When living in Los Angeles, it's not unusual for people to run into celebrities. These well-known stars often visit upscale coffee shops, swanky sidewalk cafes, and trendy shopping spots. If residents are lucky, they may even spot these celebrities enjoying the numerous clubs around the area. One famous pest living around Los Angeles is the black widow spider. Without Los Angeles pest control, this A-list celebrity of the spider world might soon be causing property owners problems.
How To Identify A Black Widow Spider
Black widow spiders in Los Angeles have a reputation for being one of the most dangerous spiders in California. Their reputation is well-earned. When a spider with a reputation for danger is potentially hanging around a property, it is wise to be able to identify it quickly.
Five characteristics that help identify black widows include:
- They are relatively large, measuring 1 1/2 to 1 3/8 inches long.
- They have shiny black bodies with an abdomen that is markedly chubbier than the rest of their body.
- They have two triangular markings that form a red "hourglass" marking on the underside of their fat abdomen.
- They have two body parts (an abdomen and a cephalothorax).
- They have eight legs and simple eyes.
Defensive black widows are dangerous spiders that pose a health risk to those living on Los Angeles properties. When property owners see black widows around their properties, it is always wise to use pest professionals like A Step Above Pest Control for safe removal.
The Dangers Of A Black Widow Spider's Bite
Black widow spiders (as with most spiders) rarely bite unless provoked, but females will aggressively defend webs with eggs. They will assume a defensive position and strike if injured or threatened. While widow bites are rarely fatal, they come with some alarming consequences. Some describe a widow's bite as feeling like a pinprick; people may develop a dim red mark that swells. Typically, dull to severe pain and stiffness develop within a few hours after a widow's bite and can last up to three days. The venom from a widow's bite can cause people to develop some pretty miserable symptoms, including headaches, fever, nausea, sweating, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
The best way to treat a black widow bite is by washing the wound and using ice packs to slow down venom absorption. People can also use over-the-counter medications for minor symptoms. Most recommend that people bit by a black widow seek medical attention. The adage, "It's better to be safe than sorry," is an excellent rule when considering whether to seek medical attention. When homeowners suspect that black widows are making themselves comfortable on their property, it is best to use pest professionals like A Step Above Pest Control for complete black widow removal.
Where You Might Find Black Widow Spiders On Your Property
Black widow spiders enjoy dimly lit or dark areas that are out-of-the-way, quiet, and sheltered. They often attach their webs between walls and other fixed objects. They are content to live well out of reach of the hustle and bustle of human activity.
Some areas black widows like to hang out include:
- Sheds
- Dark basements
- Crawlspaces
- Piles of wood/sticks
- Bottom corners of doorways
- Garages
- Leaf litter
- Barns
Widows typically construct messy and irregular webs where they like to hang upside down (showing off their red hourglass), awaiting prey. Construction of webs is usually done at night and stays low to the ground. An abundance of webs constructed in the lower levels of structures could be a warning of black widow activity. Because black widow spider removal can be hazardous to your health, the safest and best way to get rid of spiders in Los Angeles is with aid from a pest professional like A Step Above Pest Control.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Black Widows
At A Step Above Pest Control, our goal is to provide our customers with spider and pest control solutions that are effective and efficient in the safest possible manner. Providing pest protection services since 1996, our family-owned and operated company takes pride in protecting the residents of the Los Angeles area. Using Integrated Pest Management methodologies allows our company to provide customers with the most up-to-date pest management strategies. Customers always receive pest management services tailored to their specific needs at a reasonable cost. When hazardous pests start hanging around your property, let the professionals at A Step Above Pest Control safely remove them and restore peace and safety to your property. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our company today to get a free quote and to learn more about our residential pest control services in Los Angeles.