The black widow is one of the most recognizable pests in the US. It can be found in every state of the country, with the exception of Alaska. The iconic black widow spider is the female of the species that has the red hourglass marking on its abdomen. It is also the member of the species that carries a powerful venomous bite.
Professionals deal with a black widow infestation in several steps. To start, a specialist will conduct an inspection of the home in order to locate where the spiders are set up. This is usually better performed at night, when the spider will position itself at the center of the web. The specialist will wear gloves and long sleeves while performing these inspections, since black widows are reclusive insects, and are interested in hiding in dark, sheltered spaces.
If the infestation is small, and only a few spiders are discovered, the removal process is straightforward – they are destroyed mechanically. In other words, they are swatted with a flyswatter or another long-handed tool. Their webs and egg sacs are then destroyed as well using a hose or by vacuuming. If the infestation is outside, the pest control professional will use a garden hose and a high pressure jet to wash known black widow shelters down. These shelters may include rock piles, the space under the deck, and roof overhangs.
If the infestation is larger, or if the specialist thinks that there may be more to the infestation than initially meets the eye, he will apply residual pesticides to potential harborage sites. There are a range of products that can be used here, including pesticides that have a longer residual period and keep your home protected for a longer period of time.
Once the pest control operation is complete, you may want to make sure that your property is less appealing to spiders by moving any firewood or stone debris piles further away from the foundation of the home. It’s also a good idea to keep them elevated above ground when they are in storage. Indoors, you will want to remove or reduce the clutter in your basement and garage. Any items that you seldom use should be thrown away. You also want to make sure that you vacuum frequently using a crevice tool.
If you currently have issues with spiders in your home, and you suspect that you may have a black widow infestation, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
