During our many inspections of ST. LOUIS area homes, we have realized that there are two types of customers. Those who find all the creepy crawlies intriguing and those who find them downright disturbing. The second type is further divided into those who do not want a single pest around them and those who only dislike the very large scurrying pests. No matter the group you fall into, all Missouri homeowners should know that some spiders common to our region pose an imminent threat to humans.
Black Widow Spiders
There are two species of spiders that fall into the dangerous category. The black widow is one of the most feared, and rightly so. It is not largely known that the black widow’s bite has been reported to be 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake. There are several hazards caused by the bite of a black widow. The symptoms can include nausea, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing due to paralysis of the diaphragm. Young children and the elderly are more seriously affected by the bite of a black widow. In some instances, it can lead to death.
Identifying A Black Widow Spider
The good news is that most black widows are easily identified. They are always black but generally have a red, hourglass-shaped mark on their belly. This is not always the case, however, as some may just have a red dot or no red markings at all.
Brown Recluse Spiders
The other spider to be wary of is the brown recluse. This spider has a venomous bite, as well. If the bite isn’t that bad (meaning not much venom entered the body), chances are there will only be a small red wound on the skin that should heal quickly. The more serious bites cause larger wounds. These will be deeper, up to a few inches long, and might take several months to heal. Just like the black widow, those who have a weaker immunity will develop more serious symptoms including fever, chills, restlessness, and vomiting.
Identifying A Brown Recluse Spider
The color of a brown recluse spider can be described as dirt- or sandy-brown on its body with a slightly darker marking at its center. These spiders can also have a dark brown and even yellow-tinted color. To identify a brown recluse spider, you must look for two features. The first is a violin-shaped mark on the spider’s back. The second is the presence of only six eyes. If these two features are noted, take caution!
McCarthy Pest Control Treats Spiders
The black widow and brown recluse are common to the St. Louis, Missouri area. If you come across one, your best defense is to just avoid these spiders all together. No matter your intent, do not deliberately disturb these spiders, their webs, or surroundings. Concerned you might have an infestation of a venomous or non-venomous spider? It’s best to rely on an expert to remove the venomous spiders safely. Our trained technicians will perform a thorough inspection of your home and yard, then provide an appropriate treatment to remove these venomous spiders. Call McCarthy Pest Control today!
