One of the best ways to prevent pest problems is to educate yourself. And even if you don't mind the occasional spider, you probably don't want a black widow spider problem in your home. Check out this guide to black widow control and protect your property in Vernal, UT from these pests.
What Do Black Widows Look Like?
As the name implies, black widows are usually black. If you look underneath a female black widow's abdomen, you will see a red hourglass shape. Females of the species are larger than the males, and the males are usually lighter in color and lack the distinct red hourglass.
Meanwhile, juvenile black widows are mostly orange and white. As they age, young black widows become darker. It's not unusual for people to misidentify these Vernal pests, so don't be afraid to call in a pest control expert. They can either confirm or derby the fact that you have black widows on your property.
Where To Find Black Widows
While some arachnids stay out in the open, black widows are more reclusive. They like dark and quiet places, like a basement or garage. If you don't have good lighting, you might not even notice a black widow web.
Outdoors, black widows tend to live in piles of firewood and rodent holes. If you have an old shed in your yard, it could be a haven for black widows.
Are They Truly Dangerous?
Black widows have a medically significant bite. Typically, a bite causes extreme pain but is not necessarily fatal. It's only on rare occasions that a black widow bite results in death. Nevertheless, the spider has the most toxic venom of any spider in the U.S. If you have an elderly or young individual on your property, they're even more in danger of having a severe reaction.
Despite the risks of an adverse reaction to a black widow bite, you don't need to be overly concerned. Black widows aren't very aggressive. They prefer to keep to their webs and catch flying insects for a nice meal. Under most circumstances, a black widow won't attack until they feel threatened.
If you experience a black widow bite, don't waste time. It's essential to seek help from a medical professional. The longer you wait, the more likely you'll have a bad reaction.
Can You Keep Black Widows Away?
Even though black widows aren't aggressive, they are unwanted pests. They pose a threat and could make you uncomfortable in your own home. If you don't want to worry about black widows, you should do the following:
Seal Up Entry Points: To keep black widows out of your home, you need to limit entry points. Check your walls for holes, gaps, and crevices. You can use caulk or sealant to close them up and make it more difficult for spiders to get inside.
Keep Pests Out: If your home doesn't have any food for black widow spiders, they won't come inside. Therefore, one of the best ways to keep black widows outside is to practice general pest prevention. Seal up your garbage cans, store pantry food in sealed containers, and clean up after meals.
Keep Firewood Away From Buildings: A stack of firewood is the perfect hiding spot for black widows. If you have firewood piles, keep them away from your home or other buildings.
Rely On A Professional Team For Pest Control
Ultimately, the best way to keep black widows away is to work with a home pest control expert. Here at J&M Pest Control, we have an in-depth understanding of black widows. Our technicians receive high-level training for your benefit. We know what it takes to prevent and eliminate black widows. To learn more about our techniques and pest prevention and control plans give us a call today!