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How to Eliminate Black Widow Spiders

During the summer and fall, black widows are more visibly active. While the spiders are occasionally found inside homes during the winter, extra caution must be exercised during warmer seasons. Black widow spiders are typically not aggressive unless provoked. However, provoking a black widow often leads to a poisonous spider bite that has severe side effects. Black widows contain nerve poison. Once you are bitten, you may feel fine for several hours afterward. As the poison seeps into your system, however, symptoms worsen. Black widow spiders are identified by an all black body and the red and orange markings featured on the abdomen. Instead of running the risk of a poisonous spider bite, eliminate the problem by getting rid of the spider itself and being pro-active with insecticides.

Things You'll Need

Heavy-duty leather gloves
Long-sleeved shirt
Long pants
Closed-toe shoes
Insecticide spray
Cobweb eliminator
Insecticide dust
Optional: air-tight container

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of heavy-duty leather gloves. The leather is thick enough to protect you from spider bites. The shirt provides protection should the spider land on your arm or body. Wear long-sleeved pants and shoes that cover the foot for added protection.
- 2
  Ensure the suction hose is properly attached to the vacuum. Remove the suction hose and turn on the vacuum.
- 3
  Hold the hose as far back as possible. This provides further protection from the spider. Place the tip of the hose over the black widow and the cobweb. Suck up the spider and the cobweb.
- 4
  Turn off the vacuum. Open the vacuum and remove the bag or the plastic container that holds the dirt sucked up from the vacuum.
- 5
  Put the bag in a plastic bag or empty the container into a bag. Close the bag and make a knot. This ensures that if the spider is alive, there is no way it can get out of the bag.
- 6
  Spray the area where the spider was with insecticide. Spray all entry areas, as well as baseboards and corners. Ensure that plumbing connections such as sink pipes are sprayed down.
- 7
  Spray a cobweb eliminator where the spider was originally located. This ensures that any leftover cobwebs or eggs are eliminated.
- 8
  Shine light in dark corners or areas of the house. Behind televisions, appliances and in crawl spaces are all ideal areas for black widows. Spray down all areas.

Insects & Science