Saturday, June 30, 2012

Two Different Types of Spiders and Information on Removal



No matter where in this country you live, spiders can be a serious problem. Most people don't realize that there are two distinct types of spiders, the first type of spiders are the web building spiders. These spiders like to spin webs in areas that are avoided by people, but where they might happened upon a nice, juicy, fly. Common places to find web building spiders are in the upper corner of neglected rooms, inside closets, under the eaves of homes and in storage sheds.

In addition to web building spiders there are also hunting spiders. These are spiders that leave the protection of their home to find and kill their own prey. Examples of hunting spiders are wolf spiders, brown recluse spiders and jumping spiders. These spiders spend most of their time hunting others of their kind, crickets, moths, flies, and cockroaches.

Hunting spiders don't usually travel very far from the place that they live, whether it be in a burrow, under the couch, under the refrigerator or in the garage. It is not uncommon for these species to find ways in between the walls of your home and spend most of their time there.

Among these two groups you will find various types that are considered poisonous enough to be a danger to small children and pets. Occasionally you will run into a species that can actually harm full grown adults such as Black Widows and Brown Recluses.

The most poisonous species in the United States is the Black Widow. This species has venom that has been compared to a cobra snake in regards to potency. However, the Black Widow is rarely involved bites that result in death because of the relatively small size of the spider. While a cobra, when it bites you, injects a large amount of venom, a Black Widow only injects a very small amount.
Nevertheless, it is highly recommend that if you, or anyone you know, is bitten by one of these that you should go to the hospital immediately. Some people believe that prior to the invention of Black Widow antivenin, that almost 5% of all bites resulted in death.

The Brown Recluse is the most poisonous hunting spider in the United States. While their bites are seldom, if ever, deadly, they do tend to kill the skin around the bite area. In addition to killing the skin a Brown Recluse bite can also be very painful and become extremely itchy.

It is not uncommon to hear people state that the presence of spiders in your home is a good thing because they act to limit the numbers of other insects, bugs and pests. This is untrue however. When comparing the various types of bugs and insects that can be inside your home, spiders are the last kind that you want. They hide in dark areas and commonly bite when threatened.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2758043

>>> Kill Spiders Now 

Friday, June 29, 2012

Kill Spiders Now



 Have you figured out how costly pest control management is usually? Very costly. Pest control could be challenging for you plus the surrounding environment. Pesticides Or Herbicides can be harmful nevertheless not generate the outcome you would like. Why not consider your pests conditions into your own personal control? It is possible to make your own organic spider spray following a few easy steps.


The spider issue that I used to have is now fully gone. Rather than paying for all those over-priced and deadly sprays, I desired to create my personal all-natural product. Being natural and organic my bottle of spray is safer for your atmosphere as well.

Getting bit by a Black Widow spider and Brown Recluse spider makes me further watchful around spiders. Due to that I have precautionary procedures, that help me make sure that I am not likely to get bit again.

Understanding that spiders are deterred by citrus, I made my own organic spider spray. I made use of citrus essential oils and purely natural soap combined in a spray bottle of standard water. This spray that I just made became my new spider deterrent to repel spiders.

I wanted this spray to become each natural and organic and effective when it had been produced. That Is how I wound up with essential natural oils and natural soap. Blend a couple of drops of essential oil and about a tbsp of all- natural soap in water and put it from a spray bottle. It is possible to easily alter the strength of your natural spider spray with the addition of much more drops of essential oils or organic soap also. Mix both by shaking or mixing nicely. I used this spray on my window sills and the external doorway. Repeat each week for best benefits. My spider trouble no more is present.

My spider spray has exhibited fantastic results, so this is why I include the 100 % natural ingredients to my other cleanup procedures. This stuff can be quite strong. Usually a few drops does the trick.

One More tip you should use when cleaning up is always to put in a drop or two of essential oils to your mop or broom. This gives the citrus smell for your floors while you sweep or clean. For maximum benefits I would recommend cleaning and using essential oils about once a week. This will ensure the best results when trying to keep spiders away.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6628422

>>> How to Get Rid of Spiders 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

How to Get Rid of Spiders



 For some people the most terrifying thing to run into in their home is a spider. However, most spiders look far worse than they really are. There are very few spiders that can actually harm a person. In fact, most spiders are actually helpful in getting rid of other pests. This is still not comfort, though, for most people who just wish to have a spider free home.


Chasing the Spiders Away
It can be very difficult to completely get rid of spiders. The best method is calling in a professional to completely spray your home. There are no major sprays on the market that you can buy to get rid of spiders and spider traps are only minimally effective.
You have to be diligent in order to really rid your home of spiders. You will need to knock down the webs and ensure the eggs are gone. A good way to do this is to sweep up the webs with a sweeper and then dispose of the bag or dump the canister outside.

Other Ideas to Try
People often come up with great ideas to help get rid of pests and that is true about getting rid of spiders. Here are some of the many ideas that people have offered on how to get rid of spiders in your home:
- Keep eucalyptus around the house because spiders do not like the smell. - Cats are great spider catchers. - Use an ammonia solution on windows to repel spiders. - Place hedge apples around your home. - Use lemon scented pledge to dust with.

Get Rid of Hiding Spots
Spiders will seek out wood and wood products, like cardboard. They also can hide in clothing items or under almost anything. Be sure to reduce the amount of clutter you have. In areas like attics, basements and closets you should keep sticky traps to catch any wondering spiders.

Following all of the above tips and ideas should help you to get a good handle on any spider problem you may have. If you find your home has brown recluse or black widow spiders, which can both cause serious health problems if they bite, then you really must contact a professional to spray your home. Make sure to get a guarantee, too, so if the spider problem comes back quickly they will spray again for free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1006964

>>> The Ten Most Poisonous Spiders 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Ten Most Poisonous Spiders



 Spiders are either loved or hated by the world's population. We appreciate them for their ability to catch other pests, kill them and eat them, but at the same time, there's that "gross-out" factor that many people cannot stand to have. Whether the spiders are small or large, they bring chills to some and celebration to others. They are found in and outside of the home and can even be poisonous. Here is a short list of the ten most poisonous spiders found in the United States.


1. Brown Recluse Spider - found across the United States, predominantly in the South. Venom from this spider can cause injuries of tissue loss and necrosis.

2. Black Widow Spider - Found outdoors and in sheds and cluttered areas in basements and crawl spaces. Bites can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, hypertension and abdominal pain. There were anti-venoms developed in 1956 for bites from these spiders.

3. Hobo Spider- Normally found in some of the north western states, this spider is usually found at ground level and below (in basements). Bites will blister and break open.
Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, weakness, temporary memory loss, and even vision impairment.

4. Grass Spider - Found mostly in the Pacific Northwest, these spiders have a low risk to humans.

5. Female Mouse Spider - Both the male and female mouse spiders normally won't bite unless provoked. Male spiders will tend to bite before the female, and their fangs are rather large and produce a very painful bite. It's important to seek medical attention immediately. These spiders are ground dwellers and burrow up to 3 feet into the ground.

