The ominous black widow spider is not a pest you want to find roaming around inside your home. However, in Jasper, Indiana, they are a very common pest that seems to be more prevalent when other insect populations are at their highest.
These spiders don’t generally go out of their way to harm people, but you should be aware of the dangers and avoid an infestation. If provoked or disturbed, they will bite and a bite from the female spider can be very painful and extremely dangerous. Some people, especially young children and the elderly can have a more serious reaction to the venom. If a person is bitten, the venom will go through their bloodstream and start to attack their nervous system. It can cause painful cramps in the muscles of their back and abdomen. The victim may experience some or all of these symptoms; fever, tremors, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, lethargy, shock and/or high blood pressure. It is rare to be fatal or cause long term problems, but if a black widow spider bites anyone they should seek medical attention immediately. Take note that the black widow spider will have a distinct red hourglass shape underneath her abdomen and have a black shiny body.
Now that you know the dangers, here are some prevention tips for in and around your home and property:
- Seal off all entry points that black widow spiders can use to sneak into your home
- Keep piles of wood at least 20’ away from your home and 5” off the ground
- Wear gloves if you need to move items that have been kept outdoors
- Reduce clutter inside your home, especially in attics, garages, and basements
- Stay away from spider webs
- Check and shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on
At the first sign of an infestation, you should contact an experienced pest control company in your area to safely remove the threat of black widows. Action Pest Control can help you control black widows in your Jasper home. Sign up today one of our year-round pest control plans. We are trustworthy professionals that have effective pest management solutions for your home pest control needs. There are many reasons to choose Action Pest Control, which includes board-certified entomologists that we have on staff, large selection of modern equipment, environmentally friendly options and much more. Reach out to us today to find out which pest control option works best for you.