What Knoxville Property Owners Need To Know About Black Widow Spiders

Spiders are one of the most dreaded pests for homeowners around the Knoxville area. However, while many people are scared of spiders in general, most in the area aren’t dangerous to humans.

But there are some exceptions to this. The black widow spider is one of the very few dangerous spiders in the United States and their venom can cause serious medical issues for both animals and humans. Black widow spiders have a rather deadly reputation and while fatalities are still rare, these bites aren’t anything to be taken lightly.

Black widow spiders are luckily a fairly easy spider to identify because of their striking appearance. These spiders:

• Are a jet black color
• Have a red, hourglass-shaped marking on their underbellies
• Have a particular round, bulbous body

Because of the risks associated with black widows, knowing the places they tend to hang out around Knoxville properties can help you avoid them. Black widows generally look for dark, cluttered areas that give them ample space to hide. So, you’ll usually encounter them in cluttered garages, basements, or crawl spaces.

Just How Dangerous Are Black Widow Bites?

While all spiders have venom and fangs, most species don’t have potent enough venom to harm you. But, the black widow spider, along with the brown recluse, are the only two spiders in the area that are considered medically dangerous.

Luckily, these bites are still quite rare, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. Bites can lead to serious symptoms such as nausea, muscle cramps, headaches, and chest pain. If you’ve been bitten, or even if you suspect but aren’t sure, it’s important to get medical attention right away.

Keep in mind that every bite can look slightly different and each person can react a little differently to the venom. But, in general, a black widow spider bite looks like two small fang marks and the bite often causes sharp pain.

What Are The Best Ways To Prevent Black Widows?

Because of the dangers that black widows can pose to your and your family’s help, taking steps to keep them off of your property is vital. You might not be able to completely deter black widows, but you can address underlying issues that attract them in the first place.

Here are some of the best prevention tips:

• Store firewood far away from the exterior of your home as this is a frequent hiding spot for black widow spiders.
• Keep bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation trimmed and maintained.
• Since black widows seek cluttered areas, regularly de-clutter with a focus on garages, basements, and closets.
• Black widows and other spider species usually come inside in search of prey, so take steps to deter other pest problems that attract spiders.
• Focus on access points to keep spiders and other insects out by repairing broken screens in doors and windows.
• Also, install door sweeps and weather stripping.
• Remove any old webs in or around your home or other buildings on the property.

Keeping Your Property Safe From Black Widow Spiders

While most other spiders in the Knoxville area aren’t very dangerous, black widow spiders are one of the few exceptions. Because they are so venomous, preventing black widows the right way is vital. The professional, trained technicians at Urbanex Pest Control can prevent black widow spiders from becoming a problem and also remove any current infestations. The products we use are safe for kids and pets while still being strong enough to protect from these spiders. Discover more or book an appointment, by giving us a call today. 

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