Spiders are infamous for their frightening appearance, venomous fangs, and elusive nature. There's a reason arachnophobia is common throughout the world. These creatures can be pretty dangerous, and there are few spider species more dangerous than the notorious black widow. The venom of these tiny spiders is about 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake – making them one of the most deadly types of spiders you're likely to find lurking around your home. Thankfully, fatalities from their bites are relatively rare, but they're still incredibly painful.
Overall, black widow spiders are unwelcome in your home, so our experts at Bay Pest Solution Inc have put together this handy guide to black widows. Read on to discover the key to successful spider pest control in the Bay Area.
Can Black Widows Bite Me?
Although black widows are one of the dangerous spiders in our area, they don't go out of their way to bite people, and fatalities are rare. Spiders only bite humans when they feel threatened, preferring not to waste their venom on us because of our obvious size advantage. Painful accidental encounters can and do happen more often than you'd hope. Black widows often hide in seldom disturbed areas of the home, such as garages, attics, crawlspace, and closets. If you inadvertently intrude on their hiding place, they may feel threatened enough to inflict a bite.
What Should I Do If I Think A Black Widow Bit Me?
Black widows are extremely venomous spiders. If you suspect a black widow has bitten you, you should seek medical attention just in case. The symptoms of a bite can vary in intensity but will usually include the following:
- Fever
- Swelling
- Intense aches
- Sweating
- Nausea
Some more severe symptoms include faintness, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. You can expect the pain to last for up to three days, over which it should gradually subside. You can alleviate the symptoms with proper medical care, and if symptoms persist, you should certainly seek such attention.
Can A Black Widow Bite Kill Me?
The symptoms sound terrifying, but thankfully, there isn't much risk of dying of a black widow spider bite as long as you receive proper medical attention. No one has died as a direct result of a black widow bite in the United States for about ten years, so don't panic if bitten; address it and hang in there.
It's still highly unpleasant to deal with a black widow bite. Young or older adults will be at greater risk, and even if you're not at increased risk, you don't want to be that one unfortunate case to break the rule. That's why proper home pest control for spiders is so essential.
How Can I Keep Black Widow Spiders Away From My Family?
Whether you're scared of spiders or not, it's in your best interests to prevent spiders in your home. Especially undesirable are dangerous species such as the black widow. You can do a few things to protect your household from these venomous arachnids. Here's a quick list of proven prevention techniques:
- Clean and declutter regularly
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home's exterior
- Install door sweeps and window screens
- Eliminate other pests that serve as the spiders' food
- Partner with the professionals
The safest and most effective means of spider control will always be to partner with professionals. Reach out to our experts at Bay Pest Solution Inc today, and safeguard your home for the future.