Are The Spiders In Northwest Arkansas Dangerous to My Family and Pets?

No one enjoys finding pests hanging around their homes, especially when those pests have the potential to be a threat to your health. Spiders are one of the most common house pests found throughout Northwest Arkansas. These eight-legged arachnids are drawn to areas where they can find plenty of their insect prey. Unfortunately, if you’re dealing with spider problems, there’s a good chance you also have a secondary insect infestation on your hands.

When dealing with spiders in and around your home, it’s important to understand that some spiders pose a much higher health risk than others. While some spider bites may result in mild discomfort and swelling, dangerous spider bites can cause serious health issues for you, your family, and your pets. Black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders are the most dangerous species of spiders in our area. 

What Do Black Widows Look Like?

Black widow spiders have a unique look. They have large abdomens and glossy black bodies. The most distinguishing factor between black widows and other spiders is the bright red hourglass marking on the underside of a black widow spider’s abdomen. This marking is usually red but may appear reddish-orange or orange in color. 

What Does Brown Recluse Look Like?

Brown recluses are much less unique-looking than black widows and are often mistaken for other area arachnids. This smaller pest shares a light to dark brown color and lighter frame with many of its close cousins in Northwest Arkansas. The thing that sets this dangerous pest apart is the dark, backward hourglass located just behind its head and the fact that it has six eyes rather than the usual eight. We do not recommend, however, that you get close enough to identify a brown recluse by its lack of eyes.

The Dangers Spiders Pose

Most spiders do not have venomous bites potent enough to cause humans and larger animals harm. It is only brown recluses and black widows that pose a serious medical risk. A bite from one of these pests often elicits symptoms including pain and redness around the affected area, swelling, sweating, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramping, tremors, blistering, and on rare occasions, coma and death. 

People with preexisting medical conditions, infants, and the elderly are at a higher risk of serious injury due to a spider bite. To avoid symptoms becoming more severe or developing into more serious problems, seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten by one of these pests. 

6 Prevention Tips For Spiders

The best way to handle a spider problem is to avoid one in the first place. Here are six prevention tips you can use to keep spiders off your property and out of your home.

1. Keep your lawn clean and clear of debris like leaf piles, sticks, and other natural clutter.
2. Use a long broom to knock down webs around the exterior of your home. Please make sure no spiders are on this broom before bringing it back indoors.
3. Seal holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior.
4. Address damage to window/door screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps.
5. Keep unscreened doors, and windows shut when not in use.
6. Reduce clutter inside your home and keep things as organized as possible.

For additional help in preventing or managing spider problems, contact Rumble Pest Solutions.

One Guaranteed Answer To Spider Problems

There is only one guaranteed solution to spider problems, and that is to hire a professional. For the high-quality home pest control services at an affordable price to you, look no further than Rumble Pest Solutions. Our team is dedicated to your protection and can get your property the treatment it needs to combat dangerous and invasive spiders. Contact the professionals at Rumble Pest Solutions today for help with your Northwest Arkansas home’s spider problems.