6. Male Mouse Spider - Can be found in both coastal and drier habitats. Symptoms include tingling around the mouth and tongue, facial muscle twitching,nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating,salivation and shortness of breath.

7. Black House Spider - While not lethal, black house spiders' bites are poisonous. People who have been bitten have experienced pain, sweating, muscular pains, headaches, and vomiting. First aid should be sought immediately.

8. Wolf Spider - Like the Black House Spider, the wolf spider is poisonous, but not lethal. If provoked, the spider will bite freely. If a child or elder is bit, seek medical attention immediately.

9. Female Trap-door spider - Trap door spiders present a non-toxic bit to humans and aren't very aggressive. They rarely bite, but if so, it can be very painful.

10. Garden Orb-weaving spider - These spiders present a non-toxic venom to humans. They rarely bite, and can be found in garden areas around the home. Their webs can be 6 feet or more in size and can be found between buildings or shrubs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5091479

>>> Choosing the Best Spider Names 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Choosing the Best Spider Names



 When you have a pet spider, you have to give it a name, unless you just want to call it Spider or Spidy all the time. You may be a fan of Spiderman and name your pet after a character in the movie or the comic book series. Parker, for example, sounds like a nice strong name for a spider. If you wish, you can use the name of one of the villains, but then people may think you have a bad spider. You can also choose a name based on the spider appearance or its scientific classification. How about Rachy, based on the word Arachnid for the class of spiders? There are many choices in spider names you just have to use your imagination.


There are male and female spiders, as you know, so when you do bring home your pet you can choose a name appropriate to the gender. Charlotte is a very popular name for a girl spider based on the spider in the story Web? Spin could be a name for any gender because that is what spiders do spin webs. Webmaker, Webspinner, or even Web are suitable names, but they are not very imaginative and when someone hears the name it won't raise any eyebrows or invoke any questions about your choice of name.
By looking at the meaning of the name, you can find many different and unusual names that will suit this type of pet. How about one of these names for a male spider?

- Malcolm - Servant of St. Columba
- Seanloach - Old hero
- Tag - Handsome
- Kaelen - Mighty Warrior
- Victor - Winner
- Rodd - from the name Roderick
- Hania - Spirit Warrior
Female names for spiders can include
- Shiny
- Erna
- Nicole
- Chloe
- Grace
- Molly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1649671

>>> Kill Spiders

Monday, June 25, 2012

Kill Spiders


Spiders can be scary and dangerous. Depending on the species of spider, different techniques can be used. Any product labeled for spiders should work, but some are way better than others.
  • Cellar Spider - Very skinny, long legs, light brown. Builds webs throughout the home. Builds chaotic webs.
  • Black Widow - Bublous, shiny black with, red hourglass on its abdomen. Builds chaotic webs.
  • Wolf Spider - Very large, 1 inch in length, tan stripe. Does not hang out in webs.
Cellar spiders will enter through doors and windows around the home. When the babies hatch, they are tiny enough to pass through screens and climb through the window rail. This is actually the most common indoor spider. They prefer corners next to light fixtures because this is where their chances of catching a meal are highest. Pyrethrin based insecticides can be used - Microcare is a commercial product has a quick knockdown and is labeled for use against spiders. It's also micro encapsulated, meaning the product will last wherever you spray it. Pyrethrins are made from flowers in Africa.

The black widow spider prefers to construct webs in dark cool areas. You can find them under those little green rain catchers around the home and between logs, bricks, stairs, and stonework. Their webs are extremely sticky. When the female detects prey on one of her webs, she will quickly come out of hiding to attack. Be careful not to get bit - most of the time, these spiders will stick to the outdoors, as they are unable to thrive in a home environment. Occasionally they will infest garages and basements. If you are unable to purchase pesticides, you can make your own spider spray using a small bottle and lots of soap and water. The only problem with this is that it has no residual, meaning after a few days you will just have spiders over again. Make sure to treat under all of the rain catchers and landscaping - clean out the garage with a leaf blower and spray around the entire foundation of your home.

Wolf spiders are occasional home invaders. They are pretty quick too! People freak out when they see these things because they are huge and hairy. If you see lots of wolf spiders it probably means there are other bugs around your home they are feeding on, like crickets. Try and spray any spiders you see on contact. Make sure your windows and doors are tightly sealed, these things can get into some pretty tight spaces.

Spraying for spiders can be difficult, especially since they don't groom themselves like other insects. I've only scraped the surface here but I'm confident if you follow the steps outlined above, you'll be spider free in no time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5460160

>>> Spider Bites And Various Types of Spiders 

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Spider Bites And Various Types of Spiders


There are over 40,000 different types of spider on this planet and these clever little critters have found ways to exist just about anywhere where they can find a food supply, with is normally other bugs. They all bite, and understanding spider bites can help to quickly diagnose a bite and seek medical treatment if the bite is from one of the more deadly spiders, such as the brown recluse or black widow.

All spiders bite, but some are so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye and they do not generally bother us. Their venom is injected into their prey - much like a snake kills, and the toxin that is injected usually acts on the prey's nervous system so it will stop struggling so the spider can wrap it up and take it home.

The tropics and subtropics, and the southeast and mid-western United States are where the most dangerous venomous spiders like to hang out. There is a large food supply for them in warm and moist conditions. Unfortunately Florida is a subtropical state and there many incidences of nasty spider bites there, especially from brown recluse spiders.

These spiders hide in crevices and unexpected places, perhaps between a door and a frame if the door hasn't been opened for a few weeks. They like dark secluded places, hence the word "recluse" in their title. Their bites can cause severe pain and sometimes anaphylactic shock, so if you are familiar with the bites of these spiders, you are better prepared to get a patient off to treatment immediately.

The wound a brown recluse spider or black widow spider inflicts may just feel like a pin prick at first and sometimes you will see two minute spots of blood side by side where the fags penetrated the skin. Swelling follows and the bite site becomes painful, at this stage there may be feelings of nausea and stomach cramps. Depending on which spider bit you understanding spider bites and how they progress may help in diagnosis, especially if you are perhaps camping in a remote area. Depending on the age and physical health of the victim, they can also suffer fluctuating blood pressure, dizziness and vomiting. The black widow's venom acts on the central nervous system.

Three days after being bitten by a brown recluse spider, there is a large necrotic area of skin, which means all the skin in the location of the bite will have died, and the venom penetrates and kills muscle and fatty tissue, leaving an ugly gaping wound that can only be described as like looking at a piece of raw meat. This will not heal on its own, and after nine days the wound will have continued to grow until it can be a life-threatening condition open to severe infection.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6370723

>>> How to Get Rid of Spiders 

Saturday, June 23, 2012

How to Get Rid of Spiders


If you are like me though, these facts will do little to keep you from recoiling at the sight of a spider in your home. When you see one, you just want to get rid of it. The best method of fighting spiders is to target their food sources. Spiders are predators, and the size of their population is directly proportional to the amount of available food. Take a good look around your home and a good look back into your memory - what other insects are found in your home? You must work to reduce these in order to reduce the number of spiders. Use the navigation on the right or the search box at the top to find the guides needed to reduce the other insects in your home.


