As Pacific Northwest residents know, spiders are fairly common in our region. Though spiders can be very beneficial in that they prey on pesky insects we don’t want around the house, there are a few types of spiders you want to avoid. If you believe you have an infestation of any of the following spiders, you will want to contact a pest control company. Not all infestations will require chemical pest control, and a qualified pest control company will know exactly how to handle the risks associated with these potentially harmful spiders.
The most well-known venomous spiders in the Pacific Northwest are the black widow and the hobo spider.
When crafting a plan to deal with spiders, the first step is to identify the type of spider you have, as this will determine the kinds of pest control and pest prevention actions to take. For correct identification, consider the spider’s web design, habitat, and appearance.
Black widow: The female black widow is known for its shiny black body, around half an inch to one inch long, and the red hourglass shape on the underside of its body. The male Using Insecticides On Vegetables black widow is smaller, much lighter in color and lacks the hourglass shape on its belly. Also, the male black widow does not produce dangerous venom as the female does.
These spiders typically create thin webs and are found in dark, moist, undisturbed areas like wood or debris piles, under large stones, and basement or shed corners. If you are bitten by a female black widow, you should go to an emergency room or call your physician immediately.
Hobo spider: The hobo spider is one of the most common in the Pacific Northwest region. With its tan to light brown color and light banding on the body, it can easily be mistaken for several similar-looking varieties of spider. The hobo spider has a body typically about half an inch long and features two palpi (like an extra pair of shortened legs) near their mouths. They create funnel-shaped webs designed for trapping insects and are frequently found in dark, damp spaces that can support their webs.
While similar-looking spiders are not venomous, the bite of the hobo spider can cause necrosis, or the premature death Inhaled Pesticide Fumes of living tissue. If you believe you have been bit by a hobo spider, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
Because of its ability to cause necrosis, the bite of the hobo spider is often mistakenly attributed to another well-known, venomous U.S. spider: the brown recluse. This spider varies in color from tan to dark brown, has a body length of a quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch, and has a dark violin-shaped mark on the front portion of the body. Adults favor dark, secluded, areas that are dry, tightly spaced (cluttered) and remain undisturbed. The web of the brown recluse is not used to catch insects and does not typically feature a consistent design.
Though the brown recluse could be transported from its regular Southern U.S. habitat, research has shown that it does not typically live in the Pacific Northwest.
Pest Prevention Tips for Spiders
As mentioned, having spiders outside can help with pest control around your home. The best pest prevention measure to keep spiders out of your home involves sealing potential entry points, such as openings around windows, doors, water pipes and electrical lines. Also, vacuuming and dusting regularly helps, as the spiders will seek another habitat if their webs are frequently destroyed.
When bringing firewood or other items stored outside into your home, always use extreme caution. Do not store woodpiles or debris against your home or near any windows or doors. Wear leather gloves and examine the items carefully before moving. Remove any visible spiders and egg sacs before bringing the items inside your home.
If you are seeing numerous spiders or any of the spiders described above, you can contact a qualified pest control company for assistance. Successful pest control requires a thorough inspection of your home and the area around it to locate the pests and where they live. Using a green pest control company is recommended, as insect sprays usually only control the spiders you see and are not effective in untreated areas. Additionally, spider egg sacs are by nature relatively impervious, so a spider infestation may return as soon as the eggs hatch. A high-quality green pest control company can provide you with the help you need without the use of harmful and ineffective chemicals or pesticides.
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