Spiders

Learn More About Spiders

Many people fear spiders; it is probably a classic example of judging a book by its cover. Though they look very different from all the other creatures we are accustomed to seeing, they are generally peaceful. They are even beneficial because of their role as predators to other more dangerous pests. They feed on cockroaches, flies, ants, other bugs, and even rodents. Even the venomous types, like the black widow spider, are most likely to be found hidden away somewhere they are not likely to be disturbed. It is not as if they go out of their way to bite humans.

Description

Spiders are arachnids. While some people mistake them as insects, they are not. They are characterized by their eight legs and two body parts: the head and the abdomen region. Most spiders have venom which they use to kill their prey, but only a few species can actually affect humans.

The Two Most Common Venomous Spiders In The United States

In the United States, there are two species of venomous spiders: the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider.

Black Widow Spiders

The black widow spider is perhaps the most common venomous spider in America. It is actually reported that a black widow’s venom is 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake’s. Fortunately, their bites are not usually fatal. That being said, they still can cause harm to humans.

The female black widow has a shiny black body, slender black legs, and a red or orange hourglass-like marking on its underside. Its body is 5/16th to 5/8th of an inch long. The male black widow is 1/2 to 2/3 the length of a female. The males are incapable of biting humans due to their small fangs.

Brown Recluse Spiders

The brown recluse spider is the only other venomous spider that is found in the United States. They have a violin-shaped marking on the top of their heads and their six eyes arranged in pairs are formed in a semi-circle. Like the black widow’s, the brown recluse’s bite is painful but rarely is it fatal. These spiders tend to keep to themselves, but when disturbed, can be harmful. If bitten, place an ice pack on the bitten area and seek prompt medical care. If the spider can be captured safely, do so and put it in a container. The spider should be brought to the hospital along with the patient.

Spider Control & Prevention

Having venomous spiders in your home is a scary thought. Here are some tips to prevent it from happening:

• Seal off cracks and crevices. These are potential entry points for these spiders.  
• Clean your house regularly. Remove clutter as this might be used as the spiders’ hiding places. As much as possible, dispose of old boxes or cartons.
• Remove vegetation away from the perimeter of your home. Plants attract spiders because it provides them a nice living area.
• Remove spider webs. If you see spider webs in your house, remove them with your vacuum cleaner. Spider webs must be removed as you see them. If the spider web is too far out to reach, use a duster tied to a stick to reach it.

These are a few tips to make sure your home is free of spiders. For any questions, just dial (980) 577-6040 for more expert advice.