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What Are the Signs of a Brown Recluse Infestation?

admin | November 9, 2023October 19, 2023

Close Up,of,a,brown,recluse,spider

Brown recluse spiders are notorious for their venomous bite, which can cause severe health issues, and for their secretive nature, making them challenging to detect. If you live in an area where brown recluse spiders are known to inhabit, it’s essential to be vigilant about the signs of an infestation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the telltale signs of a brown recluse spider infestation and what you should do if you suspect their presence in your home.

Unusual Spider Sightings

The most obvious sign of a brown recluse infestation is the presence of these spiders themselves. Brown recluse spiders are typically tan to dark brown and have a distinctive violin-shaped mark on their cephalothorax. They have long, slender legs and are about the size of a U.S. quarter. If you notice spiders that fit this description, especially indoors, it’s a strong indicator that you may have a brown recluse infestation.

Silken Retreats and Webs

Brown recluse spiders are known for their unusual webs. Instead of the intricate, geometric webs of some other spider species, brown recluses construct irregular, messy webs in secluded areas. These webs serve as their retreats and can be found in dark, quiet spaces such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and closets. If you discover such irregular webs in your home, it’s a clear sign that brown recluse spiders may be present.

Spider Bites and Skin Lesions

One of the most concerning signs of a brown recluse infestation is spider bites on residents. Brown recluse bites can be painful and, in some cases, lead to severe skin lesions. If you or your family members experience unexplained spider bites with necrotic or ulcerous wounds, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Bites from brown recluses can cause tissue damage that may require medical treatment, including antibiotics and wound care.

Nighttime Activity

Brown recluse spiders are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active during the night. If you frequently spot them scurrying around your home after dark, it’s a strong indication of their presence. However, it’s important to note that brown recluses are shy and typically avoid human contact, so they often go unnoticed until an infestation becomes significant.

Shed Skins and Egg Sacs

As brown recluse spiders grow, they shed their skins. Finding these shed exoskeletons, especially in hidden corners or near their silken retreats, is a sure sign of an infestation. Additionally, you may come across small, round egg sacs that brown recluses produce to lay their eggs. These sacs are typically creamy-white to pale yellow in color and are about the size of a pencil eraser.

Dead Insects and Prey

Brown recluse spiders are predators that feed on insects and other small prey. If you notice an abundance of dead insects in your home, especially in corners or dark areas, it could indicate an infestation of brown recluses. They often leave behind the remains of their prey near their webs or retreats.

Unexplained Illnesses and Allergies

In some cases, individuals may experience unexplained illnesses or allergic reactions that are linked to brown recluse infestations. Breathing in the tiny, airborne hairs from these spiders can lead to respiratory problems or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you or your family members develop respiratory issues or unexplained allergies, it may be time to investigate the presence of brown recluses in your home.

Visible Nesting Sites

Brown recluse spiders prefer dark, cluttered, and undisturbed areas for nesting. Check in and around boxes, stored items, piles of clothing, and other seldom-used spaces for signs of spider nests or silk. Clearing clutter and reducing hiding places can help discourage their presence.

Audible Signs of Movement

In some instances, you may hear brown recluse spiders moving in walls or ceiling voids. Their movements can create a faint rustling or tapping sound. If you hear such noises in areas where you suspect infestation, it’s time to investigate further.

Professional Pest Inspection

When in doubt or if you suspect a brown recluse infestation, it’s advisable to contact a professional pest control service. Pest control experts can conduct a thorough inspection of your property, identify the presence of brown recluse spiders, and recommend appropriate measures for eradication and prevention.

Conclusion

Identifying the signs of a brown recluse infestation is crucial for the health and safety of your household. These reclusive spiders can pose significant health risks, and their presence should not be taken lightly. Regularly inspecting your home, keeping clutter to a minimum, and seeking professional pest control services when needed are essential steps in managing and preventing brown recluse infestations. Remember that the sooner you address the issue, the easier it is to control and eliminate the infestation.

