Brown Recluse: 11月 2011

2011年11月30日星期三

Dangerous Spiders of the Pacific Northwest

For many people spiders instill an instant feeling of terror. They are creepy, ugly-looking little things, and the very sight of one will send shivers up the spine of the average person. However, more often than not the fear is unwarranted. While all spiders are venomous, many spiders' mouths are too small to bite a human. Out of the creatures that are large enough to bite, very few have enough venom to cause any significant damage. Here in the Pacific Northwest, and more specifically the states of Oregon and Washington, there are only two species of spiders considered dangerous to humans: the western black widow and the hobo spider.

The black widow is perhaps the most well-known and wide-spread spider in the United States. Even though it is considered to be the most venomous spider in the United States, a black widow bite is rarely fatal. While it is recommended to seek immediate medical help if you believe that you have been bitten by a black widow, the most serious cases are generally found only in small children, the elderly, or people with already pre-existing medical conditions. Black widow venom is a neurotoxin, meaning that it attacks the nervous system. Often times the bite itself is not actually noticed, as it is generally not painful, and leaves a very small mark. Common symptoms include muscle cramping, nausea, fever, trouble breathing, and tremors. Black widows are usually found in dark, dry places such as: rock piles, piles of firewood, attics, and crawl spaces. The female is much larger than the male, growing to a leg span of up to two inches, and is characterized by the bright red hourglass shape beneath its abdomen. The rest of the arachnid is a glossy black color.

The hobo spider, also commonly known as the aggressive house spider, is not considered as dangerous as the black widow. The name aggressive house spider is actually somewhat deceiving, as this particular species is no more aggressive than most other species. It is believed that the common name was derived from a misinterpretation of the creature's Latin name, Tegenaria agrestis. Agrestis, however, does not mean aggressive; it actually means 'of the fields', which is where this pest is most commonly found. A hobo spider bite has never been known to cause death. Their venom is necrotic, and is often confused with the bite of the brown recluse, however, the brown recluse is not found in Washington or Oregon. The bite of the hobo spider causes a blister, which breaks open after a day or so, leaving a nasty lesion, and can take quite a long time to heal. The hobo spider is a pretty ordinary looking arachnid. It is a dark brown color, with a leg span of up to an inch and a half. The abdomen has several darker chevron marks on it. On the male, the two pedipalps are large and swollen, and look like little boxing gloves. These are often mistaken for large fangs.

If you have an arachnid problem that you need taken care of in the Portland, OR, or Seattle, WA areas, contact Sprague Pest Solutions today. Sprague has been providing quality pest control services for 85 years. Visit them today at http://www.spraguepest.com.

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How Can You Know If That's A Brown Recluse In The Corner Of Your Ceiling?

The first time I correctly recognized a Brown Recluse Spider surprised me. I had no idea I really knew what the recluse looked like.

The company entomologist joined me on an inspection of one of my hospital buildings. As I shined my flashlight into a cabinet area I spotted movement. Looking closer I noticed a spider that moved away from the light's beam every time I pointed the light in its direction.

The legs set off a mental alarm. I called the entomologist over and asked if the spider was a brown recluse. He verified that it was.

That's the first recluse I ever seen alive.

I'd spent some time looking at pictures, and studying dead spiders through the microscope back at the pest control office. Evidently those efforts burned the brown recluse image into my brain so I could recognize one without getting too close.

I remember thinking that the spider's legs are unique, and that memory is what triggered the suspicion that the spider in that hospital building was a recluse.

This insect has very long legs. They angle upward from the body, and make a knee-like bend back toward the ground.

The recluse's body is long, and narrow. Its color is, as the name suggests, brown. On it's back is the shape of a violin (or fiddle). That shape is the reason you sometimes hear people call this the Fiddler Spider.

Most spiders I had experience with before my pest control days have short, fat bodies.

I still run across information that claims brown recluse spiders live in the southwestern United States. When I started working for the pest control company the entomologist told me that brown recluse only appeared in places where few people ever ventured.

Didn't take me long to understand that wasn't true. I found brown recluse right out in the open in the hospital buildings I inspected. On one visit to a warehouse where the hospital stores patient records I seen five of the pests.

Brown recluse are everywhere.

I even find them in my house when I get lax on pest control treatments. Not long ago I stood in my entryway, looked down, and spotted a recluse at the baseboard. That rascal had a web woven right there pretty as you please.

It's always those legs that alert me that I'm looking at this highly venomous bug.

If you wait to see that violin shape you're way too close to the brown recluse. They have a nasty bite. Starts out as a little red spot, but there's a lot of poison in that spot. Before long that poison starts spreading outward, eating your muscles and skin as it goes.

If you see a spider with real long legs don't take any chances.

Call your local pest control company.

Or save yourself those pest control company fees. Learn how to identify, and properly treat for, the brown recluse spider yourself.

Joseph Jackson is an experienced pest control technician and author of SPIDER RIDDANCE, a how to guide for performing do-it-yourself pest control for controlling spiders.

Find other pest control ebooks by Joe at http://www.bugsmiceratsnomore.com

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2011年11月29日星期二

A Look at Common Northwest Insects

Being in the Pacific Northwest is wonderful in the summer, when campers and hikers can relax in the cool shade of pine trees, listen to the sound of a trickling creek and enjoy the aroma of wild blackberries. What isn't wonderful, however, are the insects you encounter.

Prepare yourself for the dangerous insects you may encounter while hiking or camping in the Northwest with this guide to common outdoor pests:

Stinging Offenders: Bees and Wasps

Unless you're allergic to their bite or sting, bees and wasps are more annoying than they are dangerous. Good hiking safety practices include taking care around flowering flora, dead or hollow trees, and garbage cans. Do not tamper with hives or nests, as this may provoke bees and wasps to attack.

