What To Do About Black Widow Spiders Around Your Houston Home

Of all the types of spiders that could invade your home, black widows are some of the most dangerous. Believed to be the most venomous spider in the United States, it is not unusual for them to make their way into Houston homes. If you have seen black widow spiders on your property, it is time to learn to identify them, discover the symptoms of a black widow spider’s bite, and get educated on the four simple tips to avoid future black widow spider problems.

If you recognize one of these dangerous spiders, avoid touching it at all costs, and contact licensed professionals with the expertise required to get rid of it. Whether you are dealing with a single black widow spider or a whole infestation, Texas Termite Terminators provides pest control in Houston you can rely on to eliminate these unwanted pests safely and for good.

How To Identify A Black Widow Spider

Black widow spiders are a distinct type of spider that can be recognized based on the following characteristics:

• Color: Adult black widow spiders are usually black and shiny, but can be dark brown. Young black widows can be a lot lighter in color.
• Markings: Black widow spiders have a bright red hourglass shape on their abdomen. Some type of red marking is present if there is no clear hourglass marking but not all spiders with red markings are black widows.
• Webs: Unlike the geometrically designed webs of some other spiders, a black widow builds irregular webs that can also hold eggs.

Black widow spiders in Houston are not uncommon. If you believe they have made their way onto your property, do not get near them, and seek out professional assistance instead. If you get bitten, you might develop a variety of potentially life-threatening symptoms.

The Symptoms Of A Black Widow Spider's Bite

Getting bitten by a black widow spider can cause many symptoms. The mildest ones include pain, redness, itchiness, and irritation. Some of the more concerning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cramping, tremors, and trouble breathing. If you have been bitten by a black widow spider, seek out medical help as soon as possible. Do not attempt to get rid of any black widows on your property on your own.

Call The Pros To Safely Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders

If you are faced with one or more black widow spiders, it might be time to reach out to professionals who are trained in the best ways to get rid of spiders. Exposing yourself to venomous black widow bites can be dangerous, and home remedies to kill spiders can prove unsuccessful, letting an infestation grow even bigger. At Texas Termite Terminators, our licensed technicians have the knowledge needed to eliminate black widow spiders and prevent them from coming back. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection and learn about the different options at your disposal to make your black widow spider problem a thing of the past.

Four Simple Tips To Avoid Future Black Widow Spider Problems

After professionally exterminating black widow spiders, you will want to prevent them from coming back. The following four tips can help you avoid future black widow spider problems:

1. Remove hiding spots: From clutter inside your home to untrimmed bushes around it, black widow spiders can find a lot of places to hide. Removing them will make it harder for them to take over.
2. Install fine mesh screens on windows: Black widow spiders can come in through small cracks, and wide-open windows make an even better entry point. Fitting your windows with screens can help deter them.
3. Exterminate other bugs: Are there ants, beetles, cockroaches, and other pests in your home? If so, it is likely that they are attracting black widow spiders, who prey on them for food.
4. Fix cracks in your walls and foundations: Black widow spiders will use these entry points to come inside your home. Be sure to fix all cracks whenever possible.

If these simple tips are not enough, a professional pest control company can devise a prevention plan based on your needs and unique situation. 

Black widow spiders are dangerous spiders that can inflict painful and sometimes life-threatening bites. Contact us at Texas Termite Terminators today to find out how to eliminate them safely and prevent them from coming back.