Florida Has Two Species Of Black Widows
This spider needs no introduction. We all know about black widows and their shiny hairless body with the quintessential red hourglass shape on their belly. Did you know there are two species of black widow spiders in the state of Florida: the southern black widow and the northern black widow. Other than a few subtle differences in markings, the two species are nearly identical as they relate to humans.
What Are Black Widows?
Black widow spiders get their name from the popular myth that the female spider eats the male shortly after mating. This is actually a very rare occurrence in nature. Despite the myth, one thing that is true is that the bite of one of these spiders is extremely painful. Although, fatalities are rare, the venom of a black widow is 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake. A poisonous bite from a black widow causes severe muscle aches, difficulty breathing and nausea.
Do I Have An Infestation?
An obvious sign that a widow spider has entered a home is the presence of webs on the property. Black widows typically construct very messy and irregular webs located at the ground level. If you notice one of these webs along with a white sac, it could mean an infestation is present in your home. A white sac is evidence of eggs and it could mean a need for a professional spider removal service.
How Do I Get Rid Of Black Widows?
Should you find evidence of widow spiders in your home, there are a few natural pest control methods that may discourage their presence.
Tackle The Garage
These poisonous critters are mostly found in garages throughout Tampa Bay. For the most part, they are cool and dark, providing optimum hiding spots where they can build a nest. We recommend keeping a tidy garage. Keep loose items in sealed boxes in order to reduce places where spiders can build webs. Also, keep your garage or any other storage area around the house well sealed off from the outside. Plug any gaps around windows or draft excluders where spiders could get in.
Use Strong Odors That Spiders Hate
Just like mosquitoes or roaches, spiders avoid strong scents, Smells that have a strong citrus or menthol odor are very effective against spiders. Consider flooding your garage or storage area with any of the following odors.
Tea Tree Oil
Menthol
Citronella
Lemon Juice
Mint
Eucalyptus
Use Vinegar
Not many know that the chemical composition of vinegar is harmful to a spider's exoskeleton. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and give the black widow a little squirt. If you see white egg sacs in the nest, spray those too. The vinegar will kill the eggs.
Contact Super D Pest Control For Removal Of Black Widows And Other Insect Problems
Whether you want to avoid the harmful bite of a black widow or if you just hate spiders in general, let Super D Pest Control come to the rescue. In most cases, a black widow makes a nest where there is a plentiful food source. If you see a black widow infestation, it could mean a larger insect problem. The easiest solution is to call Super D Pest Control. We have the proper training to handle poisonous pests and have the necessary equipment to remove an infestation safely and prevent its return. Call us today at (727) 433-5310 for a free consultation or hit the chat box below to contact us on the web. We have year of experience removing spiders as well as a host of other pest control services, making us one of the most respected pest control companies throughout the Tampa Bay area.