Spider bites
In the rare event of being bitten by a spider it is a good idea to capture it in case you have an allergic reaction to the bite. Spiders can be captured by carefully lowering an inverted glass or jar over them and then sliding a piece of paper underneath the opening to trap it. Flip the container back over and tap the paper to make the spider fall to the bottom. If you suffer no reaction within 6 hours, let the spider go outside.

The following sections deal with the more dangerous varieties of spiders. We will show you where to find them, how to minimize their presence (if possible) and what to do if someone gets bitten.

1. How to get rid of brown recluse spiders
Brown Recluse spiderBrown recluse spiders grow to 1/23 (13mm) excluding the legs. They have long thin legs, light tan to brown bodies and a violin-shaped mark on their backs. Their abdomens will vary in color depending on what was last eaten. These spiders are hunters who wander away from their nests at night in search of prey. Most brown recluse spider bites are a result of the spiders hiding out in clothing or bedding and then being inadvertently pressed against a persons skin.

Black widow spiders like to build their nests in dark, undisturbed places close to the ground. The webs themselves are usually small with a thick den spun into the center in which the spider takes up residence during the daytime.

Locating and removing brown recluse spiders
Brown recluse spiders are native to the U.S. and are commonly found in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Montana, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and northern Florida.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1277944

>>> The Red Hourglass - Lives of the Predators, by Gordon Grice 

Friday, June 22, 2012

The Red Hourglass - Lives of the Predators, by Gordon Grice


The black widow spider is notorious for eating her mate as they copulate, but how many of us know much more than that about this beautiful, mysterious, spider?


Grice collects black widows and keeps them in jars and studies them, and he tells us more than we care to know at times. But it is not just black widows that interest Grice, it is rattlesnakes, praying mantis, tarantula, pigs, dogs, and the recluse spider.

The Lives of the Predators is fascinating, strange, and scary, all at the same time. Grice writes with such vivid imagery that you can almost feel the hairy tarantula, and hear the particular sound of the black widows web as you brush through it.

Grice mixes us a venomous cocktail of personal accounts and tall tales; gruesome historic details that may have you questioning if you will ever eat pork again, and yet on the other hand he reveals how seemingly close humans still are to the animal kingdom.

As humans we feel that we are at the top of the food chain and that we have no natural predators who relish our flesh, but wait, that is not true at all! History reveals that as early as biblical times swine have eaten human corpses; in Africa leopards dine on humans regularly; and dogs are more dangerous to us than the wolf.

Grice's knowledge and research are impeccable. His interest in the life and death of his subjects is sometimes morbidly sadistic and it brings to mind an image of little boys who delight in tossing a poor grasshopper into a jar of red ants. But beside the morbidity is a side dish of humor when he describes the story of a man who was supposedly eaten by his hogs as, "...the man was old; he died of a heart attack or a stroke while feeding the pigs; and 'nothing was left of him but the shoes.'...You have to be particularly suspicious of the heart attack diagnosed from the shoes."

After reading this book you will come away with a different awareness of both the animal kingdom and the insect world, and you can no longer look at a spider or a pig the same way, or your dog for that matter.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/54216

>>> Home Remedies For Spider Bites 

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Home Remedies For Spider Bites



 Unless you are a small insect, we have good news: the majority of spiders in North America do not have lethal bites. Spider bites in humans fall into two categories: serious bites from two particular dangerous species, and annoying bites that can be handled effectively using home remedies for spider bites. What's more, these home remedies for spider bites are things you probably already have on hand in your kitchen and home first aid kit.


Let's take a look at the two spider species that have dangerous bites. The first is the brown recluse spider. First the good news: this spider has a limited range and is only found in the Southern United States down to the Gulf coast. Now the better news: the bite of this spider is almost always painless and almost never fatal. The bite of this spider seems to cause the death of cells and tissue surrounding the bite area. There is some argument that this cell death may be from a bacterial infection transmitted by the spider, and not from the spider's venom. The thing to watch for with this kind of bite is a rapid change in the way the bite area looks. If you have a bite that is changing rapidly, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you live in this spider's natural habitat.

The other "big bad" of the spider world is the black widow spider. If you are bitten by a black widow, you may recognize the spider by its distinctive black body and red hourglass marking. Even if you don't recognize the spider, you will recognize the bite. The bite is immediately painful, and severe body cramps, headaches, and tearing follow soon after. Seek medical attention immediately, as your symptoms will rapidly get worse. The good news here is that death is rare, and with proper medical treatment, you will likely have a very good outcome.

Just as people can be allergic to insect bites and stings, people can be allergic to spider bites. Most people who have these allergies know and carry appropriate medication with them at all times. But anyone who is bitten is susceptible to an anaphylactic reaction. So if there are any signs of swelling, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Fortunately, despite their severity, allergic reactions and bites from brown recluse and black widow spiders are rare. Most of the time all you will need is a home remedy for spider bites. The main issue with a spider bite, as with an insect bite, is irritation and itching. To soothe the area of the bite, try using a preparation with a waxy emollient base like beeswax. If it has other nutrient ingredients, like bee pollen or propolis, so much the better.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2135694

>>> Survival Tactics For Spider and Scorpion Bites 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Survival Tactics For Spider and Scorpion Bites



 A black widow spider can be recognized by red hourglass on its stomach. Only the female bites, and it has a neurotoxic venom. In the beginning pain is not severe, but severe local pain rapidly develops. The pain will slowly spread over the entire body and settle in the abdomen and legs. Abdominal cramps and progressive nausea, vomiting, and a rash may occur. Also you can expect weakness, tremors, sweating, and salivation may occur. Anaphylactic reactions can arise. Symptoms begin to regress after several hours and are usually gone in a couple days. Shock is possible. Be ready to perform CPR. Clean the bite area to reduce the risk of infection.

The funnel web spider is a large brown or gray spider found in Australia. The symptoms and treatment for its bite are as for the black widow.

The brown recluse spider is a small, light brown spider identified by a dark brown violin on its back. There is no pain, or so little that usually a victim does not notice the bite. Within a few hours a painful red area with a mottled cyanotic center appears. Necrosis does not occur in all bites, but usually in 3 to 4 days, a star-shaped, firm area of deep purple discoloration appears at the bite site. The area will turn dark and mummified in a week or two. The margins separate and the scab falls off, leaving an open ulcer. Secondary infection and regional swollen lymph glands usually become visible at this stage. The outstanding characteristic of a brown recluse bite is an ulcer that does not heal but persists for weeks or months. In addition In addition to the ulcer, there is often a systemic reaction that is serious and may lead to death. Reactions (fever, chills, joint pain, vomiting, and a generalized rash) occur chiefly in children or debilitated persons.

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders found mainly in the tropics. Most do not inject venom, but some South American species do. They have large fangs. If bitten, pain and bleeding are certain, and infection is likely. Treat a tarantula bite as for any open wound, and try to prevent infection. If symptoms of poisoning appear, treat as for the bite of the black widow spider.

