Spiders

Arachnophobia is one of the most widespread phobias across America. The majority of spiders that live in the U.S. are actually harmless to humans and can even help to eliminate other pests in the home like mosquitoes and flies. However, there are some spiders that are very dangerous to humans and animals. These spiders have bites that can pose risks to your health and can even cause death.

At Pest Authority of Central Jersey, our Barrier 360 treatment will keep spiders away from your home for good. If spiders do happen to get in, our pest control experts can deliver interior treatments to your home for no additional fees. Our spider control services come with the Pest Authority guarantee: No Contracts. No Commitments. No Spiders. Guaranteed.

Common Species of Dangerous Spiders:

  1.   Brown Recluse

Also called fiddleback or violin spiders. They have a dark, violin-shaped marking on their bodies. Brown recluse spiders usually hide in dark places such as attics, cupboards, and wood piles. Working outside or cleaning out your attic or other storage places can be dangerous, so in order to avoid being caught off guard and bitten, wearing gloves is essential and tucking your pants into your shoes. In extreme cases, a brown recluse bite can lead to necrosis (a condition where your living cells die). In less threatening cases, a brown recluse bite can cause a fever, nausea, itching, muscle pain and convulsions. It is imperative to seek medical attention immediately if you have been or think you have been bitten by one of these spiders.

 

  1.   Black Widow

Black Widow spiders are commonly known, and often the first spider people think of when they hear “dangerous species of spiders.” This species has a striking appearance, with a jet-black body and bright red hourglass symbol on their backs. Female black widows are actually the most venomous spiders in the U.S., and their venom is 15 times more toxic than a rattlesnake. Although their venom is extremely dangerous, less than 1% of people die from a bite from a black widow spider. Symptoms of a bite usually include hypertension, nausea, abdominal pain, and paralysis of the diaphragm which makes it difficult to breathe. Black Widows usually nest in covered, dark places like mailboxes and underneath outdoor furniture. Unless they are threatened, they typically keep to themselves.

  1.   Hobo Spider

Hobo spiders can be various shades of brown and are often difficult to identify because they closely resemble multiple other species. These spiders remain elusive, and it has been hard to pinpoint the exact effect of their bites. They were at a time thought to cause necrosis, but since they resemble brown recluse spiders, it is uncertain whether or not the Hobo spider was actually the cause. Regardless, if you think you have been bitten by a hobo spider, seeking medical attention is highly recommended. Hobo spiders are mostly found in the Pacific Northwest U.S. 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.