How to Kill Black Widow Spiders
While most spiders have fangs that lack the power to puncture your skin, others including the black widow pose a threat to humans. If you see a spider a half-inch long with a red hourglass pattern on the underside of its abdomen, you are dealing with a black widow.
You need to know what to do if you encounter one and want to control them around your yard and home.
Things You Will Need
- Flashlight
- Wasp spray
- A long stick, the diameter of a small coin
- Comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes
Tip
During the summer months, patrol the perimeter of your home weekly to keep the black widow spider population under control.
Warning
Seek medical assistance immediately if you are bitten.
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Look for shy black widows to come out in the evening when the weather is hot; wait until dark to start looking around your yard and property. Take a flashlight, foaming wasp spray and stick. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes.
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Start on one side of the house or outbuildings and work around until you end back up where you began.
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Shine the flashlight to find the black widows by pointing the light up to check above you and sweeping the beam down. Black widows usually dwell within 2 feet of the ground or up in high corners and positioned in the middle of their web. Watch for the webs, as they are very strong and will often be an indicator to you that a black widow is nearby. Do not disturb the area, as the spider will feel the vibration and hide.
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Spray the foam directly on the spider to stun it. Wait two to five seconds and squish the spider with the stick.
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Smash any egg sacs and dispose of them.
The Drip Cap
- While most spiders have fangs that lack the power to puncture your skin, others including the black widow pose a threat to humans.
- Shine the flashlight to find the black widows by pointing the light up to check above you and sweeping the beam down.
- Smash any egg sacs and dispose of them.
References
Writer Bio
This article was written by PocketSense staff. If you have any questions, please reach out to us on our contact us page.
Photo Credits
- Ian Waldie/Getty Images News/Getty Images
- Ian Waldie/Getty Images News/Getty Images
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