Spiders are among the most feared insects in the United States. This is for good reason; all spiders have fangs and venom. Although this is the case, there are only two species of spiders in North America that are medically dangerous to humans. These two species are the brown recluse and black widow. Both can be found in the Oklahoma City area.
Identifying Dangerous Spiders
Because both the brown recluse and black widow can be found in the Oklahoma City area, it is essential to know how to identify them.
- Black widows: Their shiny black bodies can identify black widow spiders with a distinct hourglass marking. This hourglass marking on their abdomen appears orange or red. However, it is only the females that have the hourglass marking. Females are about .5 to 1.5 inches long, while males are about half this size. It is only adult female black widows that are dangerous to humans.
- Brown Recluses: Brown recluse spiders are among the most commonly misidentified spiders. This species has a dark violin pattern on the cephalothorax, but it is difficult for the average person to recognize this pattern and correctly identify a brown recluse. Other identifying characteristics of brown recluse spiders are the uniform color of their abdomen and legs. Unlike other species, a brown recluse will never have variations of color on their legs and abdomen. Their legs also only have fine hairs and not spines. Compared to black widows, brown recluse spiders are small, only growing up to ½ an inch.
Dangerous Spider Habitats
Black widow and brown recluse spiders have distinct habitat preferences. While other species will build their webs out in the open, between two trees, for example, these two dangerous species prefer secluded spaces.
Black widows will build their webs in dimly lit and dry places such as corner sheds, garages, basement, and inside woodpiles. They usually build their webs close to the ground, making underneath a deck the perfect place for them.
Brown recluse spiders also prefer dark and dry places to spin their webs and will choose similar locations. One difference when it comes to the web of brown recluse spiders is that it does not have the notable symmetrical wheel pattern of other spider webs. Instead, they are irregular and loosely constructed. Unlike other spiders, the brown recluse species actively hunt for their prey.
If you believe you may have been bitten by either a black widow or a brown recluse, you may need to seek medical attention.
Dangerous Spiders In Your Home
Black widow and brown recluse spiders come into homes looking for shelter and food. Because of this, it is essential to make your home less desirable for them and seal points of entry. The following are steps you can take to keep these spiders out of your home:
- Keep your yard in order by cutting back tall grass and plants. Remove clutter and piles of wood. You can use a storage box to keep your firewood in.
- Reduce outdoor light that attracts other insects. Black widows and brown recluse spiders feed on other insects. Having an infestation of pests such as flies and ants makes your home more enticing to these dangerous spiders.
- Actively sweep your floors and clean windowsills and door frames.
- Ensure all your weatherstripping is working correctly.
- Use scents such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon to deter spiders.
Professional Spider Control
If you need advice or assistance when dealing with black widows or brown recluse spiders, contact the Thunder Pest Control professionals. Thunder Pest Control can help keep your Oklahoma City free of these dangerous pests.
