Living in harmony with the natural world around us has a lot of benefits. We’re all better when we establish a symbiotic relationship with the local ecosystem. This invariably means sharing space with some inhabitants of the animal kingdom.
Most of the time that’s not a problem. Many of us enjoy seeing bunnies scampering through fields or hummingbirds feeding on trumpet vines. Cohabiting with animals like this can be pleasant. Other creatures, though, don’t enjoy the same favorable reputation. Dare I mention the eight-legged kind…spiders?
A lot of people think all spiders a threat. We certainly understand their perspective! Most have hairy legs, multiple eyes, and weave invisible webs that stick to everything that touches them. Let’s be honest: spiders are kinda gross. But generally speaking, they are good for us. Why? Spiders eat troublesome insects. They’re a natural part of the ecosystem and useful form of pest control.
Very few spiders native to our region are truly dangerous. Most are content to hide in corners and wait for their next meal to come. Many won’t bite at all, and even those that do don’t cause big health problems. If bitten their venom can cause itching, cause a slight localized fever around the bite, and perhaps generate a minor rash.
You should obtain medical treatment if symptoms increase, cause discomfort, or continue for an extended amount of time.
Two exceptions to the rule
A couple of common spider varieties deserve your attention as they are legitimately dangerous. Black widows and brown recluse spiders can deliver painful, dangerous, bites. They tend to hide in out of the way locations and become aggressive when discovered or disturbed. Unless you’re looking for them, chances are good you won’t see them before they see you. Then it’s often too late!
Because of their harmful potential you really need to know how to recognize both. Fortunately, each has a distinctive marking to aid in identification:
– Female southern black widows have a red hourglass marking on their abdomen. Northern black widows feature three red dots. Males are not poisonous and lack markings.
– Brown recluse spiders feature a violin-shaped pattern on the top of their head. Both males and females are venomous, but females have a larger supply. Interestingly, male brown recluse spiders outnumber females, and males attack more often.
Most black widow victims experience serious symptoms including stiffening muscles, cramping, nausea, inability to move legs, and more. In the US, 4-8 people die from black widow bites annually. (For comparison, about 53 people die from bee stings.) Immuno-compromised people and those suffering from certain allergies are particularly susceptible to harm.
People bitten by brown recluses usually fare better, but symptoms are still quite undesirable. Victims usually suffer ulceration and scarring around the wound, especially if treatment is slow in coming. High fevers and weakness often accompany bites, and complete recovery can require up to three months.
Time is of the essence when bitten by either of these species. Seek professional medical attention without delay.
When Spiders Overstay Their Welcome
As we wrote in the beginning, most spiders are benign, useful to the environment, and are nothing to become alarmed about. Having them around your property is usually a good thing. Only when they start setting up shop in your living areas should put your gloves on (literally) and take action.
Traps and sprays are mainstays of spider control. Sticky traps are effective, as are sprays containing pyrethroids. Both are valuable tools that can help you reclaim your living spaces. You can find both at well-stocked hardware stores. Important note: always be sure to follow instructions when applying chemicals or placing traps. You don’t want the cure to become worse than the problem!
For a completely eco-friendly approach, consider sprinkling diatomaceous earth near entry points and nests, or spraying certain essential oils such as peppermint to create barriers that spiders won’t cross. Natural gardeners use both to control a variety of destructive pests, and they can work indoors, too.
Keep in mind these solutions are temporary, requiring periodic reapplication, and they are not a guaranteed solution. Results may vary.
Keeping Spiders Out
Your best approach to controlling spiders is to keep them at bay so they never become a nuisance in living spaces. If you regularly read our blogs, you know that proactive maintenance will significantly reduce the chance of any type of infestation. Sealing cracks and holes in walls, caulking around door and window frames, and keeping landscaping trimmed are effective ways to prevent rodents, insects, and arachnids from coming inside at all.
By adopting sound control strategies you can create a pest-free zone for you, your family, and your pets. One of those strategies could be reaching out to KC Pest Control to implement a plan that keeps all kinds of pests out of your home or business. Contact us at (405) 679-9729 to arrange a consultation today!
