What Every Frisco Property Owner Ought To Know About Black Widow Spiders
In our area, black widow spiders are a concern. Black widows have a venom that can cause serious illness. The more you know about these spiders, the better. Today, we're going to give you all the important facts you need to avoid getting bitten and to keep these spiders out of your home.
Black Widow Identification
If you're not familiar with what a black widow spider looks like, there are a few visual characteristics that can help with identification.
- A black widow is entirely black except for a red marking.
- A black widow is visibly hairless.
- The markings on a black widow may be red, orange or yellow.
- The marking on a black widow can be found on the abdomen.
- The marking on a black widow may be in the shape of an hourglass or may appear as dots, depending on the age of the spider.
- The marking on a black widow may look like an irregular line down the center of the abdomen.
- The abdomen of a widow spider is shaped like an orb.
- A black widow may be 1 ½ to 1 ⅜ inches long.
- Males are smaller than females.
Black Widows In The Yard
When a black widow spider comes into your yard, you can expect it to hide in and around wood, brush, and leaf piles. You may also find one under your deck, stairs, and other exterior structures. The best way to avoid a black widow spider bite when you're out in your yard is to wear gloves and to be cautious. If you go underneath your deck, be sure to use a flashlight to inspect for the presence of black widow spider webs. These webs are made of strong material and constructed in an irregular manner. Keep in mind that black widows keep their egg sacs in their webs. Bites from these spiders usually occur when there is contact with a web and the female spider bites defensively to protect her eggs.
Black Widow Prevention
The secret to reducing black widow spiders in your yard is to reduce the food black widows eat. If you have fewer grasshoppers, mice, lizards, snakes, mosquitoes, and bugs, you'll have fewer black widow spiders. Here are a few general tips for reducing black widow food sources:
- Reduce exterior lights at night and keep your shades drawn. Many insects are attracted to light. If keeping lights off is a security concern, consider replacing white bulbs with insect-resistant yellow bulbs.
- Reduce moisture. There are many bugs that are attracted to moist environments. A key way to reduce moisture is to make sure your gutters are clean.
- Reduce standing water. Some mosquito species breed in stagnant water. Remove objects in your yard that allow rainwater to collect.
- Keep your grass trimmed and remove unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping. This will help reduce moisture and also remove hiding places for mice and other animals.
- Make sure your exterior trash is kept in covered receptacles, and that you have your trash removed from your property weekly. If your trash receptacles have an odor, pests will take notice.
Why Choose Adams Exterminating?
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Trained Entomologists & Service TechniciansOur team brings a deep understanding of insect biology and behavior to create targeted pest control strategies. We're equipped with the latest techniques and technologies to effectively eliminate pests.
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Customized Plans for Every BudgetRecognizing that each space is different, we customize pest control services for every home or business. Our approach involves targeted solutions, addressing specific needs for your environment.
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Trusted in the Community Since 1947With a legacy dating back to 1947, our pest control company brings decades of experience with a proven track record to keep your space critter-free.
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Locally Owned & OperatedAs a locally owned business with offices in both Denton and Lewisville, we are rooted in the community and dedicated to serving our neighbors with personalized service.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 940-239-9786 today!
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Do you offer any organic/green/low toxic treatments?
We do offer “green” treatments because we understand that though the synthetic pesticides that we typically use are quite safe, some people for various valid reasons prefer a green approach to pest control. In addition to employing completely non-chemical measures such as structural and mechanical alterations (weep-hole exclusions, recommendations on door sweep replacement etc.) and glue traps or other monitoring devices, we have a number of natural and botanical insecticides that we can use to treat your home or business.
We commonly use natural products such as boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and a number of different botanical products (pyrethrum, rosemary oil, cedar oil, etc.). These products can be very effective when used properly. One downside is that they usually don't last as long as synthetic pesticides, so we generally recommend a more frequent treatment cycle, such as monthly, when using these products. Just tell the person you speak with on the phone or the technician who services your property about your preference and we will be happy to accommodate you.
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Are the products/chemicals you use safe?All of the products that we use have undergone extensive testing and have been approved for use by the EPA. Instead of using generic products, we believe in purchasing the best available chemicals that have been manufactured by well-known companies such as Bayer, BASF, and Dow. Additionally, all of our service programs are designed to be effective, safe, and environmentally responsible and all of the products we use are chosen to that end. When used properly by a licensed professional, they pose practically no risk to our customers or their children or pets.
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Do you offer termite control?
Yes, both our Home Guardian and Home Guardian Plus plans offer termite control using the proven Sentricon® System with Always Active™ along with a termite service warranty.
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Do you offer pest control to businesses?Yes, we offer both residential and commercial pest control. We will work with the needs of your business to ensure that pests are not a problem. Furthermore, we understand the State of Texas’s Health and Safety Codes when it comes to pesticide use and pest control.
