Spiders are admired by some and feared by most. No matter how you feel about spiders, they are considered pests and some of them are more dangerous than others. South Florida, in particular, is filled with more species of spiders than most are willing to count. You’ll find many recognizable and common spiders in South Florida.
Find out how to identify and get rid of hazardous spiders from your home and how Stat Pest Control can provide you with safe pest control in Fort Myers.
How To Identify The Two Dangerous Spiders Found In The Area
There are many types of spiders found in Fort Myers, but there are only two kinds of venomous spiders in Florida: recluse spiders and widow spiders. There are three different species of widow spiders that are native to Florida, while a fourth species was introduced to the state in recent years. On the other hand, there are no species of recluse spiders that are native to Florida, but three species of recluse spiders have been introduced to the state and have shown up time and time again.
If you don’t know how to identify these two types of dangerous spiders, here is some general information about each one:
- Widow spiders: Female widow spiders, including black widow spiders, have bodies about half an inch in length, while males are smaller, about half the size. Widow spiders are best identified by their round and shiny abdomens which are usually black with red markings. They also have thin, long legs. In less common cases, widow spiders can be pale and have lateral stripes.
- Recluse spiders: Most spiders have eight eyes that normally are arranged in two rows of four, but recluse spiders (including brown recluse spiders) are different. Instead, they have six eyes that are arranged in three pairs. Recluse spiders are usually, but not always, brown in color. They have a dark violin-shaped mark and, at times, have parallel sides. To be considered a recluse spider, it must have six eyes in pairs, have a uniformly colored abdomen covered in fine hairs, have no spines on the legs, have uniformly colored legs, and be 3/8 of an inch in length or below.
If you are still unsure as to whether there is a dangerous spider in your Fort Myers home, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help clarify the issue for you.
The Side Effects Of Being Bitten By A Dangerous Spider
Spider bite side effects are not to be taken lightly, especially when bitten by a venomous spider. Widow spider bite symptoms are systemic. They spread through the lymphatic system, and side effects usually appear between one and three hours after the initial bite. You may find yourself experiencing drastic pain, stiff abdominal muscles, muscle cramping, malaise, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and hypertension. These symptoms can last up to a week if left untreated. If there are no severe symptoms or complications, calcium gluconate or antivenin may be used to counter widow bite side effects.
Recluse spider bite symptoms are increasing pain over the first eight hours after the initial bite, fever, body pain, chills, a bite wound with a pale center that turns dark with a red ring around it, and a bite wound that grows into an open sore or ulcer and dying skin around it. The suggested remedy for most brown recluse bites, specifically the ones that do not complicate and expand into serious symptoms, is rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Seek medical attention immediately if you were bitten by a widow or recluse spider, if you’re unsure whether the bite was from a venomous spider, or if you have any symptoms forming.
The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Dangerous Spiders Around Your Home
The safest and most effective way to get rid of dangerous spiders around your home is by contacting our professional team of technicians at Stat Pest Control. As much as you may want to handle the problem yourself, you’re likely to fail to get rid of spiders completely and may get harmed in the process. When it comes to dangerous spider removal, leave it to our expert team. We’ll even help you with a free estimate if you’re still not convinced!
How To Prevent Future Dangerous Spider Problems
Curious about more ways to get rid of spiders, especially when it comes to deterrence? Here’s how to prevent future problems with dangerous spiders:
- Clean your home often.
- Keep your home well lit.
- Seal entry points and repair window screens.
- Contact a professional pest control company to help with preventive and year-round pest control.
Call our team at Stat Pest Control for more information. We’ll help you get rid of dangerous spiders!