Avoid leaving food out in the open, as this will attract wasps. Some campers have found that laying out anti-static dryer sheets on a picnic table helps keep wasps away.

Itchy Offenders: Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the insect people find most bothersome. Not only do their bites cause itching, but mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile virus. Wear a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and pants, especially if you're in an area famous for its pests.

Insect repellant is a must. Prevent bites to your hands and face by applying an insect repellant that's safe to use all over your body. Avoid areas with still water, such as ponds or small lakes.

Eight-Legged Offenders: Arachnids

While most of the Northwest's spiders are harmless, there are a couple of species to be aware of: the black widow and the brown recluse.

The black widow is recognizable by its black, glossy look and bulbous abdomen. The underside of its belly has an hourglass shape that's can range from red to orange or white. The black widow is a highly venomous spider - you'll instantly know if you are bitten by one.

The brown recluse spider is gray, brown or dark yellow in color. The top part of its body is bisected by a black line, giving the spider the appearance of a small violin. Although the brown recluse is shy, its bite can cause necrosis. It can take a couple of hours to feel the effects of this spider's bite.

Prevention is the best protection against spiders. One good camping safety practice is to use an LED flashlight when looking for items in the dark. Wear thick gloves when going through brush, collecting firewood or looking under rocks. Carefully examine your shoes and clothes before putting them on.

Blood-Sucking Offenders: Ticks

Ticks are nasty creatures that mostly live in trees. When these parasites see potential host, they jump on and bury their heads into the skin. Ticks can carry lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The best chemical defense against ticks is an insect repellent containing DEET. In wooded areas, wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt tucked into pants, and long pants tucked into socks or boots.

When all is said and done, insect repellent, the right clothes, good camping and hiking safety practices and a powerful LED flashlight are basic necessities for your Pacific Northwest bug-fighting arsenal.

~ Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2010

Flora Richards-Gustafson lives in Portland, Ore. and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.
Want to learn more about Northwest camping safety? Visit the DLK website to find out more about quality outdoor equipment like long-lasting LED lanterns, LED flashlights and survival tools.

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How Reclusive is the Brown Recluse Spider?

My first introduction to Brown Recluse Spiders happened in the basement of a hospital building, and at the time these spiders wove their webs under sinks and inside rarely used storage cabinets. At first I only saw them in dark, out-of-the-way places.

When I shined my flashlight on them, they ran away from the glare, back into the dark.

I recognized them because I spent time studying pictures, and had the image of their legs fixed in my mind. Getting close enough to identify the distinctive fiddle mark on their back just didn't interest me. At least not while they lived.

Watching their behavior then gave me an understanding (at least I thought) of why people call these spiders reclusive. Later I decided I'd better change my understanding as the spiders themselves gave me a few scares that contradicted my preparations.

Most of my encounters with the Brown Recluse were in those dark basements, true, but as my identification skills improved, so did my sightings, until I got the idea that maybe these guys just weren't so reclusive after all.

One warehouse seemed particularly infested with Brown Recluse. The hospital kept files of patients there; medical professionals reviewed those files often. In a wall alcove sat a workbench where people sat and sorted through the files, boxing up files coming into storage, and pulling files requested for review.

At each end of the workbench one day I spotted Brown Recluse nests. I suppose my senses were primed for spotting the spiders because just inside the loading dock door I kept a rodent bait box. The boxes are rectangular, approximately 3-inches by 6-inches, and each visit I replenished the bait blocks, then dated and initialed the inside lid of the box. The hospital liked records proving our visits. When I opened the box this day two Brown Recluse ran for cover behind the blocks. I wasn't sure of the identification immediately, but I suspected it. I captured them on a glue board, and once they stuck to the glue, I identified the fiddle marking. I put the box in the back of my truck and continued my inspection of the warehouse. Two bait boxes later, I found another recluse. I started looking very close at webs in that warehouse.

What surprised me most is the warehouse was bright due to numerous fluorescent light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Those lights shine during business hours.

I sense you asking, "Fine, you saw a lot of Brown Recluse, but mostly in commercial buildings, and in rarely traveled spaces. Why should I find that interesting?"

I'm glad you asked that question. And here's why.

A few months back I spotted a spider crawling in my bathtub. It had legs that looked alarmingly familiar, so my curiosity peaked. Closer observation identified it as a Brown Recluse. I got out my trusty spray can and doused it with insecticide. While I waited for that one to die I looked around. In a corner of the shower, where the wall and ceiling meet, I found a nest with another Brown Recluse. Guess they decided my shower was ideal for their home. I sprayed there and then, just in case, sprayed the rest of the bathroom.

A short time later, I noticed another Brown Recluse slinking around in my office. This one also had a web at the junction of the ceiling and wall.

Two days ago I found another recluse in the bathtub. Maybe a baby of the couple I eliminated during that first sighting. I don't know how it escaped the insecticide though. Just lucky I guess.

I gotta tell you, my bathroom and office aren't lightly traveled rooms. Sure, I'm the only one who comes into my office, but I'm in here every day. My point is, they can call this spider reclusive all they want, but my experience tells me that he just doesn't live up to that reputation anymore.

Brown Recluse Spiders have long slender legs. I make first identifications by recognizing the look of those legs. If you see a spider with very long legs I don't recommend you get too close. Your best bet is just spray it with insecticide, or call in a professional.

I believe most spiders benefit my household by eating nuisance insects. As long as those spiders stay out of sight I don't have any problems with them.

That just isn't the way I feel about the Brown Recluse Spider.

Joseph Jackson is an experienced pest control technician and author of SPIDER RIDDANCE - a how to guide for performing do-it-yourself spider control.

