Why are black widows dangerous?
Black widow spiders are considered dangerous because they possess a venom that can cause serious harm to humans. Although black widow spider bites are not always fatal, they can cause a range of symptoms such as severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and high blood pressure.
In some cases, the venom can also affect the nervous system and cause tremors, agitation, and seizures.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been bitten by a black widow spider, especially if you experience severe symptoms. In some cases, antivenom may be necessary to treat the bite and prevent potentially serious complications.
5 Ways You’re Inviting Black Widows Into Your Home
1. Clutter
Black widow spiders often look for places to build their webs in dark, cluttered spaces like storage rooms, basements, and garages.
2. Firewood piles
Storing firewood close to the house provides a habitat for black widow spiders, and they can easily crawl into the house when it is time to use the wood.
3. Unsealed cracks and openings
Black widow spiders can squeeze into the tiniest cracks and openings around doors, windows, and foundation.
4. Outdoor debris
Black widow spiders often hide in piles of leaves, rocks, and other outdoor debris, so it’s important to keep the area around the house clear of these items.
5. Garden and landscape features
The presence of rocks, piles of leaves, and other garden features can attract insects that black widow spiders feed on, leading them to establish their webs in close proximity to the house.
What can people do stop black widows from coming into their homes?
There are several steps that homeowners can take to prevent black widow spiders from entering their homes:
- Seal cracks and openings: Seal cracks and openings around doors, windows, and the foundation to prevent black widow spiders from entering the home. Use caulk, weather-stripping, or door sweeps to close off gaps.
- Keep the area around the house clean: Remove piles of leaves, firewood, and other debris from the area around the house to reduce the habitat for black widow spiders and other pests.
- Store food and garbage securely: Store food and garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent attracting insects that black widow spiders feed on.
- Use spider repellents: Some essential oils and other natural products can be used as spider repellents. Examples include peppermint oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
- Inspect items before bringing them inside: Before bringing in items like firewood, boxes, and gardening equipment, inspect them carefully for any spiders or webs that may be hiding inside.
- Consider professional pest control services: If you have a persistent problem with black widow spiders, consider hiring a professional pest control company to assess and treat the problem. They can help eliminate existing spider populations and put measures in place to prevent future infestations.
What should a homeowner do if they see a black widow spider?
If you see a black widow spider in your home, it’s important to take precautions to avoid being bitten. Here are some steps you can take:
- Avoid contact: Do not try to touch or kill the spider. Black widow spiders are highly venomous and can bite if they feel threatened.
- Keep children and pets away: Keep children and pets away from the spider to prevent them from being bitten.
- Capture the spider: If possible, use a cup or jar with a lid to trap the spider and release it outside. Wear gloves to protect your hands and avoid direct contact with the spider.
- Call a professional: If you’re uncomfortable dealing with the spider, consider calling a professional pest control company to safely remove it.
- Seek medical attention if bitten: If you are bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite can include severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and high blood pressure. In severe cases, the venom can affect the nervous system and cause tremors, agitation, and seizures.