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Family owned and operated since 2003, we have earned a reputation for providing quality, reliable, timely, and affordable pest control services to the residents and businesses of Oklahoma and Kansas. Our team of highly skilled, experienced, and certified staff uses only use the most technologically advanced treatment methods while respecting your home needs. We specialize in the removal of ants and carpenter ants, termites, cockroaches, fleas, spiders, bed bugs, stinging insects, mice, rats and more! We offer monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual service for your convenience and peace of mind! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Tips for Identifying Black Widow Spiders

admin | October 26, 2023October 19, 2023

Black,widow,spider

Spiders are a common sight in many homes and gardens, and most of them are harmless. However, some species, like the black widow spider, can be potentially dangerous due to their venomous bite. Identifying these venomous arachnids is crucial for your safety. In this blog post, we will explore tips for identifying black widow spiders so you can take appropriate precautions and, if necessary, seek professional help when you encounter one.

1. Recognizing the Female Black Widow

The female black widow spider is the most notorious and venomous of the species. To identify her, look for these distinctive features:

Glossy Black Color: Female black widows are typically glossy black in color, with a sleek, shiny appearance. They often have a distinctive hourglass-shaped red or orange mark on their abdomen. This hourglass is one of the key identifying features.
Red or Orange Hourglass: As mentioned, the red or orange hourglass mark is located on the underside of the abdomen. It can vary in shape but is usually distinctive and eye-catching.
Long, Slender Legs: Black widows have long and slender legs compared to their body, which is relatively small and round. Their legs are often brownish or grayish in color.

2. Identifying the Male Black Widow

Male black widow spiders have a significantly different appearance compared to their female counterparts. While they are not as dangerous as females because their venom is less potent, it’s still helpful to know how to identify them:

Smaller Size: Male black widows are considerably smaller than females. They are typically only about half the size of the females, with a smaller, elongated abdomen.
Grayish-Brown Color: Unlike the shiny black color of females, male black widows are usually grayish-brown with various patterns and markings. They do not have the red or orange hourglass mark.
Distinctive Markings: Some male black widows may have a row of red or white spots on their abdomen’s top side, which can help in their identification.

3. Egg Sacs and Webs

In addition to spider appearance, you can identify black widows by their distinctive egg sacs and webs:

Egg Sacs: Black widow egg sacs are white or cream-colored and roughly the size of a marble. They are often oval or spherical in shape and can be found in the spider’s web.
Web Design: Black widow webs are irregularly shaped, three-dimensional, and messy compared to the symmetrical and neat webs spun by many other spider species. The web is often strong and sticky, designed to catch insects.
Location of Webs: Black widows tend to build their webs in secluded, sheltered areas such as garages, sheds, woodpiles, and other dark corners. They prefer dark, undisturbed spaces.

4. Behavior and Movement

Observing a spider’s behavior and movements can also aid in identification. Black widows exhibit distinct behaviors that can help you recognize them:

Shy and Reclusive: Black widow spiders are known for being shy and reclusive. They often hide in their webs or dark corners during the day and come out at night to hunt.
Quick Retreat: When disturbed, black widows are more likely to retreat and hide rather than stand their ground or become aggressive. They will only bite in self-defense.
Erratic Movements: When black widows move, they tend to have an erratic, jerky motion, which can be different from the smoother, more deliberate movements of non-venomous spiders.

5. Seek Professional Identification

While the aforementioned tips can help you identify black widow spiders, it’s important to remember that spider identification can be tricky, especially for non-experts. If you encounter a spider that you suspect is a black widow or are unsure of its identity, it is advisable to seek professional identification.

Local pest control experts, entomologists, or arachnologists can accurately identify the spider species and provide guidance on how to deal with it. They can also offer safe removal options if necessary.

6. Safety Precautions

If you suspect the presence of black widow spiders in or around your home, it’s essential to take safety precautions:

Do Not Handle: Avoid handling black widow spiders, as their bites can be painful and potentially dangerous.
Wear Gloves: If you need to remove or relocate a spider, wear gloves to protect yourself.
Inspect Dark Corners: Regularly inspect dark, secluded areas where black widows are more likely to build their webs.
Keep Your Home Clean: Reducing clutter and maintaining cleanliness can discourage spider infestations.
Professional Pest Control: Consider hiring a professional pest control service if you have a significant black widow infestation.