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2011年11月28日星期一

Bugs To Watch Out For In The Wilderness

There are certain bugs that you really need to look out for when you are outdoors. Really, when you go out into the wilderness, you are entering insect territory. Don't feel bad if the bugs start biting you or even stinging you, because you have now entered their land. It's nothing personal - they just want to look out for themselves like every other living thing on the planet.

Because there are so many bugs around, make sure that you wear insect-repellant anytime that you step outdoors into the wilderness. An insect-repellant can make you seem invisible to a bug, but wearing perfume or cologne might make you seem even more attractive. This is the same with brightly colored clothing as many types of insects are attracted to bright colors.

Here are a couple bugs that you really need to look out for...

Spiders

A number of different spiders are some of the most poisonous insects on the planet. Black widows are among the deadliest. You can easily and quickly recognize a black widow because they have an hourglass shape body as well as a white, red or orange spot on their abdomen. If you get bitten by a black widow, you can have severe pain, shivering, weakness and sweats that can last several days and even lead to more serious issues.

You should also take a look at the Fiddleback spider, an insect that you want to watch out for. It has a light spot on its back that resembles a violin, hence its name. You might have also heard this type of spider called a Brown Recluse because it hides in dark places. If you are bitten by a brown recluse, you might suffer from tissue degeneration around the site of the bite.

Scorpions

Depending on where you are, you may or may not need to watch out for scorpions. They are mostly present in dry and hot climates like deserts. Most of them are either brown or black and they live a nocturnal life pattern, which means they are really only active at night. They have adapted to their harsh climate by developing a light yellow or green coloring so they can blend into the environment around them. They grow to an average of about 2 1/2 cm but there are some that can grow as large as 20 cm, mostly in Central America.

They sting with jointed tails and can cause immense pain. If you are stung by a scorpion, you should seek medical attention immediately because some are very poisonous. You should not confuse a scorpion with a Whip Scorpion or a Vinegar Roon, both of which have straight tails.

Bees and wasps

You can almost instantly recognized a bee because most of them have a plump and hairy body while a wasp or hornet is slender and has absolutely no hair. Some of these insects live in the ground in colonies while others build their homes hanging off of rooftops or branches.

Being stung by a bee or a wasp is more serious than most people take it. Anywhere from 8% to 12% of the human population has a severe allergy to bee stings, so any time that you are stung, you should seek medical attention. When a bee stings you, it will leave its stinger inside of your skin, along with a venom sac that will continue to pump venom into your system.

Keep in mind that you should be very low conscious of insects anytime that you are out in the wilderness. If you ever find yourself battling a colony of insects, just run away as quickly as you can and try to get to a safe place. Keeping your body close to a heat source like a campfire will help reduce the risk of being attacked by stinging insects.

If you have insect problems in the Kansas City Metro area, check out Catch-It Wildlife & Pest Control. Our services are some of the best pest control Kansas City has to offer and we would love to help with your Kansas City pest control issues.

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The Northwest's Nastiest Spiders

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.

While similar-looking spiders are not venomous, the bite of the hobo spider can cause necrosis, or the premature death of living tissue. If you believe you have been bit by a hobo spider, you should seek medical treatment immediately.

Because of its ability to cause necrosis, the bite of the hobo spider is often mistakenly attributed to another well-known, venomous U.S. spider: the brown recluse. This spider varies in color from tan to dark brown, has a body length of a quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch, and has a dark violin-shaped mark on the front portion of the body. Adults favor dark, secluded, areas that are dry, tightly spaced (cluttered) and remain undisturbed. The web of the brown recluse is not used to catch insects and does not typically feature a consistent design.

Though the brown recluse could be transported from its regular Southern U.S. habitat, research has shown that it does not typically live in the Pacific Northwest.

Pest Prevention Tips for Spiders

As mentioned, having spiders outside can help with pest control around your home. The best pest prevention measure to keep spiders out of your home involves sealing potential entry points, such as openings around windows, doors, water pipes and electrical lines. Also, vacuuming and dusting regularly helps, as the spiders will seek another habitat if their webs are frequently destroyed.

When bringing firewood or other items stored outside into your home, always use extreme caution. Do not store woodpiles or debris against your home or near any windows or doors. Wear leather gloves and examine the items carefully before moving. Remove any visible spiders and egg sacs before bringing the items inside your home.

If you are seeing numerous spiders or any of the spiders described above, you can contact a qualified pest control company for assistance. Successful pest control requires a thorough inspection of your home and the area around it to locate the pests and where they live. Using a green pest control company is recommended, as insect sprays usually only control the spiders you see and are not effective in untreated areas. Additionally, spider egg sacs are by nature relatively impervious, so a spider infestation may return as soon as the eggs hatch. A high-quality green pest control company can provide you with the help you need without the use of harmful and ineffective chemicals or pesticides.

Find out more about the benefits of green pest control for Northwest spiders by visiting the website for Alpha Ecological, a Kennewick pest control company with an established record in Northwest pest prevention and Integrated Pest Management.

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2011年11月27日星期日

Common Household Spider - Are They Poisonous

As small as these little creatures are, it's amazing what a raucous they can cause. Many spiders are harmless, but there are some common spiders that should truly be feared. It is important to be able to identify spiders that are poisonous and the symptoms spider bites can cause. It would be an excellent idea to place some glue traps around your house, to help you identify what types of spiders you have living with you. As it is hard to get a close look at them when they are running across your floor or when they are squished in a tissue or under your shoe.

The Hobo Spider

The hobo spider has a brown body and can grow from 1/4 to 5/8 inch in length. It is commonly found in Idaho and Utah. It is a European immigrant that has recently been implicated as a potentially poisonous spider in the United States. They live in funnel web. Most hobo spider bites occur in bed or clothing where the spider is trapped next to the skin.

