As the weather warms up you’ll probably be tempted to start spring cleaning. You’ll finally get around to moving those boxes in the attic or straightening up the garage. Maybe you’ll head out to your shed to clean and sharpen your gardening tools. You’ll consider re-stacking the remaining firewood and putting it closer to the outdoor fire pit. If the spring cleaning bug has bitten you, beware! Another more painful bite could be in your future.

Those dark, quiet spots you haven’t disturbed all winter could be harboring black widow spiders. These small, shiny black spiders like those secluded, dimly lit and even cluttered areas best. They are shy little spiders, preferring to hide away from noise and light, but they are also abundant all across the Southeastern US.

Some Brevard County pest service companies prefer to focus on the bugs that do more structural damage like termites or the more obvious outdoor pest control problems like wasps. But ignoring issues like black widow spiders could leave you vulnerable to a painful sting, the possibility of scarring and even a life-threatening allergic attack.

Black widows are one of only two venomous spiders native to the US (the other being the brown recluse). Both are considered dangerous to humans. Its venom is a neurotoxin which attacks the nervous system. It can cause significant pain at the site of the sting which may also spread to the chest, abdomen or across the entire body. Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and weakness, dizziness, fainting and a sharp increase in blood pressure are also common reactions. Young children, elderly people and folks with allergies are more likely to have serious reactions and complications from a black widow sting.

Use precautions when you start that spring cleaning project and give your termite and pest control company a call to see if it’s time for an inspection and treatment. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and your family:

  • Use the broom or vacuum first. The motion and noise of either one will startle spiders and send them running. Sweep the area out before putting a hand in it!
  • Wear gloves, long pants and sleeves and closed-toe shoes when gardening, cleaning up or venturing into infrequently used areas. Exposed skin is easily stung.
  • Employ a reputable lawn care service.  Weeds and brushy areas are known to attract black widows.
  • Don’t store boxes under your bed. It’s too tempting a home for a black widow.
  • Only spray if can hit a spider directly. They don’t absorb anything through their tiny feet so even “long-lasting” sprays are waste of money when it comes to black widows.

Be careful this spring! Follow the impulse to tidy up but use caution when you do it.