If you look up pictures of spiders, chances are you will see images of the infamous black widow spider. Black widow spiders are shiny and black with a round, bulbous body and a characteristic red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomens. Black widows get their name from the myth that female black widows eat their mates.
Where Do Black Widow Spiders Live?
Black widow spiders prefer to live low to the ground in dry, dark spaces. These spiders build irregular, chaotic webs in which they can capture their prey. Like most spiders, black widow spiders eat insects and other arachnids. Outdoors, black widows build their webs in discreet places, such as beneath rocks, logs, and decking. Indoors, black widow spiders spin their webs in dark, undisturbed areas like basements, crawl spaces, and amongst clutter.
How Common Are Black Widow Spiders In Orlando
Black widow spiders may seem mysterious or rare, but that is due to their nocturnal nature. They stay hidden and dormant during the day, doing all of their hunting and web-spinning at night. Additionally, black widow spiders live solitary lives and value their privacy. Female black widow spiders lay several egg sacs, each sac containing up to 250 eggs. Due to Orlando's warm weather, black widow spiders thrive in the area.
Symptoms Of A Black Widow Spider Bite
Black widow spiders are one of the few dangerous, venomous spiders in the United States. Black widow spiders bite when they feel threatened, and most people encounter black widow spiders while gardening or looking through storage items. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include increased blood pressure, fever, headache, stomachache, nausea, and tremors. As long as medical attention is sought right away, bite victims should make a full recovery.
Spider Control For Orlando Properties
Several factors could be attracting black widow spiders to your home. For example, heavy landscaping, bushes, tall grass, and clutter all provide secluded areas for black widow spiders to hide and build their nests. Standing water, exposed trash or food, and trees attract insects, which act as a food source for black widow spiders.
Some simple tips to prevent black widow spiders include:
- Avoid vegetation growing against the side of the house.
- Keep a neat and well-maintained lawn.
- Remove yard debris.
- Store firewood and lumber at least 20 feet from the side of the house.
- Avoid standing water.
- Keep food stored in airtight containers.
- Keep trash securely contained in lidded bins.
- Address any insect infestations in or around your property.
- Reduce clutter and avoid storing items in cardboard.
These tips can help prevent a black widow infestation and, subsequently, black widow spider bites.
If black widow spiders have already moved onto your Orlando property, then the only way to safely and effectively remove them is to work with a professional. Experts, such as Green Flag Services, can protect you and your loved ones from the dangers of a black widow bite. We offer quality pest control to keep your Orlando home pest free. We offer free quotes and complete transparency so you always know what you are getting with Green Flag Services.
To expertly rid your Orlando home of black widow spiders, we perform a thorough inspection and create a customized treatment plan to address your home's specific needs. Our treatments are eco-friendly and guaranteed to succeed. In addition, we offer follow-up and preventive treatments to ensure that your home is pest-free. For expert pest control in Orlando that you can trust, reach out to Green Flag Services today!
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