The initial bite from a hobo spider is usually painless but hardens within 30 minutes. The area of the bite may have numbness and it is common to feel dizzy. After 15 to 35 hours the area forms blisters and can start to slough, which stops after about 24 hours. It causes a slow healing wound. It can take months to heal. The hobo spider bites is not considered to be fatal but fatalities have occurred.

The Brown Recluse

The Brown Recluse spider is one of the few dangerous spiders in the United States. It is also called the fiddle back spider or violin spider because of the violin shape mark on it. It's native to south central United States but can be commonly found in the central mid western states. It is best to use glue traps for brown recluse, because they are not affected by pesticides.

The initial bite from a Brown Recluse spider is usually painless and the victim can be unaware for 3 to 8 hours later. Then the site of the bite might turn red and swollen. The bite can take a long time to heal. It will often leave scaring. It is extremely rare for a fatality to occur from a brown recluse spider bite but they still must be treated as a dangers spider

Black Widow

Adult female black widow spiders are about 1/2-inch long, not including the legs. They are jet black with a red hourglass marking underneath their circular abdomen. The adult males are around half the size of the females. Females can be identified by their red dots and white lines along the abdomen. The male black widow spider is harmless. It's the females you have to watch for. In spring or summer the black widow start to mate.

A black widow spider bite can go unnoticed. The intensity of the pain depends on amount of venom injected and the area of the bite. The bloodstream carries the venom around the body and it acts on the nervous system, causing different levels of pain. There may be slight local swelling and two red puncture points from the fangs. Pain usually starts from the bite site and works it way to the abdomen and back causing severe cramping in the abdominal muscles in some cases. Less than 5 percent of black widow spider bites results in death.

Wolf Spiders

Wolf Spiders are a common household pests that look for a warm place to stay for wintertime. They do not spin webs but they hunt for food at night. The Wolf Spider can be commonly mistaken for brown recluse spider, but they lack the violin-shaped marking behind their head. They are not aggressive and will run away from disturbances.

With wolf spider bites you will feel some local pain. Itchiness, dizziness, nausea, and swelling are uncommon, but they can be symptoms.

If a spider bite does occur, always contact a your physician. If it's possible, try to catch the spider or at least get a good description of the spider. This will aide the doctors to know how to handle the bite more quickly.

I am a busy mother of 5. I enjoy writing about things I have tried out that work for me. If you are interested in reading tips to make life easier for you as a busy mother or father then visit my website. http://spiderfrenzie.blogspot.com/

http://abusymother5.blogspot.com/

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SEO Tip - Increase Your Traffic by Optimizing Images

Here's the scenario: You're searching for information on the most poisonous spider in the world, the brown recluse, which you've recently learned has been found in an area near your home. Desperate for information that may help you protect yourself and your family from the dangerous arachnid, you type in "brown recluse" in a search engine bar. As the information is populating, several articles on the effects of the spider's poison, the origins and known locations, or other subjects pulls up, looking very promising. Then there are the pictures. Lots of pictures of the huge, brown and black spider and even the damage its bite inflicts on the human body. Which of the two would draw your eye?

Most likely, you would immediately move your cursor over the picture, possible exclaiming something like, "Gross!", and would possible spend the next few minutes sharing the images with your friends and coworkers.

Recent studies on the browsing habits of search engine users confirms that people will consume information through pictures more than 30% faster than with regular text. Why would someone knowingly skip over interesting pictures like graphs, charts and other images, in favor of reading a full-length blog post on the subject? Some just might, but most won't.

Image searches account for hundreds of millions of searches on Google everyday. By optimizing the images on your site, you can tap into this market and begin a new side of Search Engine Optimization for your company.

Here are a few ways you can optimize your images to generate traffic.

Name the Image Correctly: An accurate name that describes the picture in brief, simple language is important, and will ensure that your image is pulled up in a relevant search.

Use Keywords: Keywords are another important factor. Properly describing the image with keywords and alternate keyword tags will increase the power of your photo and increase its searchability.

Place Images Near Relevant Content: The best location for an image is surrounded by relevant content, like in a blog post. This will increase the organic ranking of your photo within search engines.

Optimizing your photos can be a great source of traffic for your site! These simple guidelines take very little time to implement, so start following them today to get the results you're looking for.

More internet marketing articles can be found at submitsolution.com

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2011年11月26日星期六

The Big Little Bite - Brown Recluse Spiders, Your Home, and You

Crickets, and snails and other creepy-crawlies...they don't scare me. Snakes? Nah, they don't scare me either unless they're making rattling noises or standing at attention to an accompaniment of music from a snake charmers' flute. Neither do I suffer from arachnophobia (a general fear of spiders). Perhaps that lack of general concern for critters and such is a product of having been reared in central Florida where bugs are seemingly everywhere.There is one particular fear, though, that I do have...whether it be founded or unfounded, good or bad...and that's the quite reasonable (in my estimation) fear of unknowingly coming in too close contact with a Loxoceles reclusa...a Brown Recluse spider. If the truth were to be accurately conveyed...the very thought gives me the heebie-jeebies. The Brown Recluse is one of the few spiders that are harmful to humans. Another spider that is harmful to humans is the Black Widow with which most of us are at least vaguely familiar...but for some reason they just don't bother me too much although I am always "on the lookout" for them too.

Having performed thousands and thousands of Raleigh home inspections, I have had the opportunity to go in some great homes. I have also had the...opportunity, if you will...of going into some homes that were, well, not so great. Even in homes that look perfectly safe and in near pristine condition, there are potential dangers that may be lurking about.

