Florida spiders come in all sizes, but one of the most dangerous is the Black Widow spider. We all know to look for the telltale hourglass marking on its abdomen and the sharply angled “stiletto” legs. What else do you need to know about the Black Widow spiders, and what do you do if you find them in your home?
Recognizing Black Widow Spiders
Four different species of widow spiders live in Florida – this includes the Southern and Northern Black Widow spiders. They don’t look exactly the same. Northern Black Widows have less of a glossy look, and there’s more orange in their pattern. The hourglass pattern is split in the middle. You’ll see more coloration on their legs, too.
The Southern Black Widow is glossier, with red markings and a more recognizable hourglass mark. Both their webs are haphazard, messy, and make a crackling sound when you brush through them.
Other Venomous Florida Spiders
Venomous spiders in Florida also include the Brown Widow and Red Widow. They look similar to their cousins except for having brown and red coloration. The Brown Widow isn’t as dangerous since it doesn’t inject as much venom in a bite. The Red Widow can be dangerous. You probably also know the Brown Recluse. It’s not a widow spider but is one of the most venomous spiders in Florida you may encounter.
Widow Spider Bite
If you’re bitten by a black widow or recluse spider, you need to seek medical attention. These bites rarely result in death. That doesn’t mean you can just ignore them. Children are in particular danger if bitten. Bites can be extremely painful, and they can also often lead to necrotic tissue problems and other long-term health complications. Immediate medical attention substantially decreases your health risk.
Eliminating Black Widow Spiders
Finally, what if you need spider pest control? This isn’t DIY territory. A spider infestation should be handled by Brevard County spider pest control specialists. Using the right strategy and equipment decreases the risks to you and your family. It’s also crucial to solve the problem right away. You don’t want to spray in a way that drives surviving spiders even deeper into your home, and you don’t want to overlook the eggs that will simply renew the problem down the road. Expert spider pest control makes sure these problems are dealt with, too.