Scorpions are all poisonous to a greater or lesser degree. There are two different reactions, depending on the species:

Severe local reaction only, with pain and swelling around the area of the sting. It is possible prickly sensation around the mouth and a thick-feeling tongue will occur.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/950840

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Spiders - What Kind of Animals Are They?



 Spider exists everywhere from the tropics to Antarctica. They are not insects. Unlike insects they are made of two different parts that are connected to each other with a small stalk. The two parts are the head part and the abdomen part. On the head part there is eight eyes and four appendages. On the first two appendages are there is a fang that is linked to the poison gland. The spiders use these two fangs to immobilize its prey or to protect itself.

Below there is two other appendages that is used as a mouth. Below there are eight legs. There are four on each side of the spider. The abdomen parts of the spider's body are mostly for storing food. But this part also makes the spider silk and the lungs are located here.

The silk is produced in a special gland in the abdomen part. The silk can be extremely strong. Most spiders use silk to catch their prey. Most spider use the silk in a web the trap insects. But there are other methods as well. The webs adhesive properties only work for about two days. Then the spider eats up the silk and builds a new web. The size for spiders can differ a lot. Most spiders are small. But the body of some spiders can be up to 9 cm. And then they have legs as well. So they could be very large.

After the spider has immobilized the prey with its venom they then crush their prey with their teeth. They then spit up an enzyme from there stomach that will break up the tissue of their pray and the tissue will become a liquid food for the spider. The spider will then filter the food through its hair in the mouth and suck the food into the stomach. This is done by making an under pressure in the stomach by using the muscles around the stomach.
In a satisfied spider a very large part of the abdominal part of the body are made up of liquid food that is stored in the spider. The spider is because of this able to survive very long time without any food.

There are over 34,000 different known species in the world. Some large spiders can give a painful bite, but they are usually not so harmful. Other spiders do have a dangerous venom but their teeth are too weak to penetrate the human skin. But of the 34,000 species of spiders there are only about 200 that could be hazardous to humans. These both have a poison that are hazardous and have a bite that can penetrate the human skin. The most known of these are the black widow spider, the brown recluse spider and the funnel web spider.

The black widow spider is the most venomous spider in North America but as it only injects a very small amount of venom it is not very often people die. Brown recluse spider could give very bad wounds. They are more serious for kids. The funnel web spider is very dangerous but so far only 13 deaths are known.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1977920

>>> Common Household Spider - Are They Poisonous 

Monday, June 18, 2012

Common Household Spider - Are They Poisonous



 As small as these little creatures are, it's amazing what a raucous they can cause. Many spiders are harmless, but there are some common spiders that should truly be feared. It is important to be able to identify spiders that are poisonous and the symptoms spider bites can cause. It would be an excellent idea to place some glue traps around your house, to help you identify what types of spiders you have living with you. As it is hard to get a close look at them when they are running across your floor or when they are squished in a tissue or under your shoe.


The Hobo Spider
The hobo spider has a brown body and can grow from 1/4 to 5/8 inch in length. It is commonly found in Idaho and Utah. It is a European immigrant that has recently been implicated as a potentially poisonous spider in the United States. They live in funnel web. Most hobo spider bites occur in bed or clothing where the spider is trapped next to the skin.
The initial bite from a hobo spider is usually painless but hardens within 30 minutes. The area of the bite may have numbness and it is common to feel dizzy. After 15 to 35 hours the area forms blisters and can start to slough, which stops after about 24 hours. It causes a slow healing wound. It can take months to heal. The hobo spider bites is not considered to be fatal but fatalities have occurred.

The Brown Recluse
The Brown Recluse spider is one of the few dangerous spiders in the United States. It is also called the fiddle back spider or violin spider because of the violin shape mark on it. It's native to south central United States but can be commonly found in the central mid western states. It is best to use glue traps for brown recluse, because they are not affected by pesticides.

The initial bite from a Brown Recluse spider is usually painless and the victim can be unaware for 3 to 8 hours later. Then the site of the bite might turn red and swollen. The bite can take a long time to heal. It will often leave scaring. It is extremely rare for a fatality to occur from a brown recluse spider bite but they still must be treated as a dangers spider

Black Widow
Adult female black widow spiders are about 1/2-inch long, not including the legs. They are jet black with a red hourglass marking underneath their circular abdomen. The adult males are around half the size of the females. Females can be identified by their red dots and white lines along the abdomen. The male black widow spider is harmless. It's the females you have to watch for. In spring or summer the black widow start to mate.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1526130

>>> Being You Is Enough - Lessons From The Black Widow 

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Being You Is Enough - Lessons From The Black Widow



 Very few creatures are as hated with a vengeance as spiders are in American and most European societies. They are symbols of Many spiders (and creatures similar to spiders) are often blamed for dangerous and ostensibly fatal bites on humans. And because of their fearsome appearances, it's easy to believe in such rumors.


But in fact only a small percentage of spiders (only about four genera) are known to be potentially harmful. But their hairy or spindly appearances make all spiders targets for the ire of angry and frightened humans who fear for their well-being. In fact most spiders perform great natural services to humans by getting rid of several pests.

Here are a few of the spiders or spider-like beings with undeserved reputations:
Hobo Spiders: In Europe, where this spider originates, this is a harmless outdoor of the common house spider and is by no means dangerous. Alerts were on the air after several Hobo spiders were mistaken for the dangerous Brown Recluse spiders. There have been no necrotic effects in the venom of Hobo spiders according to most recent and accurate testing.
Lycosa Tarantula: These are spiders found near Taranto, Italy was once blamed as the cause for the condition known as tarantism. Workers in fields noticed large, conspicuous and hairy spider patrolling the area and was blamed for the sometimes fatal condition. But although the bite of the Lycosa Tarantula may be painful, it is not at all dangerous.

Daddy Long legs: or Opiliones in more scientific terms, is a specie that is often handled by humans. Some nasty rumors have been spread about daddy long legs that they have fatal bites. None of the existing species are known to have fangs or venom glands at all. And bite victims of daddy long legs reported no lasting effects after being bitten.

These are but a few of the many spiders and spider-like organisms falsely charged with being dangerous.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1355802

>>> Pest Prevention for Black Widow Spiders 

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Pest Prevention for Black Widow Spiders



 Black widows are a dreaded species of spiders that crawl into our thoughts late at night and spin nightmarish webs. The paralyzing effect of these deadly spiders has been popularized by movies that shed light on the phobias that surround them.


There is something creepy about these tiny little arachnids that manage to scare the wits out of us. Perhaps it's their tiny legs that move so fast across the floor, or their hairy little bodies that scratch against the surface of your skin, causing you to jump in panic. Most frightening, however, is the reality of how deadly the black widow spider can be. For this reason, it is important to take steps to make sure you can identify and protect against these dangerous little black insects by using proper pest control and pest prevention techniques.

Black Widow Basics

The female black widow averages about half an inch long and one and a half inches when the legs are spread. Both females and males have glossy, globular abdomens. While for the most part females and males are black, they can sometimes be brown. The females usually carry the dreaded reddish hourglass symbol on the underside of their abdomens, while other species may have a series of red spots and two crossed bars on the abdomen.

