One of the most venomous spiders on the planet is found right here in Arizona. The western Black Widow (Latrodectus Hesperus) makes its home in yards and even homes across the state – a potentially dangerous pest you might not even be aware of. Davis Pest Control can remove Black Widow spiders and eggs from your property to give you back your peace of mind.
Female black widows are shiny black with a round abdomen. They have a distinctive red hourglass marking on their undersides, although this can be orange or even yellow. They grow to 1-1.5in long, including legs.
Outdoors, these spiders live in dark cracks and crevices, woodpiles and rodent holes. Inside, they might be found in basements, garages, in the eaves and in cluttered areas. The temperate winters in Arizona help them thrive.
Black widows are solitary spiders that spin somewhat messy webs to trap their prey. They are not usually aggressive and will only bite if threatened. The male of the species only reaches about half the size of the female.
Black widows tend to make webs near the ground and attach their eggs to the web in a cocoon. Females lay around 200 eggs although some species can lay up to 1000 in several sacs. The eggs then take around 2 weeks to hatch, with the spiderlings actually emerging a week or so after that.
A bite from a black widow contains a neurotoxin and can have dangerous consequences. While it’s not likely to be fatal in healthy adults, a bite can cause nausea and pain that can last for days. Young children, older people and those with weaker immune symptoms may become dangerously ill from a black widow bite.
These spiders eat most bugs and insects, including scorpions and beetles. Their webs are constructed to trap and entangle prey before the black spider reaches it to inject a paralyzing venom. Black widows are able to survive for months at a time without food, meaning they can still be a threat inside your home where prey is likely to be less abundant.
If you have seen Black Widow spiders in or around your home, contact Davis Pest Control today. Our experienced technicians can eradicate webs and remove the spiders, reclaiming the safety of your property for you, your family and pets. Currently serving Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Florence and Coolidge, AZ.
Fix any holes, gaps or cracks in the exterior of your home to prevent black widow spiders from gaining access inside.
Black widows love to hide in sheltered spaces so get rid of yard debris and clean out your garage or basement to reduce their potential living spots.
Keep other insect activity in check to remove food sources for Black Widow spiders. Contact Davis Pest Control for professional, affordable services.
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