Each fall, spiders begin making their way indoors. When temperatures drop and winter is right around the corner, a wide variety of bugs start to invade our homes to find a warm and comfortable shelter to survive until next year. Spiders, in general, have a natural antifreeze that protects them from the cold, so they do not come to our houses for warmth but food.
You are probably used to this annual infestation if you are from Oklahoma and know that most spiders are usually harmless and easy to get rid of. However, there are two species of spiders to look out for in your area: the black widow and the brown recluse.
These species are venomous and can cause pain to you or your loved ones. Learning how to identify them, how they behave, and getting rid of them is vital to keep your home secure and safe from their potential danger.
Black Widow
This famous spider is easily recognizable by the red hourglass shape featured on its ventral abdomen. These species prefer the outdoors and aren't likely to get inside of a home. They could still nest on garages, sheds, cellars, attics, basements, dirty floors, and wood stacks near the house to be closer to bugs during the winter. These spiders are reclusive and will hide most of the time; however, they bite whenever they feel threatened.
A black widow's bite can be excruciating and can potentially cause severe symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, excessive sweating, weakness, and more. Though their venom can be fatal, modern medicine and transportation methods make it rare for someone to die from a black widow bite.
Brown Recluse
Brown recluse spiders are small, hairless spiders with a dark brown violin mark on their cephalothorax. This species is extremely dangerous and can easily thrive inside of a home. Fortunately, they are highly reclusive, meaning they do not come out of their shelter until nighttime to hunt for food. If you suspect your home might be invaded by brown recluses, immediately schedule a pest control appointment to get rid of them.
A bite from a brown recluse is dangerous and painful. Their venom can easily cause necrosis, fever, chills, nausea, pain, and more. Contrary to common belief, not all bites look bad; some can be undetectable, presenting as a small red wound. If you or your loved one suspect you have been bitten from a brown recluse is best to seek medical help immediately before the necrotic venom spreads.
At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.
If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.