Spiders

Arachnophobia is one of the most widespread phobias in America. Most of the spiders that reside in the U.S. are actually harmless to humans and can be a great help in eliminating other pests such as flies and mosquitos. Though many are harmless, there are still multiple species that are quite dangerous to humans and animals. Some of these spider bites pose a real threat to your health and could even cause death.

At Pest Authority of Chattanooga, our Barrier 360 treatment will rid your home of spiders for good, and if they do intrude, our team of experts will come to your home and provide interior services for no additional cost. No Contracts. No Commitments. No Spiders. Guaranteed.

Common Species of Dangerous Spiders:

  1.   Brown Recluse

Also called fiddleback or violin spiders. These spiders have a dark, violin-shaped mark on their body. Brown recluses often hide in dark places like attics, cupboards, and wood piles. It can be dangerous to work outside, clean your attic or other storage places because of this, so in order to avoid being bitten by these spiders, wear gloves and tuck your pants into your shoes. In severe cases, if you are bitten by one, it can lead to necrosis (a condition where your living cells die). In less severe cases, a brown recluse bite can cause a fever, nausea, itching, muscle pain, and convulsions. It is absolutely necessary to seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten by one of these spiders.

 

  1.   Black Widow

Black widows are probably the most infamous species of spiders because of their deadly reputation and striking appearance. They have a jet-black body and a crimson hourglass or striped marking on their abdomen. Females are considered to be the most venomous spider in the United States. Their venom is 15 times more toxic than rattlesnake venom, but less than 1% of the people bitten by this spider die because of the bite itself. Symptoms include hypertension, nausea, abdominal pain, and paralysis of the diaphragm, which leads to difficulty breathing. These spiders usually nest in covered, dark places like mailboxes and underneath outdoor furniture. Unless they sense a threat, they usually leave people alone.

  1.   Hobo Spider

Hobo spiders are often some shade of brown and hard to identify because of their close resemblance to other spiders including the brown recluse. Because of the lack of identification, it has been difficult to pinpoint the exact effect of their bite. These spiders were at one time thought to cause necrosis, but it could have easily been confused with the brown recluse spider bite. Regardless, if you think that you have been bitten by one of these spiders, seeking immediate medical attention is the safest course of action. These spiders reside in the Pacific Northwest United States and are usually found in damp, dark places like basements, garages, and crawl spaces.

 

How to Avoid Spider Bites & Infestations:

  • Shake out your shoes (especially boots) before putting them on.
  • Clean out your gutters regularly.
  • Cut back branches to trees and bushes so that they don’t touch your house,
  • Move your bed away from the walls and make sure your curtains do not touch the bed.
  • Remove bed skirts, especially those that touch the ground.
  • Shake out clothing and linens before using them.
  • Clean out the clutter (especially paper & cardboard boxes)
  • Store all off-season clothing and shoes in sealed containers.