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The Black Widow Spider: A Menace Lurking In Your Lexington Home

close up of black widow spider in web
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Spiders are a terrifying pest for many people in Lexington. In fact, arachnophobia is a top five fear for most Americans. Spiders often evoke strong emotions in people, partly due to their menacing reputation perpetuated by Hollywood movies and scary Halloween decorations.

While most spiders are harmless, the black widow spider is a dangerous pest that poses a significant threat to humans. In Lexington, encountering these spiders can be a cause for concern. However, by familiarizing yourself with their identification and recognizing the importance of professional pest control in Lexington to prevent their presence, you can protect yourself and your family from these potentially dangerous spiders within your home.

Distinctive Markings: How To Identify A Black Widow Spider

Most people don't take the time to get close to spiders, but if you did, you would see that they all have specific patterns. Being able to distinguish a black widow spider from common house spiders in Lexington is crucial for the well-being of yourself and your family. 

These spiders are known for their distinctive markings, which set them apart from other harmless spider species. Female black widow spiders have a glossy black body with a rounded abdomen. You can easily identify them by the red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of their abdomen. In contrast, male black widow spiders are smaller, lighter in color, and lack the red hourglass marking.

If you have any doubts about the type of spiders in your home, call us immediately for an inspection. We will identify the spider species in your home and develop a plan to eliminate them. 

Black Widow Spider Bites: Understanding The Potential Health Risks

A black widow spider bite is a serious situation that requires immediate medical attention. After being bitten by a black widow spider, you'll experience initial pain and swelling at the bite site. Additional symptoms of a spider bite can include:

  • Vomiting 
  • Nausea
  • Sore muscles
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Excessive sweating
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Weakness
  • Trouble moving your legs

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a black widow bite. Prompt action is vital, as the venom of black widow spiders can severely affect the nervous system. If possible, bring the spider that bit you with you so medical professionals can provide appropriate treatment, including pain management and administration of antivenom.

Professional Black Widow Spider Extermination: Ensuring Peace Of Mind

Black widow spiders will hide in your home's dark, unused corners, making them hard to find and even harder to treat. At Action Pest Control, we are spider control experts. We know where to look to find black widows and what to do to get rid of them. 

We will thoroughly inspect your property, evaluate the extent of the infestation, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your situation. We will use various spider control techniques to ensure your home remains spider-free. 

Black Widow Spider Prevention Tips: Keeping Your Home Spider-Free

Aside from professional spider control from Action Pest Control, there are some things you can do to keep spiders away from your home, such as:

  • Clean up clutter around your house.
  • Regularly clean your home by vacuuming, sweeping, and removing cobwebs.
  • Seal cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home.
  • Remove any debris or vegetation piles from your landscape.
  • Trim trees, shrubs, and bushes away from exterior walls.
  • Keep firewood off the ground and at least 20 feet away from your house.

Removing food sources that attract spiders, including other pests, is also essential. 

Contact us today for professional home pest control. Let us help you eliminate spiders and the pests they prey upon, creating a safe and comfortable spider-free environment for you and your family.