Here in the eastern United States a large percentage of homes are constructed upon crawl space foundations. Crawl spaces have the deserved reputation of being less than desirable places to "hang out". I don't know anyone who finishes dinner, for instance, and says to their significant other "Honey, let's go down in the crawl space for a little while and...." You get the picture; it's just not the favorite part of the average persons' home. But it is an important place into which I must willingly and gallantly venture in the performance of my professional duties as a Home Inspector. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't relish the thought of being bitten by anything, really, but especially not a Brown Recluse spider. These spiders can be found in places other than crawl spaces. But it's usually there...in darkness and separated from the outside world, that I sometimes think about them (and other potential local hazards) and am usually in a heightened state of alert for any creature that might be observing me while I am making my observations...it's the things we don't see or hear that often impart the most fear in us, is it not?

So, why should you be concerned about Brown Recluse spiders? Because...they can be living with you in and around your home. The potential for you to come in contact with one is real. It's better to be educated and informed than...bitten! Agreed? Good!

How can you visually identify a Brown Recluse spider? A large Brown Recluse is something a bit larger in size than a penny. Typically, they are light to medium brown although they range in color from cream-colored to dark brown or a blackish-gray. Their most readily identifiable feature is the presence of a violin-shaped marking on their back with the neck of the violin pointing toward the rear of their body. It's this marking that has led to nicknames having been given the Recluse such as the "fiddle back spider" and the "violin spider". It is noteworthy that other spiders have similar markings, so such a marking is not absolutely reliable insofar as identification is concerned. Another distinguishing trait of the Brown Recluse is that it has three sets of two eyes, at the front of its head, for a total of six eyes; most spiders have eight eyes.
Are they indigenous to my part of the country? Brown Recluse spiders are native to the Midwest states such as Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio and south to the Gulf of Mexico. They are also found in Texas and east from there to Georgia and north to Kentucky. They are known to exist elsewhere as well, likely as the result of traveling along with humans in their travels [Authors note: I know they live in North Carolina because I've seen em'...the little buggers!]. For more information on the Brown Recluse in North Carolina, visit the website of the North Carolina Nature Center.
Will they try to attack me, or chase me? No, they will not. They don't seek out human contact and will only bite if they are disturbed, feel threatened, and are in contact with your skin. They can "jump" slightly if touched but this movement is based in avoidance rather than aggression.
Why are they potentially dangerous? Because they are venomous...poisonous. A bite from a Recluse will be very uncomfortable at the very best...and fatal at the very worst (although this is very, very rare). The majority of bites are not exceptionally serious but, as with many dangers, the very young, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system are at the greatest risk for more severe complications.
Where might you find a Brown Recluse spider around my home? Recluse spiders like to reside in many of the same places you like to hang out within your home. They can be found in closets, garages, carports, basements, wood piles (well, maybe you don't hang out in your wood pile)...just about any location where it is reasonably dry and generally undisturbed. They can also be potentially found in shoes, gloves, behind base-boards, behind pictures, in the bedding of little used beds, in stacked or folded clothing, and in clothes that have been piled or placed on the floor. Many reported bites have been immediately after putting on clothes that have been lying on the floor or otherwise disturbing the spiders who have taken up residence in such isolated areas.
How might you know if you have been bitten by a Recluse? A bite may be readily apparent but this is not always the case. Some bites can go undetected for as much as 24 hours. Often, the bitten area begins to itch and be painful within 2 - 8 hours and these effects worsen and become more pronounced over the subsequent 12 to 36 hours. In extreme cases, the site of the bite can swell in size to 10 inches or more and the areas can become ulcerated and where skin tissue is actually destroyed (a condition medically described as necrosis for which there is no established treatment) and that can result in scarring of the skin. In very rare instances, the venomous bite can cause a systemic reaction (one that effects the entire body) where side-effects can include nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, fever, and rashes.
So, what should you do if you know, or suspect, that you have been bitten by a Recluse? You should provide or seek proper medical care just as soon as you exhibit any local or systemic symptoms. Following prudence and common sense, as with the care of any injury or skin damage, the area should be cleaned and should be maintained in a clean, dry condition to every extent possible; every effort should be put forth to avoid infection. Something that can be done initially is to apply an ice pack to control swelling. Aloe-Vera can be applied to soothe the area and control pain. And, of course, you should seek professional medical attention. A tetanus shot may be prescribed. The offending spider could be carefully caught and saved in a jar or other container to provide evidence to medical staff but, again, the bites often go undetected so this may not be possible.

Since there are potentially serious medical consequences of having been bitten by a Brown Recluse spider, and since it is desirable to avoid such a bite, then the best defense is a good offense (to use an unrelated sports metaphor). The effective offense comes from being educated about the possibilities of a spider bite and in being informed about potential consequences and appropriate courses of action. It's important to know how to minimize the chance of an encounter with a Brown Recluse e.g. checking your shoes, gloves, and other clothing before putting them on and knowing where they like to hide out so that you can be more observant and cognizant regarding their potential presence. And...it's important to know what to do if you suspect that you may have been bitten.

As for myself...as I 'm crawlin' around under a house, I'll just hope that a snake has already eaten em'...or somethin'!

Gary Gentry is the owner of Quality Residential Inspections, a Raleigh Home Inspection firm in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is a veteran Home Inspector, having performed many thousands of fee-paid inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. You are cordially invited to visit their website at http://qriquality.com

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Warning! Spiders Invade Homes During Winter

During the cold winter months everyone needs a place to stay warm, including those nasty eight legged critters called spiders. They also need a place to find food as other critters move inside for winter and you can bet your house is the perfect place!

