The climate in South Carolina is humid in the summer and turns mild during the winter months. The state receives between 40 and 80 inches of precipitation annually. It's an ideal environment for pests such as spiders to live year-round. This climate makes it easy for dangerous spiders like the brown recluse and black widow to live and thrive.
Brown Recluse Spiders
The brown recluse spider is a light or dark tan spider with a violin-shaped mark on its back. They are a solitary spider that lives in secretive, well-hidden spaces that are not disturbed regularly. They can be found in wood piles, under furniture, under rocks, and in closets. In homes with severe brown recluse infestations, they can even be found hiding inside clothing and shoes.
The brown recluse is one of the most poisonous house spiders in existence. People who are bitten by these spiders often experience severe pain at the site of the bite, along with tissue damage. If you think you have been bitten by a brown recluse, you should seek medical attention right away. While the spiders are poisonous, there have been no confirmed fatalities as a result of the spider bite.
Black Widow Spiders
The black widow spider can be found in South Carolina and features a red hourglass shape on its black back. They tend to hide in dark areas, just like the brown recluse spider, and will also bite humans if their hiding space is disturbed. The National Geographic says the black widow is the most venomous spider in North America, with venom reportedly 15 times stronger than the venom of a rattlesnake. It has been more than ten years since someone has died from the bite of a black widow spider, so do not panic if you are bitten by one. Symptoms of black widow spider bites may include fever, sweating, increased blood pressure, and nausea. Seek medical attention and wash the bite with soap and water to help prevent infection.
Preventing Dangerous Spiders
The best way to prevent dangerous spiders from making your home their home is to keep it clean. They need places to hide when they come indoors, so try to keep your home bright and well-lit, and eliminate clutter in basements, closets, and attics as it will reduce hiding places. On the outside of your home, seal all crevices and holes from which the spiders could gain access. Check window screens replace or repair any with holes and rips, and check your foundation for places that need to be sealed.
If you find yourself dealing with a dangerous spider infestation, give Aiken Pest Control a call. We have experience eliminating spiders from homes and helping to prevent future infestations.