Black widow spiders: a deadly reputation
Black widows have a notorious reputation, and it’s one that is well-deserved. These arachnids have garnered their status as one of the deadliest spiders in the greater Loveland, CO area because their venom (specifically that of the female black widow spider) is potent enough that it can cause serious illness and, in many cases, death in humans if left untreated.
While the purpose of this article is to educate you about black widow spider extermination, we do want to stress right away that 1) If you suspect you have a black widow spider infestation, seek professional pest control services to ensure the proper, safe, and effective extermination of them, and 2) If you or anyone you know is bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention immediately.
What do black widow spiders look like? And what else should we know about them?
It’s important to know that black widow spiders, both in terms of appearance and behavior, are very different. The bodies of female black widow spiders are about a half-inch in size, though when their eight legs are spread, they would measure to be about one-and-a-half inches on average. Males are approximately half the size of female black widows.
The female black widow’s body is notable for being shiny, sphere-shaped,and its all-black coloring, save for the single bright reddish colored hourglass shape found on the underside of its abdomen. This is what clearly distinguishes them from what’s known as “false black widows,” which are spiders that have many of the same physical characteristics as the black widow, but are slightly smaller and do not possess the signature hourglass.
Males are distinct in appearance from the female black widow in that their bodies (that are of a similar shape but a smaller size) do not feature the hourglass marking but do have red and yellow spots and/or banding, as do the immature male and female black widows. Also of note is that female black widows will kill and eat the male black widow after mating, which is where using the name black widow to describe “murderous women” comes from.
Most importantly for you and your neighbors who might have a black widow infestation is, how do we most effectively exterminate them?
How do you exterminate black widow spiders?
And how do you prevent them from coming back?
Though we do tailor specific extermination plans for every client we work with, in general the best method for the extermination of black widow spiders is to use commercial grade sprays as well as the removal of their unusual looking webs, which are often found close to the ground.
The important thing to understand about this process is that it’s a process. For the most successful extermination of these spiders, multiple applications of the extermination sprays must be used, and, if necessary, additional web removal.
Because the spiders do not lay their eggs in the same spaces they build their webs, hidden egg sacs, often found other rocks, behind siding, and in other hard to see areas. Eggs will often hatch after the first few applications of extermination products. This will help us as pest control professionals locate the source of the spiders, giving you an overall more effective extermination of your black widow infestation.
One simple way that we suggest to our clients and folks in the community in preventing future black widow infestations is by keeping your yard, the areas around your home and outbuildings, and storage areas neat, tidy, and free of clutter. This will include keeping your lawn edged, keeping plant life off of the side of your buildings, and making sure places like cellars, basements, attics, and other storage areas are periodically tidied up so that these spaces are no longer appealing to build webs or lay eggs. Black widow spiders, like many other arachnids, like private, undisturbed spaces. Proper, regular maintenance of your home and property will not only make you happier, it will also make your life far more likely to not include pests like black widows.
Concerned you have a black widow spider infestation? We can help!
Effective Pest Services has the experience and drive to give you the pest control experience you deserve. Call us today!