Black widow spiders are inhabitants of the warmer parts of the world. They can be found in all four deserts in the American Southwest. There are various kinds of related spiders, such as widow spiders (genus Latrodectus). Widow spiders are the largest of the cobweb weavers (family Therididae). All types of widow spiders are venomous, but not all pose a threat to humans. Overall, black widows comprise six different species.

Common in the westernmost parts of the U.S. is thespecies L. Hesperus, which is found in the North American deserts. The eastern and central parts of the U.S. are home to the species L. Mactans. Another species, L. Geometricus, or the brown widow spider, can be found in the U.S. as well. Throughout the Americas is the species L. Curacaviensis.

The female black widow is the most venomous spider in North America. In spite of this, its bite hardly is a cause of death due to the fact that little venom is released. The human mortality rate from black widow spiders is less than 1 percent, so that ought to put some fears to bed. Still, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten by a black widow spider and, if possible, to capture the spider to identify it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5307744

>>> Watch Out For a Black Widow's Bite 

Friday, June 15, 2012

Watch Out For a Black Widow's Bite



 Few names cause more instant alarm than that of the Black Widow, and while usually misleading this spider has earned every bit of its name by often devouring their male counterpart while mating. Equipped with a venomous bite that is estimated fifteen times more potent that the average rattlesnake; the Black Widow is hand down the most toxic creature found within the United States. Studies reveal that less than one percent of bites end up being fatal, with resulting symptoms of difficulty breathing, muscle aches, and vomiting. Make no mistake though, this has nothing to do with our immune systems fighting off the neurotoxins; instead it is because the Black Widow rarely injects high levels of venom for unexplained reasons. This fact alone is the only reason the mortality rate remains low, and should never be forgotten when dealing with this species.


It is also interesting to note that only mature female Black Widows inject venom into their prey. They can easily be identified because of their shiny, solid black color and the trademark red hourglass shaped mark on their abdomens. Their bodies measure about a 1/2 inch in diameter with long, thin legs. Males are tan in color and also have lighter patterns, and their bodies tend to be much smaller with slightly longer legs. Juvenile Black Widows of both sexes do not possess venom either, and they often have light pale colors until they reach maturity. The Black Widow has a lifespan of less than one year but within that period can lay in excess of 750 eggs. They hatch within a month, and another two to four months are required to reach full maturity. Although birthrates are high, many juveniles of this species consume one another before reaching maturity.

Black Widows live within unevenly spun webs that are among the strongest silk varieties found, but they are also commonly spotted hiding beneath rocks, leaves, or other natural debris. Like other spiders they feed on a wide variety of insects but prefer cockroaches, beetles, and other spiders, but are also perfectly content feasting on mice, moths, flies, crickets, and other small animals. A typical attack would encompass a quick venomous strike that causes near instant paralysis or death within their prey, and within minutes the toxin begins to break down the flesh into a liquefied form. As this process takes place this arachnid engulfs its victim within sticky webbing and eventually sucks out the soft, edible interior.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3659603

>>> Make a Black Widow Spider Cake 

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Make a Black Widow Spider Cake



 Ingredients:
Cake Mix or Recipe of your choice
One Container of Chocolate or Fudge Frosting
4 serving Package of Green or Red Gelatin
Two 8 inch Round Cake Pans
Blue Food Coloring
2 Green Gumdrops or "eyeball" bubblegum
4 sticks of black licorice, cut in half
Red hots candies
Red frosting for black widow spider (optional)

Method:
Bake the cake as directed on the package or recipe. Cool completely. (See our Cake Baking Tips page for more info. on preparing and frosting a cake.)
Prepare the gelatin according to package directions and let it soft-set. Stir occasionally to ensure it stays in small lumpy pieces.
Cover a cookie sheet or sturdy cardboard with foil for your cake board. Make sure it is large enough to hold both cake layers side by side.

Cut one of the cake layers in half using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place one half layer on one side of the cake board.

Next, cut a round center piece out of the other cake layer. Set aside. Place the remaining 1 1/2-2 inch thick ring on top of the first half cake layer. Fill the hole in with the gelatin, as much as it will hold without overflowing.

Place the second cake on top, frosting between layers to hold it in place.
Take the round center piece that you set aside and trim a small crescent shape out of one side, just enough to help it fit tightly against the other cake to make the spider's head.
Make black frosting by adding blue food coloring to the chocolate or fudge frosting until you have the desired shade.

Frost the entire cake with the black frosting, including the spider's head.
Add green gumdrops or "eyeball" bubblegum for eyes. Surround with red hots to make even more spider eyes. Stick the licorice legs into the sides of the spider's body.
If you want to make your spider a black widow, pipe a figure 8 onto its back with red frosting.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/314783

>>> The Dreaded Black Widow

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Dreaded Black Widow



 "Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly," is an often quoted saying. Whoever originated it may have had this creature in mind. The mere thought of the Black Widow causes most of us to pause and even strikes fear in the hearts of some folks.


Contrary to urban legend, Black Widows do not aggressively come out to bite us. They are shy creatures that prefer to avoid contact with us or any creatures that may pose a threat to them. If disturbed, as with any spider, Black Widows will flee to a sheltered area and wait until whatever caused it to flee has passed. They tend to inhabit secluded areas, usually low to the ground, where, they are likely to avoid detection. It is this habit, however, that is the main problem. Bites usually occur when unsuspecting humans put their unprotected hands, bare feet, etc. in secluded areas, such as wood piles, shrubs & ground cover plants, rarely used boxes, occasionally used personal articles, like boots shoes stored in dark places, etc.

Children's play equipment can harbor Black Widows too: Things like sand boxes, swings, play houses, etc. can have areas where these spiders may hide. Be sure to wear gloves when working in areas where Black Widows may harbor. Check footwear, that hasn't been used for some time, prior to wearing it. Periodically check children's toys and recreational equipment to minimize the chance of an unfortunate encounter.

It is the female that poses the threat when she comes in contact with humans. The bite of the Black widow may initially inflict a sharp pain or, in some cases, may not be noticed at all. However, as the venom spreads through the body, it wreaks havoc and can cause debilitating pain. Although the venom is not fatal for most people, the very young, the very old and those with hypertension can be at risk. It is important for anyone who has been bitten, regardless of age, to seek immediate medical attention.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Itsy, Bitsy Spider! Venomous and Non-Venomous Spiders Dog Owners Should Watch For



 If you are unsure whether or not the spider is venomous, you need to visit your vet immediately! Unfortunately due to their long hair, a spider bite is often hard to detect, until symptoms of serious distress begin to show.
DO NOT WASTE TIME! DO NOT SECOND GUESS!
There are a number of spiders in the U.S. that are poisonous. They include:

1. The Black Widow
· Northern Black Widow - Found from Southern Canada to Northern Florida - shiny, black on top, with a red hourglass divided into two separate markings on their bellies. Found anywhere, they prefer tree stumps, fallen logs, wood piles, stone walls, sheds, barns, garages and basements
· Southern Black Widow - Found commonly in Southeastern states from Texas to New York. Shiny black top, anvil shaped red hourglass on the belly. Can be found anywhere but prefers dark cool places such as wood piles, fallen logs, tree stumps, sheds, barns, compost piles, eaves.
· Western Black Widow - Found throughout the Western United States. Can be found anywhere. Often found underground, in mole, mice, and prairie dog holes. Shiny black top, perfect red hourglass on the belly.

