A Helpful Spider Prevention Guide For Marietta Homeowners

Finding spiders in your home may not seem like a big deal, but it can be. Spiders use their venomous fangs to catch and subdue prey and defend themselves against threats. This venom is generally harmless to humans, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be cautious about specific types of spiders. Profiled below are Marietta's two most dangerous spider species: the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widow spiders are most recognized for the marking on the underside of their abdomen. These spiders are typically black with two reddish triangular markings usually joined to form a reddish hourglass shape on the bottom of their abdomen. Young black widow spiders look much different than adults. They are primarily orange and white but acquire more black as they mature. They have markings similar to male adults, with one or two reddish markings underneath the abdomen.

One of the most apparent signs of a spider infestation is the presence of webs in your home or other structures around your property. Black widow spiders usually construct messy and irregular webs located at ground level. Finding an egg sac in the doorway is another sign of a spider infestation.

Male black widow spiders rarely bite, but females may bite when threatened or provoked, especially after laying eggs. Black widow spider bites rarely lead to fatality, as long as proper medical treatment is sought promptly. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include fever, increased blood pressure, nausea, and sweating. Pain is usually almost immediate and reaches its maximum in one to three hours. This pain may continue for one to three days before gradually subsiding.

Brown Recluse Spiders

The brown recluse spider, sometimes called the fiddleback spider or violin spider, is predominantly found in the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States and is often identified by a dark brown violin shape on its back. This spider species is well known for its reclusive behaviors, as it prefers to take residence in warm, dry, and dark environments such as basements, closets, and woodpiles.

Brown recluse spiders usually bite when they feel trapped. This can occur when reaching a piece of clothing or a box in the attic or basement where a brown recluse has unknowingly made its home. The bite of a brown recluse spider is usually not felt, but it may produce an immediate stinging sensation followed by intense pain, or this reaction may be delayed for 6-8 hours. A small blister usually appears, and the surrounding bite area becomes swollen.

Because their bites can take three or more hours to develop and about three weeks to heal, it is crucial to keep an eye on the individual who was bitten. The brown recluse venom can cause severe allergic reactions, notably in children, the elderly, or those with preexisting medical conditions. Additional symptoms include restlessness, fever, and difficulty sleeping. The dead tissue around the bite site sloughs away during the next 10 to 14 days, leaving an open ulcer and possibly exposing the underlying muscles and bone.

If you notice spiders or signs of a spider infestation, do not attempt to address the problem on your own. Instead, contact ProCare Pest Services to safely and effectively handle all your spider control concerns.