Generally, American spiders are not dangerous to people, and this comes as a huge relief to those who go straight to the internet search when they see a spider inside. Unfortunately for those with arachnophobia, the types of spiders in California can look pretty scary.
You don’t have to worry much about most types of spiders found in homes, but you do need to be wary of a couple of dangerous spiders. Continue reading to learn more about the dangerous black widow and recluse spiders in Riverside, CA including where to find and how to identify these pests.
Are Black Widow Spiders Dangerous?
While not usually lethal, Black widow spiders are one of the most dangerous spiders in the United States. Unfortunately, they are also sometimes hard to identify.
Female black widows are known for their glossy black appearance. The body type of a black widow is one of its most recognizable characteristics. With a large, extremely rounded abdomen and long, pointed legs, they look quite intimidating. All black widows can have red or yellow dots on their backs, but of course, the most recognizable characteristic is the red hourglass on its underside. In some black widows, the hourglass can also be yellow or orange.
Black widow spiders are rarely found indoors, but if they are, it’s probably because they were brought inside by accident. They prefer dark, secluded areas like garages and sheds or woodpiles. If they do come indoors, they’ll stick to isolated areas like closets, basements, and dark corners. Their webs are messy, often tangled, and not very uniform.
Are Brown Recluse Spiders Dangerous?
Among all the spiders found in homes, the brown recluse is one of the least likely to make its presence known because of its reclusive nature. Next to the black widow, brown recluse spiders are one of the most dangerous American spiders. Thankfully, the typical brown recluse, Loxosceles reclusa, does not live in California. Other types of spiders in California, including native recluse spiders, can pose similar medical risks.
The desert recluse is one species of spider found in the southern parts of the state, and it looks very similar to the typical brown recluse. The desert recluse is tan to dark brown with the characteristic fiddle-shaped marking on their backs. Like the brown recluse, its eyes are arranged in three groups of two, setting it apart from other arachnids with eight eyes. Also, like the brown recluse, the desert recluse can cause necrotic ulcers with their bites.
The good news is that desert recluse spiders are rarely found indoors. Native to the desert, you’d have to be terribly unlucky to encounter one. However, if you think you’ve been bitten by either a black widow or a recluse spider, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention.
How To Keep Spiders Away From Your House: Power Pros Pest Control
There are many ways to get rid of spiders in and around your home, including de-webbing, de-cluttering, turning off porch lights, and keeping your yard trimmed, but the best way to get rid of spiders is by taking care of the pest prey that draw them to your home.
At Power Pros Pest Control, we can clear your home of the pests that draw in harmless and dangerous spiders alike. Not only can we take care of your current pest prey problem and your spider population, but we can also protect your home against future infestations. Call Power Pros Pest Control to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest management solutions in Riverside, CA.