2. Tarantulas - Large, hairy and found in Southern California, Mexico, Southern and Southwestern states. Prefer dry, warm climates. Shy, and will try to avoid people and pets, but will bite if confronted. Pet may go into anaphylactic shock - the shutting down of the circulatory system. Your dog could die, in less than 20 minutes, unless they receive immediate veterinary care.

3. Brown Spiders - including the Brown Recluse - Brown, with dark brown violin shaped marking on thorax (between head and body) and six eyes, arranged in pairs, rather than eight. Found throughout the United States. Prefer places to hide such as linen closets, clothing drawers, closets, shoes and laundry hampers. Seek immediate veterinary attention...bite can cause dangerous blood disorders in just a few days and develop into a massive ulcer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2465520

>>> Dangerous Spiders of the Pacific Northwest 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Dangerous Spiders of the Pacific Northwest



 For many people spiders instill an instant feeling of terror. They are creepy, ugly-looking little things, and the very sight of one will send shivers up the spine of the average person. However, more often than not the fear is unwarranted. While all spiders are venomous, many spiders' mouths are too small to bite a human. Out of the creatures that are large enough to bite, very few have enough venom to cause any significant damage. Here in the Pacific Northwest, and more specifically the states of Oregon and Washington, there are only two species of spiders considered dangerous to humans: the western black widow and the hobo spider.


The black widow is perhaps the most well-known and wide-spread spider in the United States. Even though it is considered to be the most venomous spider in the United States, a black widow bite is rarely fatal. While it is recommended to seek immediate medical help if you believe that you have been bitten by a black widow, the most serious cases are generally found only in small children, the elderly, or people with already pre-existing medical conditions. Black widow venom is a neurotoxin, meaning that it attacks the nervous system. Often times the bite itself is not actually noticed, as it is generally not painful, and leaves a very small mark. Common symptoms include muscle cramping, nausea, fever, trouble breathing, and tremors. Black widows are usually found in dark, dry places such as: rock piles, piles of firewood, attics, and crawl spaces. The female is much larger than the male, growing to a leg span of up to two inches, and is characterized by the bright red hourglass shape beneath its abdomen. The rest of the arachnid is a glossy black color.

The hobo spider, also commonly known as the aggressive house spider, is not considered as dangerous as the black widow. The name aggressive house spider is actually somewhat deceiving, as this particular species is no more aggressive than most other species. It is believed that the common name was derived from a misinterpretation of the creature's Latin name, Tegenaria agrestis. Agrestis, however, does not mean aggressive; it actually means 'of the fields', which is where this pest is most commonly found. A hobo spider bite has never been known to cause death. Their venom is necrotic, and is often confused with the bite of the brown recluse, however, the brown recluse is not found in Washington or Oregon. The bite of the hobo spider causes a blister, which breaks open after a day or so, leaving a nasty lesion, and can take quite a long time to heal. The hobo spider is a pretty ordinary looking arachnid.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6666271

>>> First Aid Treatment For Spider Bites 

Sunday, June 10, 2012

First Aid Treatment For Spider Bites



 Most spiders in the Untied States are not poisonous. Therefore, their bites do not cause any harm so you do not need to treat them. This allows your body to heal itself which is always the best for your continued good health. To tell if you have suffered a spider bite (and not a bite from another insect like a mosquito for example), simply look at the center of the bite mark. If you see two small indentations or holes then you most likely have a spider bite.

Some people do experience some mild symptoms or reactions to spider bites even when the spider was not poisonous. To calm your nerves and give you more knowledge so you don't get nervous in the future I will list some ways to make yourself feel better after you have had a spider bite.

Spider Bite Treatment
  • The first thing you will want to do is to clean the area where you have the spider bite to prevent any infections or other reactions from occurring. The best way to clean your bite area is with warm soap and water. Then dry your skin completely and apply an antibiotic ointment .
  • If you start to experience any swelling around the bite area or itching you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. You can stop this reaction in its tracks by taking an antihistamine .
  • If you experience any pain in the bite area you can use acetaminophen which is also called Tylenol. Tylenol is effective in reducing pain and swelling. In addition grown adults may use aspirin to reduce the swelling and pain.
  • A great way to reduce the swelling without taking any kind of medicine is to simply press a cool wet washcloth or ice pack to the bite area for 20 minutes or so. If you are using an ice pack be sure to wrap it in a small cotton cloth to keep the ice pack itself away from your skin.
If the spider that has bitten you happens to still be near by, you can easily catch it to identify that it is indeed not a poisonous spider. To catch a spider simply take a paper cup and a small piece of paper. Slowly put the paper cup over the top of the spider. Then keep the paper cup pressed against the wall or floor, and slide the paper under the top of the cup without lifting the cup up. Then lift the paper cup up being careful to keep one hand on the piece of paper to keep the spider inside the cup. You can also use a glass cup as well, however, they are heavier and sometimes harder to be slow in putting it over the top of the spider. If you move too quickly the spider will run away. By using slow movements you will discover just how easy it is to catch the spider in question.

If you have a child that is under six years old that has been bitten by a spider, you should contact your doctor right away. In addition if you experience any of these symptoms it is time to call your doctor for an appointment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1999068

>>> Pest Control Services - Killing Dangerous Black Widows Dead 

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Pest Control Services - Killing Dangerous Black Widows Dead


Black widow spiders can be found in all four deserts of the American Southwest, including the Sonoran Desert where Phoenix is located, making pest control services especially important in this area. Phoenix Arizona's arid, desert Southwest climate and urbanization provides an ideal environment for these spiders to flourish.

There are different types of widow spiders, and all of them are venomous to varying degrees. You can recognize the black widow spider fairly easily: the female black widow is about 1.5 inches long and shiny black, usually with a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of her abdomen. She can produce 4-9 egg sacs in a summer and each egg sac contains an average of 300-400 spiderlings. That's a lot of brand new black widows running around! Each home built in the Phoenix area provides viable shelter and food options making prevalent pest in the Phoenix Metro area. Professional pest control services are very effective in keeping the population down.

Reaction to a black widow spider bite varies depending on where you've been bitten. The venom of a black widow spider is particularly dangerous because you usually cannot feel the bite when it occurs. By the time a person discovers he or she has been bitten, the site can already be infected. Symptoms of a black widow bite are fainting spells, difficulty breathing and speaking, vomiting, a low pulse rate, and a cold body. These symptoms can last 4 to 5 hours or can lead to a coma although this is very rare.

These are most often found low to the ground and most often found near the foundation of the home, corners low to the ground, base of plants and perimeter block walls. Proper pest control services will target these nesting areas during each treatment; eliminating current and prevents these areas from becoming new nesting sites. Service should also include knocking down any webs and inspecting to find active spider webs.