Though spiders are unpleasant looking and frightening, most are harmless. Even if they do bite the result is usually a minor irritation to the skin. However, some spiders can be extremely aggressive and their venom can be extremely dangerous. Here are two poisonous spiders that you'll want to look out for this:

Dangerous Spiders

Black Widow: the Black Widow is known for the red markings on its underbelly. Their venom is 15 times more deadly than a rattlesnake's, and can cause muscle aches, nausea, and a paralysis of the diaphragm that can make breathing difficult. Contrary to popular belief, these spider bites cause no serious damage to most people. However, bites can be particularly fatal to small children and the elderly. Fun fact: the Black Widow got its name because the female will often kill and eat their mate after courting.

Brown Recluse: if there is any other spider in the world that terrifies me, it's the Brown Recluse. If this statement confuses you, I suggest you research 'Brown Recluse' spider bite pictures online and then you'll know what I'm talking about. These spiders typically hide out in houses and bite when people are peacefully sleeping. Their bites can turn from a painful red bump to a massive annihilation of the skin that can get so severe that bone is exposed in seven to ten days. It's important to note that the majority of brown recluse spider bites do not result in any symptoms, but because these bites can get so severe its worth checking out pictures online to know what this spider looks like and if they dwell in your area.

How to Protect Your Home from Deadly Spiders

In order to adequately protect your family and even your pets don't wait for a large spider invasion or a painful bite to secure your home, especially if you're living in an area where either of these spiders hide out.

For all your Utah pest control needs contact a licensed technician.

Shannon Egan

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2011年11月25日星期五

Ten Pest Control Tips for Deterring a Spider Invasion

Although most spiders are venomous, and considered predators; few are actually a notable health threat. Albeit spiders are very unpopular, they rarely bite humans. In fact, most spiders' fangs are too small/weak, to puncture a human's skin. Nevertheless, when spiders do bite, the venom of most species is not very toxic (to humans); and often only results in slight swelling, inflammation, or itching sensation.

The two (2) most common spiders, of concern to homeowners and pest control professionals; are the Brown Recluse and Black Widow spiders. An invasion of either of these two spider pests, could result in dangers to your health and life. Bites should be considered serious, and require immediate medical diagnosis and treatment.

What can homeowners do to protect themselves? The best pest control strategy for deterring a spider infestation, is to reduce the pest population of other insects (food source); from inside the house or building. This approach encourages spider intruders to leave your dwelling, in search for a more dependable food supply; outside of the home.

With that in mind, here are 10 dependable pest control tips, for reducing the number of spider/pest invaders; in your home:

1. Install snug-fitting screens, on all windows and doors. It is also recommended, that you install door sweeps; as well.

2. Seal or caulk cracks and crevices where spiders/insects could enter the house or building.

3. Install yellow/sodium vapor light bulbs outside, to attract fewer insects; for spiders to feed upon.

4. Tape the edges of cardboard boxes to prevent spider/insect entry.

5. Use plastic bags (sealed) to store loose items in the garage, basement and attic.

6. Remove old boxes, unused clothing, wood/rock piles, trash and other unwanted items.

7. Eliminate clutter in closets, basements, attics, garages, and outbuildings.

8. Do not stack wood against the house.

9. Clean up dead insects.

10. Dust and vacuum thoroughly to remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs (dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed container outside).

Preventing a pest infestation, is paramount to maintaining a safe and habitable home. Homeowners have a responsibility to prevent pest invaders, like the Brown Recluse or Black Widow spider, from taking over their home; and threatening their health. Using the practical common sense approach outlined above, homeowners can prevent a spider infestation; and avoid the need for pesticides or other treatments inside.

I offer dependable pest control strategies and helpful information, about pest control problems; in your area. Do you have a local pest control question? Ask Pest Control Joel.

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The Brown Recluse Spider

As the husband of a Brown Recluse bite victim, I know firsthand how frightening it can be to be bitten, how important it is to get educated about these spiders, and the need to be prepared for the unexpected.

The Brown Recluse Spider is so named because it is by nature, "reclusive." Because it likes to hide during the day in clothes, shoes, boxes and other out of the way places where bites are most likely to occur through unintentional contact, it is regarded by many as the most dangerous spider here the United States.

When a Brown Recluse spider bites, it is rarely due to aggression. Bites will usually occur because it is hiding out in your clothes and you put them on, or your hand has touched the spider when handling boxes, or you have rolled over them or unknowingly touched them while sleeping in your bed at night. Because Brown Recluses love to hide in boxes and clothes, they can hitch a ride almost anywhere in the United States. However, they are most commonly found south of a line stretching from Northern Nebraska to Northern Ohio.

Because they do scurry around at night, they are difficult to detect. One way to be sure they are not in your home is to install sticky spider traps in various places. Traps are economical and safer to use because no chemicals are sprayed in your home. And, according to Kansas University researchers, spider traps are an effective means of controlling their populations.

Brown Recluses are not affected by most pesticides and according to research, they can actually benefit by your use of them. In lab studies conducted at Kansas University, they have shown the Brown Recluse Spider's inclination to prefer dead prey over living ones. In fact, they can eat an insect killed by pesticides 24 hours prior and suffer no harmful effects.

Brown Recluse bites can develop very rapidly with necrosis starting to form in just a few hours after being bitten. This is because venom literally kills living tissue on contact. Quick response in the event of a bite wound, and finding ways to control their population are important to protecting yourself from these very dangerous spiders.

If you believe that you are bitten by a Recluse, examine the area very closely. Brown Recluse bites will almost invariably contain two small fang marks about 1/16th of an inch apart. The necrosis will begin at those fang marks and spread out into the surrounding tissue. The area will turn a bluish grey as the skin tissue dies, and eventually will slough away, producing an open ulcer. In some bite wounds, it may appear that someone has taken a scoop of flesh out of your body.

Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, sweating, joint pain, kidney failure and even coma are possible. However, most Brown Recluse bites do not have severe systemic symptoms. Those who are most in danger of severe reactions are the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Brown Recluse Spiders benefit from human population growth so it looks like this spider is here to stay. The best thing to do is be informed, and know what to do in case you are bitten.

Thomas J. Martincic is the designer, owner, and writer of the website http://www.brown-recluse.com/.

You can read more about these spiders, see pictures of bite wounds, view high resolution photos of the spider, and get some prevention tips by visiting the web site. 888-732-5873

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First Aid Treatment For Spider Bites

Most spiders in the Untied States are not poisonous. Therefore, their bites do not cause any harm so you do not need to treat them. This allows your body to heal itself which is always the best for your continued good health. To tell if you have suffered a spider bite (and not a bite from another insect like a mosquito for example), simply look at the center of the bite mark. If you see two small indentations or holes then you most likely have a spider bite.

Some people do experience some mild symptoms or reactions to spider bites even when the spider was not poisonous. To calm your nerves and give you more knowledge so you don't get nervous in the future I will list some ways to make yourself feel better after you have had a spider bite.

Spider Bite Treatment

The first thing you will want to do is to clean the area where you have the spider bite to prevent any infections or other reactions from occurring. The best way to clean your bite area is with warm soap and water. Then dry your skin completely and apply an antibiotic ointment .
If you start to experience any swelling around the bite area or itching you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. You can stop this reaction in its tracks by taking an antihistamine .
If you experience any pain in the bite area you can use acetaminophen which is also called Tylenol. Tylenol is effective in reducing pain and swelling. In addition grown adults may use aspirin to reduce the swelling and pain.
A great way to reduce the swelling without taking any kind of medicine is to simply press a cool wet washcloth or ice pack to the bite area for 20 minutes or so. If you are using an ice pack be sure to wrap it in a small cotton cloth to keep the ice pack itself away from your skin.

If the spider that has bitten you happens to still be near by, you can easily catch it to identify that it is indeed not a poisonous spider. To catch a spider simply take a paper cup and a small piece of paper. Slowly put the paper cup over the top of the spider. Then keep the paper cup pressed against the wall or floor, and slide the paper under the top of the cup without lifting the cup up. Then lift the paper cup up being careful to keep one hand on the piece of paper to keep the spider inside the cup. You can also use a glass cup as well, however, they are heavier and sometimes harder to be slow in putting it over the top of the spider. If you move too quickly the spider will run away. By using slow movements you will discover just how easy it is to catch the spider in question.

If you have a child that is under six years old that has been bitten by a spider, you should contact your doctor right away. In addition if you experience any of these symptoms it is time to call your doctor for an appointment.

Spider Bite Symptoms

Headache after the spider bite
You develop a fever
You begin to experience muscle aches and pains
You have nausea
Your skin around the bite area is discolored

To set your mind at ease here is a list of spiders who could cause you some additional symptoms if they bite you.

Black Widow Spiders

These spiders are small and black, and easily identified by the large, red, hourglass shape on their backs. Symptoms of a black widow bite are immediate pain and swelling of the bite area, headache, dizziness, weakness, tremors, anxiousness, sweating, nausea, tearing, muscle cramping, and even paralysis. If you think you've been bitten by a black widow, administer the first aid as directed for other spider bites and contact a doctor immediately for further treatment.

Brown Recluse Spider

This is a very small, brown spider. You can recognize this spider easily because it has a violin-shaped mark on its back. As the name suggests this spider stays in hiding and prefers small, dark and dry spaces. Symptoms of brown recluse spider bites are:

Delayed pain
Delayed itching
Delayed burning and redness around the bite area
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and pains
Nausea and/or vomiting

A brown recluse spider bite will slowly turn into a bull's eye marking on your skin and develop a black blister. If you experience a brown recluse spider bite you should elevate the part of your body that has the bite and contact your doctor right away.

Nicki is a specialist in Alternative Health treatment and is the owner of The Healthy Alternative blog. She has written a number of articles covering Complementary Medicine [http://www.healthyalternativeblog.com/] including Home Remedies [http://www.healthyalternativeblog.com/category/home-remedies/].

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2011年11月24日星期四

Brown Recluse Spider "Tips to Avoid Them and Keep That Spider Outside"

Seeing spiders in your home is an unsettling thing. It's not something you dwell on until you pick up a shirt off the floor to put in the laundry and a big ugly spider jumps down to the floor and runs away. The natural response is to scream and jump away. Every hair on your body stands on its ends. Suddenly you see every teeny tiny creature that you might not have noticed before and you feel like they are crawling all over your body. It can take days to get over an incident like that. You find yourself shaking out your pants before you put them on and looking in every box before you stick your hand in it. When really, these should probably be regular practices.

Many spider are harmless, but on of the most dangerous is the brown recluse spider. They are called the brown recluse, because they like to hide out during the day. Hence the name recluse.

They generally occupy dark and undisturbed areas. They can be found indoors or outdoors. Indoors they are commonly found in attics, basements, crawl spaces, cellars, closets, and heater vents. They will find a storage box, shoe, clothing, folded linens, or even your sheets to hide. Outdoors they like to live under logs, loose stones and stacks of lumber. They are not aggressive spiders by nature. Some common ways people have been bitten is by rolling over one in your bed while sleeping, touching one accidentally while cleaning out your storage area or putting on an old pair of shoes that a brown recluse spider has made a home in.

Preventing Spider Bites
There are steps to avoid getting a bite from a brown recluse spider.

