What do black widow spiders look like?
Black widow spiders are generally identified by their shiny black bodies and red “hourglass” marking found on the underside of their abdomen. They may also have lighter red or white spots on their abdomen. Black widow spiders are in the arachnid family and, therefore, have 8 legs. They also have 8 eyes that are arranged in two rows of four. Female black widow spiders are larger than the males, ranging in size from one and one half to one and three-eighths of an inch in length.
Are black widow spiders really a problem in New Jersey?
Believe it or not, the answer to this question is yes. Black widow spiders are found living throughout New Jersey, and while there may not be large herds of black widow spiders coming together to invade properties, they are common enough that you should be aware of their presence and take precautions.
Black widow spiders are usually found living in wooded areas but commonly enter homes, garages, and sheds to build their webs and hunt for food. Inside homes, they typically reside in crawl spaces, in basements, underneath furniture, around air conditioners, and other dark, closed spaces. People often accidentally come in contact with them while putting on clothing, shoes, or while reaching into a box or other dark space.
Are black widow spiders dangerous?
Black widow spiders are a venomous spider with venom that is strong enough to adversely affect humans, so they are considered to be a dangerous pest. The good news is that in most cases, there are no long-term complications to being bitten by a black widow spider. The severity of symptoms depends on the location of the bite and how much venom the spider was able to inject. The venom affects a person’s nervous system and symptoms may include stomach pain, fever, and labored breathing; these symptoms usually go away within a few days. While black widow spider bites do not usually result in long term issues, if you have been bitten or think you have been bitten by a black widow spider, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What do I do If I have black widow spiders?
If you have discovered black widow spiders on your property or in your home, you should contact a pest control professional. Because black widow spiders are venomous, extreme care should be taken when around them. Professionals are familiar with their most common hiding spots and will make sure that all of the spiders have been eliminated from your property. In New Jersey, the pest control professionals at Arrow Pest Control have the experience and training needed to remove black widow spiders that have infested your property. Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services for black widows.
How do I prevent black widow spiders?
The best way to prevent black widow infestations is to make sure these arachnids aren’t attracted to your home and can’t access your home.
- Seal off any cracks, gaps or openings on the exterior of the structure
- Make sure there are not open spaces around air-conditioning units and utility entrances
- Caulk spaces around doors and windows
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors
- Repair or replace screens that have ripped or torn
- Organize closets, attics and basements so that black widows don’t find suitable hiding spots among boxes and clutter
- Keep your yard free of debris and clutter
- Store woodpiles away from the outside of your house
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