Curtis Whalen is a knowledge leader in pest control services and has a wealth of experience in controlling the most difficult pest control problems. Contact his pest control company for information and advice on managing scorpions, termites, Africanized bees or any other type of pest control.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5341602

>>> Identify and Prevent Dangerous Spiders in Your Home 

Friday, June 8, 2012

Identify and Prevent Dangerous Spiders in Your Home


Our pest control technicians have been getting lots of complaints about spiders lately. A couple of customers have even stopped by our office, bringing dead spiders in Ziploc bags so we could identify the intruders. In both these cases, the culprits were sac spiders.

Although the bite of the agrarian sac or yellow sac spider commonly found in our homes is not fatal to humans, this type of spider is believed to be responsible for more bites than any other spider, usually when trapped in ones clothes or bedding. The bite stings and causes a red welt and irritation similar to a mosquito bite. (If any insect bite causes a severe or unusual reaction, contact a physician immediately.)

The sac spider typically builds its sac-like web in corners, behind shelves and framed pictures and can sometimes be spotted running across walls or ceilings. It is light yellow with a darker stripe down the center of its upper abdomen and, like most spiders, has eight eyes arranged in two rows at the top of its head, difficult to see with the naked eye.

Most spiders are not dangerous and can usually be eliminated by removing their webs and/or eggs. Spiders seen out in the open during the day are unlikely to bite people.

Although we often hear reports of the brown recluse spider in our North-Central California region, in fact the brown recluse doesn't live in California. The only recluse spider native to California lives in the Southern California desert and is less toxic to humans than its close relative, the non-native Chilean recluse spider, which has become established in Los Angeles County. Recluse spiders have a violin-shaped mark on their heads, which may or may not be easily distinguished, and have only six eyes. They are active at night and tend to stay hidden in dark, undisturbed places like storage boxes or old clothes or shoes.

The only California spider known to inflict serious injury to humans is the black widow, which usually is found outdoors in hidden locations such as in wood piles or underneath porches or sheds. Take care when you're outside gardening, especially at this time of year, when the weather is still warm and sunny. The black widow's web may not be visible in the sunlight, and you can easily stick your fingers into the wrong place.

The adult female black widow has a shiny black body, slender black legs, and a red or orange hourglass-shaped mark on the underside of a large, round abdomen. The body, excluding legs, is 5/16 to 5/8 inch long.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2856332

>>> Few Spiders Ever Cause Harm 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Few Spiders Ever Cause Harm



 Here's something most people don't want to know: Every spider in Fort Smith, AR is venomous.

That's right. In fact, no matter where you are in the world, every single spider you've ever seen or ever will see injects venom when it bites. But there's a huge silver lining to this cloud. Except for a handful of species, no spider ever injects enough venom to do the slightest bit of harm to a human.

As you probably know, the vast majority of spiders use their webs to catch insects, which they eat later, although while the bug is still alive. The venom that spiders deliver with their bites is usually just toxic enough to paralyze their prey.

So naturally, if a spider's venom is powerful enough to just temporarily subdue a mosquito or a housefly, there's no chance at all the venom will cause any problems for a person. It may hurt, just like a horsefly bite or even a bee sting, but there's nothing more to worry about beyond that.

Well, in most cases there's nothing more.

Arkansas is home to over 500 species of spiders, and there are only two that can cause significant damage: The black widow and the brown recluse. Most people are familiar with these two spiders, but in case you aren't, you can recognize a black widow by its eponymous color and the red hourglass shape on its underbelly. Brown recluse spiders are likewise brown and their size, including both the body and the leg span, is usually no larger than a quarter. Sometimes they are marked with a darker brown fiddle shape on their back, but they aren't always; in fact, some of the brown recluse's cousins that aren't dangerous to humans also have the fiddle markings.

Black widows are usually a bit smaller than the brown recluse, but their venom is 15 times more powerful than a rattlesnake's. The hourglass-marked spider, however, is not physically able to inject nearly as much venom as a poisonous snake, so fatalities from black widow bites are extremely rare.

What's more, black widows are not particularly aggressive, and most bites result from spiders who have found their way into shoes or clothing that a person puts on later. Their bites, however, are very painful and can cause nausea, fever, and muscle cramping around the site of the bite and particularly in the abdomen and back.

Brown recluse bites, on the other hand, aren't very painful; many victims recount that they never even felt the bite. The pain hits up to three hours or so later, which comes with a blister-like wound and intense pain at the site of the bite.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7063338

>>> Wilma the Black Widow Witch 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Wilma the Black Widow Witch



 The bumble bees were busy gathering pollen from the fragrant honeysuckle flowers. Shiny black snakes slithered across the dead leaves looking for mice to fill their empty stomachs. Birds were collecting twigs and soft pieces of cotton left from the previous crops to make a new nest. Water rippled down the small creek behind a small wooden shack. Ivy wound itself around the chimney providing hiding places for creeping spiders. Handmade straw brooms stood in the corner of the back porch waiting to be used. A slight breeze carried the smell of food cooking and a crackling voice could be heard in the distance. So deep in the forest that no one dared to venture sat the home of a wicked witch. Wilma kept to herself and was seldom seen by the town's people nearby. Rumors were Wilma would use her powerful potions on any trespassers and they would never been seen again.


"Hey diddle diddle the cat played the fiddle!" Wilma sang in her high-pitched voice. "I'll work and toil from dust to dawn but no one can know what is in my kettle!" She continued. "I'll spit and I'll chew but no one can brew... like the long fingers of Wilma the Black Widow Witch." She laughed as she spit a brown liquid from her wrinkled mouth.

She was cooking a brew in a round black pot that sat up off the ground on four legs. She stirred a little then turned to add frog eyes and legs. "A little of this and a little of that and I'll have a brew that will add legs to the cats." She sang as she bent to add another log to the fire. Her lean body stood tall against the deep forest trees. Her long gray hair hung loosely around her thin shoulders. Wilma was not a large woman and stood taller in her black pointed toed shoes. So pointed were they that she could corner a rat and kill him with the toe of he shoe. One had to be very quick to outsmart Wilma the black widow witch.

Above her head in a tall oak tree sat an owl with large forward facing eyes. His flat face had a hawk-like beak that was razor-sharp. It wasn't often that he came out during the day because he was most active at night. His feathers were dull gray and black making it hard to see him among the trees. Wilma had taken a fancy to the owl and named him Otis. She watched as he rotated his head almost all the way around. His black big eyes locked into place made it necessary for him to turn his head to see right or left. She admired the way he would dive suddenly from the sky and silently use his sharp talons to grab his food swallowing it whole before he landed firmly. His unique hooting sound made a very lonely sound as it reverberated from the rocks and trees.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6005652

>>> Ten Pest Control Tips for Deterring a Spider Invasion

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Ten Pest Control Tips for Deterring a Spider Invasion



 Although most spiders are venomous, and considered predators; few are actually a notable health threat. Albeit spiders are very unpopular, they rarely bite humans. In fact, most spiders' fangs are too small/weak, to puncture a human's skin. Nevertheless, when spiders do bite, the venom of most species is not very toxic (to humans); and often only results in slight swelling, inflammation, or itching sensation.

