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Of the many spiders in the world and around the United States especially, there is perhaps none more feared than the black widow spider. The fear is not unfounded. Black widow spiders are one of only two species of spiders in North America that are known to have venom that is extremely poisonous to humans. So poisonous in fact, that it can in some instances even cause death. A bite from a black widow spider will also attack the central nervous system and the respiratory system, causing severe pain and agony. It’s no wonder then that the black widow is a spider to be extremely cautious of, and to stay away from whenever possible. However, there’s a spider that often gets confused with the black widow and so much so that it’s even been given the nickname, false black widow spider.

The spider that’s most commonly known as being a false black widow spider comes from the family Steatoda and among that family there are about 120 different species of spiders. These spiders are often confused with being true black widow spiders because they do have a very similar shape and are usually about the same size. The two actually look so alike that to be able to tell the difference between certain species of Steatoda spiders and a true black widow, you need to look at their abdomen. Here, true black widow spiders will have either a series of red dots, or two small red triangles. If you see these, you know that you are seeing a true black widow spider. If you don’t see them, it’s most likely a Steatoda.

The main difference between a false black widow spider and a true black widow, is that if a Steatoda spider bites you, it’s harmless. While you may have some pain around the area of the bite, it is not poisonous to humans. One of the similarities between the bites of a false black widow and a real one is that bites to humans are extremely rare. Both like to inhabit places that are dark and undisturbed, such as in undergrowth in the woods or in corners of outbuildings. However, because dark, undisturbed and barely inhabited areas include places such as garages, sheds, and barns, it is very possible for a human to cross paths with a false or true black widow spider.

In any case, whenever you see a spider that you’re unfamiliar with or that you think may be either a black widow spider or a false black widow, it’s best to kill it or to at least stay away. Killing it may not be necessary, especially in the case of a false black widow, but if you’re unsure, you definitely don’t want to keep a possibly poisonous spider around your home.

Dangerous Insects – Mosquitoes and Disease

Do you dread the drone of mosquitoes near your ear? There are some good reasons to be hyper alert when it’s mosquito season. Mosquitoes are more than just a mere annoyance. In fact, mosquitoes can be harmful to your health.

Mosquitoes transmit disease and illness when they bite. Technically, a mesquite injects a needle like protrusion into your skin. It releases a blood anti-coagulant to get your blood flowing, then it sucks you blood up and flies away. As the mosquito transfers the anti-coagulant to your blood, it can also transfer disease, because it can transmit disease and illness from its last victim as part of the process.

There are many illnesses that can be transferred by mosquitoes. Some examples include malaria, filariasis (a type of encephalitis), and the one most people worry about: West Nile virus. West Nile virus is more a type of encephalitis that can be transmitted through infected birds. The incidence of reported West Nile virus increases each year.

You can limit your exposure to mosquitoes through careful inspection of your property. We’ll uncover any areas that are the perfect breeding ground for insects. Once those breeding grounds are eliminated, your exposure is decreased.

For a free Los Angles pest control inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or go to http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/.