Black widow spiders are arachnids with a glossy appearance, eight legs, and a unique reddish marking on their belly. The males are unlikely to extend beyond a ½ inch long; however, females will commonly be twice that size. The black widow is known as one of the most venomous species of spiders, and they are most commonly found in garages, basements, and crawl spaces.
When Are Spiders Around The Lexington Area?
With the exception of the spring mating season, black widows live a largely solitary existence. The lifespan of males is only a few months, while females can live for several years. They are predatory and will consume flies, mosquitoes, ants, and various other creatures that become entangled in their webs.
The term “widow” stems from past observations of females eating their mates. In the reproductive process, females create egg sacs that often contain hundreds of eggs and have a white or tan color, as well as a “papery” texture.
Understanding The Dangers Of Black Widow Spiders
The venom of a black widow is toxic enough to kill small mammals by having an adverse effect on the victim’s nervous system, but fatalities among humans are very rare. People who are bitten sometimes experience cramps, fever, nausea, and other symptoms that might create a need for some medical attention. If you believe you may have bitten, it’s best to have it checked by a medical professional to be safe.
Tips For Preventing Intrusion From Spiders
- Property owners should conduct an exterior inspection of the structure to identify any cracks, or other openings that could allow access inside. Use weather stripping around any doors and windows that improperly seal. Other small entry points can be filled using a moisture-resistant sealant or caulk.
- Keep the area near the property’s foundation clear of unnecessary clutter and debris, and find an alternative location for firewood storage.
- Trim back tall grasses and any type of vegetation away from the property to prevent hiding spots.
- Always vacuum away or otherwise carefully remove any existing spider webs to discourage them, and promptly empty used cleaner bags or the content of canisters into a sealed trash receptacle.
The Importance Of Contacting A Pest Extermination Professional
Some property owners underestimate the potentially serious health risks that venomous spiders, such as the black widow and brown recluse, may represent. Although fatalities are rare and generally unlikely, many individuals have strong allergic reactions that may require medical treatment. Further, the presence of spiders also may suggest that the property is infested with other types of pests that they prey upon.
Another common mistake made involves making online or in-store purchases of do-it-yourself home treatment options. These products often include aerosol sprays, baiting stations, and granular formulas that tend to be marketed using exaggerated claims of effectiveness. Users of these mass-marketed options commonly find that they deliver only short-term results, and ultimately lead to further frustration. The best course of action when responding to these pest-related concerns is to promptly contact a licensed home pest control professional for an assessment.
Leading Provider Of Pest Control Services In Lexington
The team of trusted experts with Action Pest Control has been providing safe, thorough, and cost-effective solutions for local Lexington residential and commercial customers for many years now. We adhere to a simple formula for success that involves delivering the highest-quality customer service and support in the industry today. Our trained technicians are well equipped to eradicate intrusions from spiders, bed bugs, termites, rodents, and many other unwanted pests.
Keep in mind that we are committed to the overall safety of our customers and the local environment, and use many of the leading eco-friendly products and recommended methods available in the market. Please contact our office today for a detailed interior and exterior inspection of the premises, and a no-obligation estimate.