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Spiders are particularly unnerving when you see them crawling around your West Palm Beach home. However, some spider species cause more anxiety than others.
Spindly legs build webs beneath piles of wood. Their fangs inevitably coming into contact with your skin. Black widows! Black widow spiders have a distinct hourglass on their backs. Females can measure 1 1/2 inches while males are half their size.
Black widows are located throughout southern and western parts of the United States and, to a lesser extent, in the whole of North America. Like many spiders, they conceal themselves in dark places, particularly under piles of debris.
Black widows are not aggressive. They bite when they are startled. While bites are rare, they can have fatal effects. Consequently, neglecting a black widow infestation is especially dangerous. After a bite, neurotoxic venom spreads throughout the body. If you’ve been bitten, seek immediate medical attention.
Dangers Associated With Black Widow Spiders
Black widows often evade sight. Nevertheless, they leave signs of their presence. The most obvious of which is a bite. A black widow bite is distinct owing to the two puncture marks it leaves on the skin. After a bite, symptoms rapidly follow:
- A rash or irritated skin
- A burning sensation
- Pain radiating throughout the body
- Reddish to purplish color or blister
- Shortness of breath
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Sweating
Symptoms can be moderate to severe. Black widow bites can be fatal. DO NOT disregard the symptoms. If you believe you have been bitten, immediately wash the bite with soap and water. Try to identify the two distinct marks on the skin as well as the accompanying symptoms. Most challengingly, remain calm and seek professional medical attention.
Black Widow Prevention In West Palm Beach
To prevent a black widow infestation, maintain a clean storage area. Eliminate clutter and reduce hiding spots. Moreover, If possible, leave storage items in tightly sealed containers.
Examine your firewood before storing it. Move piles of wood as far away from your home as possible, and regularly mow your lawn. Tall grass is a haven for black widows. Remove debris around the perimeter of your house. Seal any possible entry points, any cracks or crevices, with steel wool. You can also limit outdoor lighting, as these arachnids are attracted to the glow of bright lights.
It’s also worth noting that black widows are drawn to existing infestations, like flies, ants, and other pests, as they provide a food source for the black widow. Therefore, the benefits of eliminating one infestation can be twofold.
DIY Treatments For Black Widow Spiders
Black widows despise the scent of lemon and peppermint. It repels them. If such scents pervade your house, you may be able to repel a black widow infestation.
You can also spray vinegar to kill black widows. Vinegar kills black widows on contact. Spray it all around the house and especially in storage areas.
Wrens feed on black widows. Thus, by attracting these birds, you may eliminate a black widow infestation. Place nest boxes around your yard, and fill them with bread crumbs. Afterward, wait for the wrens to snatch some spiders one by one.
Call Empire Pest Defense
Though these homemade treatments can prove effective in removing a small infestation, you’ll find that they’ll do little to allay larger infestations. For larger infestations, you’ll need to call the professionals. Our professionals at Empire Pest Defense have the tools and experience to solve your black widow problem.
Black widows are dangerous visitors. They hide in inconspicuous places, increasing the likelihood of a bite. While bites are rare, they can have fatal consequences. Don’t risk possible illness. Let the professionals handle your infestation. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can eliminate black widows and the pest prey they hunt.