Should I Be Scared Of The Spiders I Find In My Syracuse Home?

brown recluse spider in web

Spiders are without a doubt one of the most feared pests in Syracuse, New York. Most people don’t like these arachnids, and they can definitely be terrifying to encounter with their eight legs and creepy movements. However, the truth is that the majority of species in the area aren’t actually dangerous to humans.

While all spiders have fangs and venom that they use to incapacitate their prey, most don’t have strong enough venom to hurt people or pets. But, there are a couple of exceptions to this. The black widow spider and the brown recluse spider are both considered medically dangerous.

Because of the risks these spiders pose, it’s important to know what they look like and how to tell them apart from harmless species. In this guide, we will cover how you can identify black widow and brown recluse spiders, what you should do if you’re bitten, and the best way to control dangerous spiders in Syracuse.

What You Need To Know About Black Widow Spiders

The black widow spider is a notorious species that is rather easy to identify. They are usually a jet black color and have a red, hourglass marking on their underbellies. They are also rather round and bulbous looking.

Black widow spiders prefer cluttered, dark areas to hide, so, when they get indoors, they are usually found in basements or crawl spaces. Outside, they often live in firewood, under stones, or in outbuildings and garages.

Black widow spider bites are actually rather rare as they aren’t an aggressive species. However, these bites do occur as they will attack when they feel threatened. The appearance of the bite can vary depending on the person, but there are often two small fang marks. If you do suspect at all that you could have been bitten by a black widow spider, you should seek medical help right away.

What You Need To Know About Brown Recluse Spiders

Unlike the black widow spider, brown recluse spiders are rather difficult to identify and are often mistaken for other species. The brown recluse is usually a tan color, and they have a violin-shaped marking behind their heads. One of the best ways to identify them is by the lack of markings on their legs.

The brown recluse spider prefers to hide in dark, out-of-the-way areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed. They are often found under porches or in the back of closets. They are also mainly nocturnal and are most active in the mid-summer months.

Brown recluse bites often aren’t noticed at first, and symptoms can take several hours to become apparent. At this point, you might feel burning or itching at the bite site. The area can become red and a white blister might form. Because brown recluse spider bites can be dangerous, you should seek immediate medical care if you have symptoms or suspect you could have been bitten by one of these spiders.

The Best Way To Control Dangerous Spiders

If you’re seeing black widow or brown recluse spiders around your home, it’s likely because you have an underlying pest problem. Spiders come around in search of their pest prey, so the best way to remove them is with ongoing assistance from Pestmaster® Services.

Our residential pest control plans will remove any current spider problems and also keep them from coming back. Contact us today to request your free quote.