How to kill a black widow is a necessity as these spiders are highly venomous arachnids found in various regions of the country. They tend to seek shelter in dimly lit and isolated spaces and may resort to biting as a defensive response.
The toxicity of the Black Widow’s bite is said to be 15 times more potent than that of a rattlesnake.
Therefore, if you encounter Black Widow spiders in your residence, it is crucial to promptly take measures to safeguard yourself and your family from the potential dangers they pose.
How To Identify a Black Widow
- Black Widow Spiders typically measure between 0.5 and 1.5 inches in length and possess a distinctive appearance, characterized by their shiny black coloration.
- The female black widow spider. Spiders commonly exhibit a distinctive red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen. There are additional forms of the red marking, such as dotted or jagged stripes.
- Male Black Widow spiders can exhibit variations in colouration, appearing either brown or tan, often accompanied by an orange marking.
- The name of the Black Widow spider is commonly believed to have originated from the misconception that female spiders of this species frequently kill and consume their male counterparts after mating.
However, it is important to note that this behaviour occurs infrequently in reality.
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How To Inspect For a Black Widow
Before knowing how to kill a black widow you must be able to inspect for their presence. Black Widow spiders have a preference for concealing themselves in disorganized and arid storage spaces such as attics, basements, or garages.
Ideal hiding spots for black widow spiders are typically dark, secluded areas that are infrequently accessed. In outdoor environments, they are commonly observed near yard debris and tall grass.
It is important to be vigilant for Black Widow spiders in both indoor and outdoor areas that are cluttered.
Black widow spiders possess the ability to conceal themselves within outdoor woodpiles and leaf litter, as well as indoor storage rooms or closets.
To locate Black Widow Spiders, one can search for cobwebs that they may have constructed in corners and secluded areas within and around the house.
How To Kill a Black Widow
Listed below are products that are a necessity if you must know how to kill a black widow:
- Apply Supreme IT:
Supreme IT is a concentrated insecticide specifically formulated to manage a wide range of insect pests, encompassing over 70 species, such as spiders.
One notable advantage of Supreme IT is its long-lasting impact, as the product retains its effectiveness for 90 days following application.
Supreme is a versatile product that can effectively address cracks and crevices indoors. It can also be applied as a protective barrier around the perimeter of your home and yard, serving as a deterrent for spiders throughout your entire property.
To determine the required amount of Supreme IT for your application, you can calculate the square footage of the area you intend to treat.
In order to accomplish this task, it is necessary to measure the dimensions in feet and then calculate the area by multiplying the length and width (length x width = square footage).
To effectively manage spider infestations, it is recommended to dilute 0.25 to 0.5 fluid ounces of the control solution in 1 gallon of water for every 1,000 square feet.
To begin, take a sprayer and fill it halfway with water. Next, calculate the appropriate amount of Supreme IT and add it to the sprayer.
Finally, fill the remaining half of the sprayer with water. Thoroughly agitate the sprayer until the contents are well-mixed, ensuring that it is adequately prepared for application.
Apply a coat of spray to the baseboards located throughout the house, including those in closets. Additionally, treat the areas surrounding garages, windows, and doors with the spray.
It is recommended to apply a protective barrier around the exterior of your residence and at all potential entry points.
It is advisable to apply a spray treatment to the siding, extending it to a distance of 5 to 10 feet. This precaution is necessary as black widow spiders tend to ascend walls in their search for potential entry points.
- Apply Pyrid Aerosol:
If one can identify the black widow spider during treatment, it can be swiftly eliminated upon contact using Pyrid Aerosol.
Pyrid is an insecticide that contains pyrethrin as its active ingredient. It has been found to effectively eliminate pests specified on its label upon direct contact.
Additionally, Pyrid is considered to be a user-friendly and safe option for pest control.
Position the spray can at a distance of 18 to 24 inches away from the spider and release short bursts of spray, ensuring that the duration of spraying does not exceed 10 seconds per room.
The Black Widow spider will experience disorientation and subsequently perish due to the impact of the active ingredient.
- Apply D-Fense Dust:
D-Fense Dust is an insecticide dust containing Deltamethrin. It effectively controls insects that enter homes through entry points or hide in difficult-to-reach areas like wall voids and crevices.
To apply D-Fense Dust, utilize a handheld duster to dispense a quantity of 2 to 3 grams per square yard or 0.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
To deter spiders and other pests from accessing voids and openings in your home, it is recommended to first remove any accumulated dust and then seal these areas using either copper mesh or caulk.
This preventive measure will discourage the presence of such pests in the future.
- Use Lay Out Solutions Pro Glue Board:
If one is unable to locate and eliminate the black widow spider, an alternative approach could be to attempt to capture them using Solutions Pro Glue Boards.
Solutions Pro Glue Boards are available in sets of 12, providing ample coverage for effectively capturing Black Widow spiders in your home.
Position the adhesive boards in the areas of your attic, basement, and garage where you have observed signs of spider presence.
Over time, the adhesive boards will effectively capture any black widow spiders that have managed to survive the treatment, facilitating their convenient disposal.
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How To Prevent a Black Widow Infestation
To prevent black widow spiders from entering your home, it is advisable to consistently minimize clutter and seal any potential entry points.
This will create a more challenging environment for black widow spiders and other insects to infiltrate your living space.
One way to achieve this is by effectively sealing any cracks present on the exterior of the house, in addition to installing screens on doors and windows.
Thoroughly inspect your residence for potential entry points and utilize caulk to seal any openings. One possible method to prevent entry points is by utilizing Stuff-It Copper Mesh on the outer perimeter of your residence.
Perform this task in both indoor and outdoor settings. To further implement exclusion measures, it is advisable to create an unwelcoming outdoor environment by removing any plants or debris present in your yard.
The Supreme IT insecticide can be applied every three months to deter black widow spiders. The Supreme product offers a residual effect that lasts for 90 days.
By applying the product four times a year, you can achieve year-round control.
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Explanatory Video on How To Kill a Black Widow Spider
Conclusion
The primary methods used to eliminate black widow spiders include a combination of exclusion techniques, the application of insecticides such as Supreme IT, Pyrid Aerosol, and D-Fense Dust indoors and outdoors, and the use of Solutions Pro Glue Boards for trapping.
To prevent the recurrence of Black Widow spiders, it is recommended to maintain regular decluttering and exclusion practices. Additionally, it is advised to apply Supreme IT insecticide as a barrier every 90 days.
Thank you for reading!
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