Doesn’t the word infestation create cold chills and shivers up and down your body? How about if I throw in the words “Black Widow?”
Well, that has been the story here at Catching Aiden Headquarters. Yes, folks, we have a plethora of black widows and it creeps me out! Why, might you ask? I have been fearing for the life of my precious little clan as I have heard the many myths behind the infamous spider. I was just sure that one little nibble would be sending us to the emergency room…or worse!
So, we sprayed poison like crazy and sure enough, I no longer saw the creepy critters. That was until this week. Sure enough, Theey’re Baaaack! Gah!! What to do???
First, I hit the internet. Apparently these ladies aren’t as horrific as I once believed. Though the female black widow is the most venemous spider in the United States, she seldom imjects enough poison to cause death. Phew! That is a mild relief. And, according to http://www.calpoision.org. Noone has died in over 10 years in the United States from a black widow spider bite, even more of a relief!
Black widows LOVE dark quiet places to hang aound. Because of this you can take some simple steps to prevent an infestation. (Ours is due to moving into a brand new house in a new neighborhood. You can guarantee to have many if you fall into this category and will definitely want to listen up!!)
First, the best prevention is to keep items sealed. Do not have open boxes, bags with holes, shoes/boots hanging out in the garage.
Second, avoid having tall grasses, weeds, shrubs, woodpiles, garbage, etc. near the house.
Third, consistently check the dark, out-of-the-way corners in your garage, meter boxes, sheds. If found, the spider may need a pounding or two (or four in my cases) before she perishes. Also, use the sticky insect pads which are more effective at extermination then sprays. It will also help determine the quantity of spiders you have.
Finally, check absolutely EVERYTHING before you bring it into the house. Black widows prefer to be away from human infested homes but will find a corner if we bring them in!
If you or someone else in the fam. does happen to be bitten, here’s what you do. DO NOT panic. Wash the wound with soap and water. Apparently it is not always necessary to seek medical care. You do want to seek medical care, however, if the victim (yes, I consider the poor person a victim) has more than minor pain OR has whole body pain. If the symptoms are severe call 911. Go here for a complete article on black widow bites or here for symptomatology.