Conclusion

Identifying black widow spiders is essential for your safety and peace of mind. Familiarizing yourself with the physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitat preferences of these venomous spiders can help you take the necessary precautions when encountering them. Remember that if you’re uncertain about a spider’s identity, seeking professional assistance is the safest approach. By following these tips, you can coexist with spiders while minimizing potential risks.

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Signs of Black Widow Spider Infestation

admin | September 25, 2023September 20, 2023

Black widow spiders are notorious for their venomous bite and the potentially dangerous health consequences it can have. Identifying the signs of a black widow spider infestation is crucial for the safety and well-being of you and your family. In this blog post, we will discuss the key signs to look out for in order to determine if your home is harboring a black widow spider infestation.

Web Characteristics

Black widow spiders are known for their unique web architecture. Their webs are irregular in shape and typically feature a dense tangle of silk. These webs can be found in dark and secluded areas, such as garages, sheds, basements, or even under eaves and porch corners. Look out for distinctive web patterns, as they are one of the primary indicators of a black widow spider infestation.

Distinctive Coloring

One of the most recognizable features of a black widow spider is its coloring. Adult female black widow spiders are typically shiny black, with a distinctive red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen. This red marking serves as a warning sign of their venomous nature. Male black widow spiders, on the other hand, are smaller and often have lighter coloring, ranging from gray to brown with white or yellow markings. Being able to identify these distinct coloring features will aid in recognizing a black widow spider infestation.

Location Preference

Black widow spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas, and they tend to gravitate towards places where they can hide and find prey. It’s important to be aware of their preferred locations in order to detect an infestation. Black widow spiders commonly hide in cluttered spaces, such as basements, storage areas, sheds, or even in piles of firewood. They may also seek refuge in outdoor structures, like garden sheds or under patio furniture. By checking these areas regularly, you can catch any signs of a black widow spider infestation early on.

Egg Sacs

Another telltale sign of a black widow spider infestation is the presence of egg sacs. Female black widow spiders create sacs using their silk, which protect their eggs until they hatch. The sacs are white or cream-colored and are typically round or oval in shape. These egg sacs can be found in the same dark and secluded areas where black widow spiders commonly establish their webs. If you spot any of these egg sacs, it is a clear indicator that black widow spiders are present in your home.

Unusual Behavior

While black widow spiders generally try to avoid human contact, their behavior can be another sign of an infestation. Look out for an increased number of sightings or encounters with black widow spiders in and around your home. A sudden influx of these venomous spiders could be a sign that their population is growing. Additionally, be wary of signs of aggression or defensive behavior from black widow spiders. If they feel threatened, they may exhibit aggressive postures by lifting their front legs or making biting motions. It’s important to exercise caution if you notice these behaviors, as a black widow spider bite can have severe consequences.

Seeking Professional Assistance

If you suspect a black widow spider infestation in your home, it’s essential to seek professional assistance. Black widow spiders are venomous and should not be handled or removed without proper training and equipment. Pest control professionals have the necessary expertise to safely identify and eliminate a black widow spider infestation. They will employ methods such as insecticidal sprays, dusts, or traps to eliminate the spiders and their webs, ensuring the safety of your home.

Conclusion

Identifying the signs of a black widow spider infestation is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. By observing their web characteristics, distinctive coloring, finding egg sacs, noting unusual behavior, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can act promptly if an infestation is detected. Remember, black widow spiders are venomous and potentially dangerous, so it is always best to consult with professionals to eliminate an infestation safely. With proper vigilance and swift action, you can protect your home and loved ones from the dangers associated with a black widow spider infestation.

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How Dangerous Is the Brown Recluse Spider?

Writer | August 17, 2017

Out of all of the types of house spiders native to the United States, the brown recluse is one of the most dangerous. Its bite causes a nasty reaction and can require immediate medical treatment. As professional exterminators, we believe it’s important to be informed about all house spiders—especially dangerous ones like the brown recluse. Continue reading to learn more about these spiders, and how you can avoid meeting one this summer.

Where do they live?

Like most spiders, the brown recluse isn’t aggressive, and prefers to stay hidden in the shadows or in dark places. That’s the good news; the bad news is that you never quite know which dark space they’re hiding in. Some popular locations for their webs include underneath furniture, in boxes and outside in piles of wood. Dry and dark areas in your home, like your attic, can be hotbeds for brown recluse spiders. With that in mind, always be careful when you’re rummaging around in your attic. It’s not a bad idea to consider wearing work gloves and a long-sleeve shirt to prevent being bitten.

