Throughout Texas and many U.S. states, false black widow spiders have been known to invade homes and populate the yard. At first glance, most people will mistake them for black widow spiders. False black widow spiders are less dangerous than black widow spiders, but just like black widows, they will still bite and infest a home if allowed. A-Tex Pest Management will share how to identify and control spiders in your home.
False Black Widow Spider Identification
When you discover a spider that looks like a Black Widow spider, it may be a false black widow. To correctly identify a false black widow, it is first essential to know that a false black widow is a dark brownish color versus the deep black color of the Black Widow. Also, false black widow spiders do not have the red hourglass marks underneath their abdomen. The females are bigger and more robust than the males. The females have that bulbous abdomen, whereas the males have a smaller abdomen and thinner legs. The male False Black Widow spider also has coloring that varies from the Black Widow’s markings. False black widow spiders, in most cases, prefer to stay outdoors where you can find them in walls, fences, under rocks, and underneath the bark or trees. When False Black Widow spiders invade your home, they hide in small holes or gaps in window sills. False black widow spiders make irregular and sticky cobwebs, which they use to capture their prey. False black widow spiders will feed on other small insects and, occasionally, other spiders. They primarily feed on isopods such as sowbugs and pillbugs.
False Widow Spider Bite
The false black widow spider's primary reproductive season is July through August. Shortly after the eggs hatch, the tiny spiders will look for food and a safe place to hide as they mature. Spiders tend to attach their egg sacs to their webs. As the spiderlings mature, they can infest an area. One of the greatest fears of a spider infestation is getting bit. Male false black widow fangs are smaller than the female and don’t tend to bite. The female has large fangs and venom to kill their prey and protect their egg sacs. The female false black widow spider venom isn’t nearly as potent as black widow spiders. False black widow spider bites will cause swelling, and a tingling sensation will often accompany the redness and swelling. However, no primary medical treatment needs to occur when bitten by a false black widow spider.
Home Pest Sealing to Keep Spiders Away
To keep the false black widow and other spiders out of your home, you will want to ensure the house is sealed correctly. You will also want to keep pests and all other spiders out by regularly inspecting the home's outside doors and windows. Ensure the doors do not have gaps where spiders can enter. Windows should be able to close completely, and screens should not have any holes. They, too, should be secured. For more protection from spiders, seek out a professional pest control service.
Spider Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin, Texas
For quality pest control services, contact A-Tex Pest Management and schedule our services today.