The Tri-State area of Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois is home to many types of spiders, some of which are relatively harmless and are more of a nuisance than anything else. There are however a couple of dangerous spiders in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, and Louisville as well as throughout the region that residents should be on the lookout for. Both the brown recluse spider and the black widow can be found in these parts and are considered dangerous because their bites can cause a strong reaction and have even proven fatal in some cases.
What Do Brown Recluse Spiders Look Like?
Have you ever come across a spider with a fiddle-shaped pattern near its eyes? If so, then you’ve had a close encounter with a brown recluse. Usually tan to dark brown, both the male and female of this species measure about ½ inch in length.
Though the brown recluse spider is not considered aggressive towards people (they’ve even been noted as shy), this arachnid could bite if it feels threatened or is handled. A brown recluse spider bite may produce nothing more than a mild irritation but it could also prove more serious and result in open sores. Again, in some instances, victims have died from a bite. Brown recluse spiders tend to seek out secluded areas (i.e. attics, crawl spaces, basements, closets, etc.) and are most active at night when they are looking for prey.
What Do Black Widow Spiders Look Like?
The venomous black widow spider appears glossy black in coloring and is most recognizable by the reddish-orange hourglass marking on their belly. Larger than the brown recluse spider, females can reach up to 1 ½ inches in length when their legs are fully extended.
While black widow spiders are more likely to spin webs outside, in areas that are dark and close to other insects, they may venture into garages, sheds, and basements to name a few places to find prey. Black widow spider bites generally occur if they feel threatened and can be problematic for some.
Spider Prevention Tips
Our exterminators understand your reluctance to encounter these dangerous spiders and have put together a few prevention tips:
- Store items in sealed containers.
- Do not keep laundry on the floor.
- Shake out shoes and clothing before donning.
- Cut down on the clutter in areas low-traffic areas.
If you’ve discovered spiders in or around your home, contact Action Pest Control today. We offer home pest control for spiders and other unwanted pests. We also specialize in brown recluse spider control in Indianapolis and throughout our service area. Call (888) 835-1225 to find out how you can keep brown recluses and other spiders out of your home!