Most of the spiders that you come across in your Tucson home are harmless. However, some species of spiders have potent venom and are capable of inflicting serious harm on us humans. One such spider, here in the Tucson area, is the black widow. Black widows are the most dangerous spiders in the United States. Therefore, you need to know what steps to take to keep them out of your Tucson home. Furthermore, should your home become infested with black widows, you need to know the effective spider control solutions that you can count on to get them out.

What Do Black Widows Look Like?

Black widows grow to be about one and a half inches long and, as their name might suggest, are black. They are perhaps best known for the red hourglass figure that appears on the underside of their abdomens. However, it is only female black widows that have this. Male black widows are all black. 

Black widows create messy, irregularly-shaped webs close to the ground, and they build silken sacs to house their eggs. If you notice either of these, you may have a black widow infestation in your home. 

Black widows prefer dark and dry locations that offer them protection. Outside, this may be under rocks, decks, or grills or in firewood piles. You can also find them living in sheds and garages. Inside, you will most likely find black widows living in basements, closets, attics, and crawl spaces. They prefer areas with lots of clutter as these areas attract their prey.

How Dangerous Are Black Widows?

As mentioned, black widows the most dangerous spiders in the United States. However, it is only female black widows that bite. Although it is uncommon, female black widows will bite in self-defense, especially after laying eggs. 

Bites from black widows are almost always painful and can cause fever, sweating, nausea, and increased blood pressure. It is unlikely, but bites from black widows have resulted in death. Therefore, if a black widow bites you, you need to seek medical attention right away.

Steps To Keep Black Widows Out Of Your Home

Black widows, like other spiders, typically enter homes for one of two reasons; either there is an easy way inside, or there is an abundance of prey on which they can feed. Given this, the best method of black widow prevention is reducing the number of pests in your home. To do so, you should:

• Store food in airtight containers or the fridge.
• Keep countertops and floors clean.
• Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Use dehumidifiers in areas with moisture buildup.
• Install door sweeps, weatherstripping, and window and door screens.
• Fill in cracks in the foundation with caulk. 
• Cover exterior holes around vents, pipes, and utility lines.
• Store woodpiles away from the exterior of the home.
• Wipe away webs as you come across them. 

If you can follow these steps, you should be able to drastically decrease your chances of dealing with a black widow infestation on your property.

What Is The Most Effective Form Of Black Widow Control?

If you do find black widows living in your home or on your property, contact the pest professionals here at Pest Friends right away. Our certified pest technicians have the equipment and knowledge needed to effectively eliminate black widows from your property. Don’t let black widows threaten the safety of you and your family. Contact Pest Friends today to get started with a black widow control services in Tucson that works for you and your property.

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