The two (2) most common spiders, of concern to homeowners and pest control professionals; are the Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders. An invasion of either of these two spider pests, could result in dangers to your health and life. Bites should be considered serious, and require immediate medical diagnosis and treatment.
What can homeowners do to protect themselves? The best pest control strategy for deterring a spider infestation, is to reduce the pest population of other insects (food source); from inside the house or building. This approach encourages spider intruders to leave your dwelling, in search for a more dependable food supply; outside of the home.
With that in mind, here are 10 dependable pest control tips, for reducing the number of spider/pest invaders; in your home:

1. Install snug-fitting screens, on all windows and doors. It is also recommended, that you install door sweeps; as well.
2. Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders/insects could enter the house or building.
3. Install yellow/sodium vapor light bulbs outside, to attract fewer insects; for spiders to feed upon.
4. Tape the edges of cardboard boxes to prevent spider/insect entry.
5. Use plastic bags (sealed) to store loose items in the garage, basement and attic.
6. Remove old boxes, unused clothing, wood/rock piles, trash and other unwanted items.
7. Eliminate clutter in closets, basements, attics, garages, and outbuildings.
8. Do not stack wood against the house.
9. Clean up dead insects.
10. Dust and vacuum thoroughly to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs (dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed container outside).

Preventing a pest infestation, is paramount to maintaining a safe and habitable home. Homeowners have a responsibility to prevent pest invaders, like the Brown Recluse or Black Widow spider, from taking over their home; and threatening their health. Using the practical common sense approach outlined above, homeowners can prevent a spider infestation; and avoid the need for pesticides or other treatments inside.

>>> How to Get Rid of Spiders Today
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5167523

Monday, June 4, 2012

How to Get Rid of Spiders Today



 Spiders are one of the most feared and reviled creatures on earth. No one quite knows why we love to hate spiders like we do. Arachnophobia is real, and there are people who would rather jump off a cliff than take on a spider. But in reality, most spiders are harmless. There are a few spiders, like the brown recluse and the black widow, which can cause serious harm if they bite. The majority of spiders only bite when threatened and their bites are usually less bothersome than a mosquito or fly bite. As irrational as it seems, spider fear still exists. Fortunately you can get rid of spiders fairly easily if they scare the bajeebers out of you.


Spiders are Predators
Spiders love to eat other bugs and insects. They catch them in webs. Spiders have bad eyesight but great sense of vibration. When they feel their helpless prey struggling to free itself (which is very difficult due to the wonderfully efficient properties of spider webbing), spiders will come down the web and feed. You can make your home less hospitable to spiders by reducing the other insects that live there.

Throw Away Your Food
Many insects and pests are drawn to rotting food. The more bugs that are drawn to the food, the more spiders you will have. Place all discarded food in tightly sealed garbage cans and regularly remove the garbage.

Outdoor Lights
Have you ever noticed how bugs are attracted to your outdoor lights? Well, spiders notice this too. Keeping your lights off will reduce both your bug and spider populations. Consider yellow sodium "bug lights" if you want to retain your outdoor lighting.
 
Cardboard and Paper
Spiders love to live in cool dry places like cardboard boxes and stacks of paper. Check your basement and storage areas for spiders living in these items.

Picking Up Spiders
No great skill is required to pick up a spider. They are not particularly fast or devious. Simply wad up a paper towel and scoop it up. Release it outdoors, or if you so desire, stomp it under your shoe (mean you).   A vacuum will work just as nicely if you are loathe to catch a spider by hand, albeit with less personal satisfaction.   
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2871498

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Nevada Pest Control Alert! Do You Have Spiders and Ants?



 Pest problems, like spiders and ants, cause more damage to property and real estate in the United States; than fires and storms combined. Varying weather, and other climatic factors throughout the United States, create pockets of specialized problems and concerns; for local residents and guests. In the State of Nevada, exterminators battle highly aggressive invaders; like the Red Imported Fire Ant and Black Widow spider. These tiny soldiers bite and inflict painful skin welts and even cause death; with their powerful toxin.


The Red Imported Ant has spread from Alabama to almost every U.S. State in the American South; from Texas to Maryland. Their mound-building activity has damaged plant roots, lead to crop loss, and interfered with mechanical cultivation. It is not uncommon for Fire Ant mounds to appear suddenly in a rural/suburban yard or field. The Red Imported Fire Ant's sting is rarely life-threatening to humans, however 80 deaths have been documented; as of 2006. Moreover, one Queen Imported Fire Ant can produce (up to) 1,600 new ant eggs each day; creating major pest control concerns for Nevada residents.

Unwanted spider-invaders, include the Black Widow spider, Nevada Orb spider, Jumping spider, and Wolf spider. The female Black Widow spider's bite is particularly harmful to humans (males almost never bite humans), and the toxic venom injection from these attackers; can be lethal. It is said that Black Widow spiders will avoid human dwellings, but are more common in out-houses and garages.

As you can well imagine, a spider infestation is not easily corrected. As such, local pest control strategies employ technology and solutions; that were developed in Universities across the United States. An educated and focused strategy is strongly recommended, and is seen as a Nevada homeowner's best recourse.

>>> Blackwidow Spider
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5122456


Saturday, June 2, 2012

Blackwidow Spider



 Named for her ugly mating ritual that sometimes includes eating her male counterpart after breeding, the black widow spider, from the genus, Latrodectus, spans broad areas of the globe to include both, North and South America, Africa, Australia, Europe, elements of Asia and the Middle East.


With a lifespan averaging one to a few years and a habitat preference for small, darkish places like corners in houses or sheds the place areas lay generally undisturbed, the black widow finds life with people a compatible existence.

Ranging in dimension from one to two inches in length, and known for her signature shiny black exoskeleton decorated with shiny red markings that oftentimes resemble an hourglass or red dots configured on her back and tummy, the black widow is considered perhaps the most fascinating arachnids within the world. Males are half the scale of their feminine counterparts and differ in their coloring of a lighter gray, streaked in black on the legs with an orange-patterned back.

Though adept at biting when disturbed, the character of the black widow is mostly docile towards people and enormous animals. She feeds solely upon bugs trapped inside her hardy net, injecting them with a venom-infused bite that breaks down the interior structures of her prey which she then sucks dry.

Male black widows will hunt down a female for mating purposes only. Though males do not indulge within the sometimes morbid habit of devouring their mates after the ritual has finished, the females have been known to do this although it is considered as afrequent practice among all spiders but uncommon in actuality.

After breeding, egg sacs can include anywhere between 700 and nine-hundred young spiders with a gestation averaging around 20 days. Because of the sometimes cannibalistic nature of the species, few of the young spiders survive past leaving the egg sac with an average of only a dozen or so reaching maturity after three months. Preferring a solitary existence, mating and the next cannibalistic tendencies associated with both it and the consumption of the young amongst themselves, these are the only instances the species is thought to completely interact.

Though highly poisonous to people, the spider bite of a black widow is rarely fatal with the very young and the very outdated at larger risk. However, the bite will produce symptoms equivalent to extreme muscle aches, weakness, nausea and medical assistance ought to be obtained.

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