Spiders are the villains of many nightmares and horror movies, but most common household spiders are mainly harmless, beneficial creatures in real life. They are exceptionally skilled predators that keep down the number of insects and other pests around your property, working as nature's pest control service. Unfortunately, when spiders start making their way into our houses or their number gets out of control, the idea of coexistence with these arachnids becomes less than palatable. Add to that a couple of venomous spider species that can do serious damage when they bite, and we realize that spiders and us should stay a healthy distance from each other.
Let's look at common spiders in Nevada, which venomous or aggressive spider species to watch out for, and where to find reliable pest control in Las Vegas if spiders have infested your home.
Common Types Of Local Spiders
There are hundreds of species of spiders in an ecosystem as diverse as the one we get to enjoy in Nevada. When it comes to running into spiders on your property, you're most like to bump into the following trespassers:
- Black widow spiders are glossy black, often with bright red markings on their undersides. They measure between 1 ½ and 1 ⅜ inches long. Black widows have potent venom, and bites can cause serious symptoms.
- Wolf spiders can be up to 1 3/8 inches in size with a dark brown body and yellow markings. Wolf spiders don't weave webs but are aggressive hunters, usually chasing down their prey at night. Wolf spiders may bite if handled or threatened, but their bites are not considered medically dangerous.
- Desert brown recluse spiders are tan or brown with a distinctive violin-shaped pattern on their backs, like other recluse spiders. They are around ¼ to ½ inch long and spin irregularly-shaped webs to catch prey.
Spiders are predators, and they'll only move into your home to follow their prey. If you're seeing spiders in your house, consider looking for signs of an insect infestation. If spiders are present, there's a good chance that you have other pest problems.
Are There Dangerous Spiders In Las Vegas?
The vast majority of spiders in Las Vegas pose no threat to humans. In fact, most spiders rarely bite, and those that do typically produce only mild symptoms. However, both the black widow spider and the desert brown recluse are considered medically significant. Both species will retreat if given a chance but are venomous and can cause serious injuries by biting.
Black widow bites typically produce pain, swelling, fever, increased blood pressure, and nausea. Symptoms are often more severe in young children and older people. Fatalities from black widow bites are very rare, especially with prompt medical attention. Contact a physician immediately if you believe that you or a loved one has been bitten by a black widow.
Bites from desert brown recluse spiders can result in a necrotic ulcer, which means that the tissue around the bite will start to die. This can take a long time to heal and leave scarring. If you believe you have been bitten by a desert brown recluse, it's important to seek medical assistance promptly in order to monitor and manage the symptoms.
Practical Spider Prevention Tips
Keeping spiders out of your home means prioritizing two simple strategies; get rid of the food source they're following indoors and make it hard for them to get inside the walls in the first place.
- Don't store firewood next to the house.
- Seal cracks and crevices in the walls and foundation.
- Organize clutter to remove hiding spots.
- Take care of an insect infestation spiders are feeding on.
Spiders have little interest in the comforts of our homes and would be happy to keep their distance from humans if possible. Following these tips and an annual pest control inspection will help you maintain a spider-free home.
Call The Experts For Safe And Effective Spider Control
At Anderson Pest Control, we are family-owned and have served the Las Vegas area for more than 20 years. We offer pest-specific solutions backed by an Integrated Pest Management methodology, and our customers' satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.
If your home is overrun by spiders, contact the pest management professionals at Anderson Pest Control. We will provide the spider control solutions you need to keep your Las Vegas home spider-free. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.