The brown recluse and the black widow are a concern in Elgin because of the risks they pose. Residents may not encounter these spiders every day, but it helps to know how to identify and respond to these spiders. This allows them to call a pest control company like Pointe Pest Control when sightings of these dangerous spiders occur. The company’s professionals can handle these species effectively and make homes less inviting to them and other species.
Identifying the Brown Recluse
The brown recluse is a small spider, usually light to medium brown with a distinctive dark violin-shaped mark on its back. It has long, slender legs and six eyes arranged in pairs. Adults are about the size of a quarter when including their legs. Their color blends with cardboard, wood, or dark corners, so they can go unnoticed until disturbed.
Identifying the Black Widow
The black widow is easy to recognize with its shiny black body and the red hourglass marking on its underside. Females are larger than males, reaching about half an inch in body length. Males are smaller and lighter in color, often with pinkish or white streaks. Black widows favor cluttered, dark spaces where their irregular webs can stretch across gaps and corners.
Where Brown Recluses Hide
Brown recluses prefer quiet, undisturbed areas. They hide in basements, attics, closets, or boxes. They also take shelter in shoes, folded clothes, or behind furniture. They nest in woodpiles, sheds, and under loose boards outdoors.
Where Black Widows Nest
Black widows build their webs in low, dark locations. They may appear in garages, under decks, or in outdoor equipment stored near the house. Their sticky, uneven webs don’t resemble the classic circular webs of other spiders. These spiders stay close to their webs, waiting for prey to get trapped.
Bites and Health Risks From Brown Recluses
The bite of a brown recluse may go unnoticed at first, but it can develop into a painful sore with tissue damage. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, and blistering. Not all bites lead to severe effects, but medical attention should be sought if the bite worsens or shows signs of infection.
Bites and Health Risks From Black Widows
Black widow venom affects the nervous system. It can cause sharp pain, cramping, nausea, and sweating. Fatalities are rare, but the bite can be serious. Medical care is always advised after a suspected black widow bite to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Why These Spiders Enter Homes
Like most pests, brown recluses and black widows enter homes in search of shelter and prey. These needs are available in basements, garages, and storage areas. They can also hide in clutter, cardboard boxes, and piles of clothing or wood. Spiders can enter homes through cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
How to Reduce Encounters Indoors
Decluttering is one of the best defenses against these spiders. Store clothes and shoes in sealed containers. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard and keep closets organized to reduce hiding spots. Sealing cracks and gaps around the home further limits their entry. Also, regular vacuuming and dusting in low-traffic areas disrupts webs and discourages spiders from settling.
Outdoor Prevention Tips
Keeping the yard tidy goes a long way in controlling spider populations. Moving firewood away from the house and trimming tall grass eliminates outdoor shelters. Shake out gloves, boots, or outdoor furniture cushions before use to prevent unpleasant surprises. Outdoor lighting can attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. Thus, placing lights away from entry points helps reduce indoor activity.
When to Seek Professional Help
The brown recluse and black widow spiders are dangerous, so spotting them should prompt a call for expert help. Experts can identify problem areas and apply treatments where spiders hide. They can also provide long-term prevention strategies. Professional services are especially valuable in homes with young children or pets.