As Pacific Northwest residents know, spiders are fairly common in
our region. Though spiders can be very beneficial in that they prey on
pesky insects we don't want around the house, there are a few types of
spiders you want to avoid. If you believe you have an infestation of any
of the following spiders, you will want to contact a pest control
company. Not all infestations will require chemical pest control, and a
qualified pest control company will know exactly how to handle the risks
associated with these potentially harmful spiders.
The most well-known venomous spiders in the Pacific Northwest are the black widow and the hobo spider.
When crafting a plan to deal with spiders, the first step is to identify the type of spider you have, as this will determine the kinds of pest control and pest prevention actions to take. For correct identification, consider the spider's web design, habitat, and appearance.
Black widow: The female black widow is known for its shiny black body, around half an inch to one inch long, and the red hourglass shape on the underside of its body. The male black widow is smaller, much lighter in color and lacks the hourglass shape on its belly. Also, the male black widow does not produce dangerous venom as the female does.
These spiders typically create thin webs and are found in dark, moist, undisturbed areas like wood or debris piles, under large stones, and basement or shed corners. If you are bitten by a female black widow, you should go to an emergency room or call your physician immediately.
Hobo spider: The hobo spider is one of the most common in the Pacific Northwest region. With its tan to light brown color and light banding on the body, it can easily be mistaken for several similar-looking varieties of spider. The hobo spider has a body typically about half an inch long and features two palpi (like an extra pair of shortened legs) near their mouths. They create funnel-shaped webs designed for trapping insects and are frequently found in dark, damp spaces that can support their webs.
