SPOOKY SPIDERS

Fall is here and the cooler weather brings the spookiest of all to the inside of our homes. SPIDERS!

There are many different spiders and most are harmless. Some are even extremely helpful in controlling other pests. All spiders can and will bite if provoked, but some are much more dangerous than others. The cooler it gets, the more you want to keep an eye out for the ones that could pose a threat to you or anyone in your home, including your pets. Here are the top two spider species to protect yourself from this year, and all the years to come. 

RECLUSE

There are many recluse species in Texas, the most common being the Texas recluse. We tend to see these a lot in November and in the fall months leading up to then. There is a variance in color in the recluse family. You may see some that are orange and yellow and some that are dark brown. They are typically the size of a quarter. What sets a recluse apart in their characteristics is their eye pattern and also the violin marking on its back. Recluse spiders have six eyes arranged in three pairs that are arranged in a semi circle. Recluse spiders are known to be shy, and as the name suggests, reclusive. They are nocturnal, so most people are bitten by recluse spiders at night. They are typically found in garages, piles of clutter, closets, bathrooms, wood piles, and many more places. Recluse spiders have a necrotic bite which causes the skin and surrounding tissues to be damaged and result in an open sore. These bites can take a long time to heal and can result in irreparable damage. Once bitten, you may notice a singing sensation followed by very intense pain. In 24 to 36 hours you may notice fever, chills, nausea, weakness, and even joint pain. There will also be a blister surround by swelling.

WIDOWS

Another very common and dangerous species of spider is the widow spider. The well known Black Widow is who you need to be on guard for. Widow spiders color can vary from brown to black, with two connected reddish triangles, forming an hourglass on the underside of their abdomens. They are 1 1⁄2 inches long and have eight eyes in two rows. You may notice these spiders in places close to your home, protected from the elements. Widow spiders are known to inhabit garages, basements, furniture, bushes, gutters, gas and electric meters, and other undisturbed areas. A bite may feel like a pin prick initially, but it leaves behind a swollen area with two red spots in the middle. The pain from the bite usually becomes worse with tremors, nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, perspiration, loss of muscle tone, a rise in blood pressure, and sometimes death. However, death results in less than 5% of people bitten by a widow spider.

Spiders can be spooky business, but there are ways to prevent the dangerous species from getting too close for comfort. Makes sure you have sealed and caulked any cracks that you find and refresh your weather stripping on your doors. If you notice any spider webs, vacuum those up and look out for other signs. Call us today so that we can help you protect your home this season!