There are several types of spiders in Nevada. Luckily, most of the spiders in this area are not harmful to humans. However, the black widow spider is one of the few in this area that you should be extremely cautious around.
At Anver Pest Control, our Henderson pest control specialists can help you identify black widow spiders so that you can stay safe. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself and your family from these potentially harmful spiders.
Identifying A Black Widow Spiders
Male and female black widow spiders look very different from each other. Female black widow spiders have a more well-known appearance. Their bodies are shiny, black, and about 1 ½ inches long. On the bottom of their round abdomen are two bright orange or red triangles positioned in a way that makes it look like an hourglass. In some instances, a female black widow will only have one triangle, but it is much less common. Because of the location, it may seem like a difficult marking to spot. However, these unique arachnids are commonly found hanging upside down in their webs, which are usually positioned close to the ground.
The male black widow spider is usually much smaller and typically only measures a few millimeters long. They have brown or gray bodies with orange and red markings usually found on their abdomens.
Female black widow spiders can lay over 200 eggs at one time. If you see a black widow in your home, it is important to know what sex you are dealing with. If it is a female black widow, your home should also be inspected for any eggs or tiny spiders as well.
The Dangers Of A Black Widow Spider's Bite
Most spiders are venomous. They inject their venom into their prey to paralyze or kill them. Most of the time, a spider's venom does not harm humans. However, a female black widow's venom is considered to be extremely toxic. The male black widow is also venomous but not considered a threat to humans.
If you are bitten by a female black widow, you may notice a sharp pain that feels like a pinprick. Soon, the pain will start to increase and spread throughout your body. Some of the other symptoms that you may experience include:
- Severe sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
- Difficulty breathing
While some of the symptoms may sound scary, it is important to note that in the United States, a black widow bite is rarely fatal. There are roughly 2,500 black widow bites reported every year in this country. Out of those reported, less than eight cases are fatal. If you think you have been bitten by a black widow, you should seek medical help and receive anti-venom as soon as possible.
Factors That Attract Black Widow Spiders In And Around Your Home
Black widow spiders are carnivores that like to eat insects and other spiders. To keep spiders away from your home, you should take proactive steps to prevent insect infestation in your home. Take the trash out regularly, keep food in airtight containers, and fix any moisture issues you have around your house.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders
Trying to deal with a black widow problem on your own can be dangerous. At Anver Pest Control, we can help keep you safe by getting rid of all dangerous spiders from your Henderson home. Give us a call today for a free estimate!