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There are thousands of species of spiders in the United States. Most of them are harmless to humans and in fact perform a beneficial role in keeping insect populations in check. Each year, however, people are admitted to hospital emergency rooms as the result of a spider bite. The most venomous spider in our service area is the black widow. The black widow is a common houseguest throughout much of the United States. Although identified by the “hourglass” marking on their backs, they are best known for the myth about the female’s habit of eating the male after mating (hence the name).
While not aggressive toward humans, the black widow will defend itself when surprised or cornered and has a painful bite that requires medical attention. (Prior to the introduction of an anti-venom in 1956, five percent of black widow bites were fatal.) Only a small amount of venom can cause serious illness. As the poison attacks the human nervous system, side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pyrexia and hypertension. If you suspect that black widows are in your home, it is important to have a pest control professional assess the situation rather than inspecting dark corners yourself. Our technician will be able to properly identify the spider (spiders vary in color and marking), and recommend a treatment program.
There is little that can be done to prevent spiders from making their way inside your home. However, spiders feed almost exclusively on other insects. Therefore, if you have a proper pest control program in place to reduce populations of insects in and around your home, spiders will be forced to go elsewhere looking for food.
As a safe precaution, never store shoes or boots outside. A large number of spider bites occur because an individual puts on a shoe in which a spider is living. If you must keep shoes outside, be sure to shake them vigorously or clear them out (but don't use your hand!).
Tri-County controls spiders in two ways. First, we perform crack and crevice as well as exterior treatments to eliminate spiders in and around your home. We also treat your home for a variety of other pests that spiders like to feed on. Without a steady supply of food, spiders will starve or go elsewhere looking for a meal.