spiders feed on a variety of insects, including crop pests, they can be beneficial. Wolf spiders can bite, but it's extremely rare to experience a wolf spider bite unprovoked. Wolf spiders are not aggressive and will not bite unless frightened or provoked. Although the wolf spider's bite is not deadly, it can be very painful.
Wolf Spider Bite:
How to prevent Wolf Spiders:
To help dissuade wolf spiders from entering your home, seal up any cracks, crevices, gaps, and other openings in your home, concentrating around the exterior structure, foundation, doors, and windows. Discarding piles of old paper and boxes and keeping your home clean can also help to reduce potential spots where the spider may seek out shelter.
How to Get Rid of Spiders:
Spiders are sneaky, and like other pest invaders, are small and able to fit through the smallest cracks and crevices leading into your home. However, there are still some preventative measures you can take to avoid a spider problem in the first place. A few ways include: Seal up any cracks and entry points into your home, keep your home clean and picked up, control moisture levels, get rid of other pests, and maintain the outside of your home. If you start seeing spiders in your home, contact us today. At Bug Shockers Pest Control, we use high-quality products and treat ant invasions at the source. Our team can help you get rid of spiders and give you tips for how to prevent them in the first place. If you think you might have an ant problem, contact us today!