Just because something dangerous is rare doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch out for it. Spider populations prove this time and time again, as property owners think that the house spiders around their property are harmless until a serious bite occurs. While there’s no need to panic so long as you take the proper steps, everyone needs to learn what dangerous spiders are out there and how routine pest control can reduce your risk of encountering them.
Spider Species To Watch For
Most common spider species aren’t dangerous to people or pets. The term “house spider” really refers to a wide range of spiders that commonly invade homes and businesses, but they aren’t ones that have potent enough venom to pose larger health risks. Others, however, are more serious. All spiders have venom that they use to capture and kill their prey, but only two varieties in North America are considered medically dangerous. We’ll get into those in a minute, but first, it’s helpful to understand that, dangerous or not, spider populations typically form in the same ways. Most are outdoor predators and garden pests, feeding off the common pest species that invade our yards and structures. But as those pests are driven inside of homes and businesses — in search of food, to avoid unfavorable weather, or to escape from predators — spiders follow them in. That’s why spider prevention is really about overall pest management, and all spider populations are the sign of larger pest problems on your property.
Black Widows
The first of the two dangerous spider species is one of the most notorious in the world: the black widow. Known for their red belly markings and solitary lifestyles, black widows rarely bite people but when they do, bites can result in far worse symptoms than just an itchy welt on the skin. Here’s how to identify black widows:
- Size: A black widow’s size can vary depending on the abundance of prey around. That said, black widows tend to be bigger than average house spiders, with some growing over an inch in diameter.
- Color: As their name suggests, black widows are jet black in color, which already sets them apart from most house spiders, which are typically gray or brown.
- Markings: When thinking of black widows, people often picture the red hourglass shape found on their undersides. You should note, however, that this pattern can appear as simply two dots or blotches, especially in immature black widow spiders. Males have markings on their backs, which are often more linear.
Brown Recluses
The other dangerous spider species is the brown recluse, which, as its name suggests, tends to keep to itself and not bother people. If provoked, however, brown recluse bites can have severe symptoms. Here’s how to spot them:
- Size: Again, a spider’s size varies depending on its age, environment, and food supply. Most brown recluses grow to be a quarter to half an inch in length.
- Color: You could probably guess that brown recluses are indeed… brown! But some can be light tan or yellow and even grayish.
- Markings: Brown recluses are noted for their cello-shaped markings on the tops of their heads. If you’re not up on all your stringed instruments, think instead of a violin or a guitar.
Let Experts Help You Identify House Spiders
Because some spider species can pose such serious risks, it’s important to enlist the help of experts as soon as you notice these signs. It’s also important to note that spiders almost always signal the presence of other pest populations, which might be more well hidden and pose their own risks to your health and property. That’s why the best course of action for overall pest control is to turn to the professionals at Thunder Pest Control. We can help you identify spiders around your property and any pests that they feed on. We’ll not only inspect your property high and low for signs of problems, but we’ll also help you implement proven prevention measures. If you know spiders are already there, don’t risk exposing yourself to harmful bites by trying to handle it on your own. Instead, turn to pest professionals who can address the problem quickly and safely.
Let Thunder Pest Control handle all your pest control needs. Contact us today to get started.
