Spiders make a lot of people uncomfortable and this is understandable. They have long, creepy legs they sometimes move very fast with. You can suddenly walk into their sticky webs. They have claws and teeth filled with venom. Worst of all, they’re silent. You never know when they’re coming.
Believe it or not, some spider species are more lethal than others. The black widow and brown recluse spiders are considered to be the biggest medical threat to humans. Though neither are native to the Westchester area, they’re present here. They make their way in through the shipping of goods, particularly landscaping products. Learning more about these two can help you identify and prevent them. Also, you can find out how Parkway Pest Services can assist you with extermination.
Black Widow vs. Brown Recluse: Appearance & Behavior
As their name suggests, black widow spiders are black. Their shiny bodies range in size from ⅛ of an inch long to 25/64 of an inch. Females can grow as large as 33/64 of an inch. All of them have a distinct hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. Firewood, debris, and high grass are what they nest in. They’re outdoor bugs primarily, but they’ll head indoors to search for food or be in spaces close to the exterior. They typically feed on other insects, such as ants, grasshoppers, and flies. Since they prefer dark and low-traffic spots, you’re liable to find them in basements, garages, and closets. When provoked or disturbed, they might bite. Neurotoxins are in their venom, which can impact the nervous system.
Brown recluse spiders also fit their namesake. They’re brown or tan and tend to stay out of sight. They can be as long as ½ of an inch. Their lengthy, thin legs help them run quickly. On their dorsum, they have a noticeable mark that looks like a violin. Similar to black widows, brown recluses love woodpiles, organic matter, darkness, quiet, and eating fellow pests. You may catch them in cellars, attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and beneath cabinets. Reproduction can happen rapidly with these insects. If agitated, they’ll sink their fangs into you. The venom can cause skin lesions, fever, and nausea.
Three things Westchester residents should know about these spiders:
- Infestation signs include seeing them and finding unusual webs. Black widows leave messy webs in sheltered, ground-level places. Examples are underneath furniture and logs.
- If you know or believe you’ve been bitten, seek medical attention right away.
- These bugs are most active at night.
Preventing Black Widow & Brown Recluse Spiders
Many of the things you would do to ward off black widows and brown recluses works for the majority of spiders:
- Fix leaks and other moisture problems.
- Control humidity levels.
- Reduce clutter.
- Check wood and storage items before bringing them inside.
- Seal cracks around foundations, windows, and doors.
- Distance wood and greenery from your front door, and groom your yard.
- Regularly dust, vacuum, and sweep.
- Call Parkway Pest Services if you have other critters spiders can feed on.
Parkway Pest Services Spider Extermination
Westchester homeowners want to keep loved ones safe. Business persons desire a smooth operation and happy customers and employees. Annoying and/or dangerous spiders threaten these goals. Not only do spiders frighten people, but they can also send them to the hospital. Parkway Pest Services can put a stop to that. We accomplish this with our state-of-the-art equipment and products, applied by trained technicians.
We’ll find the points on your property that have left you susceptible to spiders. Then we’ll use a relevant and specific treatment. It will kill the insects and create a barrier for those that might try to get in. Protect yourself and your interests. Call us today!