Keeping them out

As the name suggests, they’re reclusive creatures and often won’t come out of hiding unless there’s an abundance of food lying around. You can mitigate the need for spider removal in Bartlesville, OK (and pest removal in general) by keeping a tidy house. Always clean up any crumbs on the floor, and never keep open containers of food out for too long. Also try to avoid leaving piles of clothes or boxes around your home. Spiders and other pests are more likely to live in your home if there are places for them to hide.

Bite symptoms

Thankfully, brown recluses only bite humans when they feel threatened or when they’re scared by something, like a hand encroaching on their territory. So, the only time you’re in danger of being bitten is when you enter their space. The peculiar thing about their bites is that they don’t always show symptoms or even hurt right away. It can take hours for you to realize that something’s not quite right with your skin and overall health. Depending on where you were bitten and how much venom the spider released, symptoms on your skin can range from mild irritation to nasty looking lesions. If the bite is bad enough, you may come down with a fever and experience convulsions, itching, nausea and muscle pain.

Bite treatment

While the bite can lead to the symptoms mentioned above, there aren’t any documented cases of a brown recluse bite leading to death. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to the emergency room to have it checked out by a medical professional and possibly given an anti-venom. A skin lesion can become infected rather quickly and lead to big problems down the road.

At the end of the day, we don’t need to be as worried about brown recluse spiders as we do about many other pests getting into our homes. But if you notice a lot of spider webs around your home, it may be time to call Excellence Pest Control for spider removal in Bartlesville, OK. We quickly take care of spiders and any other pests creeping and crawling through your house.

The Dangers of Brown Recluses Entering Your Home This Winter

Writer | January 17, 2017

A variety of bugs and pests are likely making their way into your home as the temperatures drop. While most of these critters aren’t much more than a nuisance, others can be incredibly dangerous—particularly brown recluse spiders. These shy but deadly critters are as eager as you are to stay warm and dry all winter. It’s important that you know the signs that this venomous spider has moved in to your space. Oftentimes this spider will move into a home in search of a place to hide until the weather improves. Usually, they’ll stay in a cluttered closet or a dark corner of the garage. But this houseguest could lead to a deadly outcome if it were to bite when discovered or threatened.

To help you better understand exactly what you’re dealing with, here’s a brief overview of the brown recluse, and a look at why spider removal in Bartlesville, OK is so important.

Detecting a brown recluse problem

Much like its name suggests, the brown recluse is actually a very shy animal. Typically, they prefer to hide in attics, basements or other spaces where things can stay completely undisturbed for long periods of time. They love old boxes full of paper files or forgotten clothing. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize they have a brown recluse infestation until they encounter them firsthand while slipping on an old jacket or moving a box that has a spider hiding inside of it! The spider will then likely bite in self-defense.

Is this spider dangerous?

A brown recluse bite can be incredibly dangerous. It’s crucial that you take a moment to check your shoes, bedding and any clothing items where a spider could be hiding each time they’re used to avoid a bite. When it bites, the spider injects a substance called hemotoxin, which produces a black blister that will fall off within 24 hours. You’ll then be left with an open wound that can take up to eight weeks to heal. The site of the bite will then be covered in a permanent scar.

If you or a loved one is bitten, it’s important that you wash the site of the spider bite immediately before applying a cold compress and a general antibiotic to minimize the risk of infection. Visit your doctor as soon as possible to prevent any additional side effects, which can include rash, vomiting, fever, coma or even death.

How can they safely be removed?

Brown recluses aren’t as easy to remove from your home as ants or rats, because they are immune to most traditional bug sprays. Luckily, an expert in spider removal in Bartlesville, OK will know the proper steps to get the spiders out of your home. Once the initial problem is eliminated, it’s easy to prevent future infestations by scheduling preventative services with your exterminator. You’ll no longer have to worry about accidentally stumbling upon a brown recluse in the safety of your own home.

Call Excellence Pest Control today to learn more about how we can keep brown recluses out of your home this winter.

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