1. Shake out clothing and shoes before getting dressed.

2. Inspect bedding and towels before use.

3. Wear gloves when picking up firewood, lumber, and rocks, but be sure to check the gloves for spiders first.

4. Bed skirts are nice looking, but they are great for spiders to crawl up.

5. Move the bed away from the wall slightly.

6. Storage under the bed are handy, but they make a great dark place for brown recluse spiders to live.

7. Be careful when picking up cardboard boxes. Recluse spiders like to hide under the folded cardboard flaps.

Keep Spiders Out
The best way to avoid brown recluse spider bites is to keep them outside and away from your house.

1. Windows and doors must be tight-fitting. Door sweeps are a must.

2. Use seal or caulk cracks that the spider can use to get into your house.

3. Your lights outside can attract bugs and spiders like to eat bugs. So the best kind of light bulbs are yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs. They attract less bugs.

4. Seal off the edges of your cardboard boxes to keep the spider out or use plastic bags that can seal to store things in your garage, basement and attic.

5. Get rid of trash, old boxes, old clothing, wood piles, rock piles, and other things you don't want.

6. Clean your closets out. Throw away and organize them.

Move your wood away from the side of the house. Stack it as far away as you can.

7. Brown recluse prefer to eat dead insects, so clean them up as soon as you notice them.

This is the best defense with the brown recluse spider. You have the knowledge and know how, now you just have to put these practices into place. Whether you have brown recluse or not, this will help with all spiders and you might just have an organized house as a bonus. So put you gloves on and get to work!

She is a mother of 5 children, ranging from 15 mo. up to 18 yrs. She is the author of a variety of articles about family life and all it's craziness. She has a whole website about spider safety, if you would like more information, visit:

http://spiderfrenzie.blogspot.com/

http://abusymother5.blogspot.com/

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How to Get Rid of Spiders Today

Spiders are one of the most feared and reviled creatures on earth. No one quite knows why we love to hate spiders like we do. Arachnophobia is real, and there are people who would rather jump off a cliff than take on a spider. But in reality, most spiders are harmless. There are a few spiders, like the brown recluse and the black widow, which can cause serious harm if they bite. The majority of spiders only bite when threatened and their bites are usually less bothersome than a mosquito or fly bite. As irrational as it seems, spider fear still exists. Fortunately you can get rid of spiders fairly easily if they scare the bajeebers out of you.

Spiders are Predators

Spiders love to eat other bugs and insects. They catch them in webs. Spiders have bad eyesight but great sense of vibration. When they feel their helpless prey struggling to free itself (which is very difficult due to the wonderfully efficient properties of spider webbing), spiders will come down the web and feed. You can make your home less hospitable to spiders by reducing the other insects that live there.

Throw Away Your Food

Many insects and pests are drawn to rotting food. The more bugs that are drawn to the food, the more spiders you will have. Place all discarded food in tightly sealed garbage cans and regularly remove the garbage.

Outdoor Lights

Have you ever noticed how bugs are attracted to your outdoor lights? Well, spiders notice this too. Keeping your lights off will reduce both your bug and spider populations. Consider yellow sodium "bug lights" if you want to retain your outdoor lighting.

Cardboard and Paper

Spiders love to live in cool dry places like cardboard boxes and stacks of paper. Check your basement and storage areas for spiders living in these items.

Picking Up Spiders

No great skill is required to pick up a spider. They are not particularly fast or devious. Simply wad up a paper towel and scoop it up. Release it outdoors, or if you so desire, stomp it under your shoe (mean you). A vacuum will work just as nicely if you are loathe to catch a spider by hand, albeit with less personal satisfaction.

Spiders and Drains

Hint: Throwing a live spider down a drain with running water does not work. The spider will curl up into a ball and create an air pocket until their fun little water ride is over. It will then climb right out of your sink.

Ruining the Web Does Not Work

Removing a spider web does not get rid of a spider unless you take out the spider at the same time. Spider spin webs in a location because their prey is in the area. If you don't get the spider it will promptly build another web in the same location!

Spider Traps

There are commercially available spider traps that will ensnare spiders on a sticky surface. Isn't that ironic - a spider getting trapped by something sticky?

Anecdotal Remedies

There are a host of remedies that spider-haters swear by. Washing your windows with ammonia seems to repel spiders. Hedge apples (available in supermarkets during the summer months) are an anathema to spiders. Spiders hate the smell of cedar chips and eucalyptus leaves, so spreading these around your house will keep spiders away and provide you with a rather pleasant scent.

Spider Bites

If you should be bitten by a spider, watch very carefully for signs of allergic reaction. Shortness of breath, nausea and inability to swallow are clear signs to immediately seek medical attention. Brown recluse and black widow spider bites often inflict great pain and anguish and can sometimes cause death. Most spider bites are harmless, but do not fool around if you experience ominous symptoms.

You Can Get Rid of Spiders

Spiders are usually beneficial creatures because they eat other pests. However, people fear and hate spiders more than most other critters in their homes. You can get rid of spiders by removing other bugs and insects from your home. This can be accomplished by removing rotting food and garbage and keeping your outside lights off. Check cardboard and paper for spiders. You can pick spiders up with a paper towel or vacuum them up. Spider traps are available to catch spiders and there are a host of well known remedies that will get rid of spiders. Good luck to you as you do battle with your eight legged foe!

Ted Curtis writes Get Rid of it All, http://www.getridofitall.com.

Occasionally Ted writes a brief piece about How To Get Rid Of (fill in the blank). He writes these articles to make a little coin (after all, living a life with no trappings ain't free!)

Please visit Ted's site, Get Rid of it All, http://getridofitall.com , learn something new, be entertained and educated, and click on a few sponsor links while you are visiting.

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2011年11月30日 星期三

2011年11月29日 星期二

2011年11月28日 星期一

2011年11月27日 星期日

2011年11月26日 星期六

2011年11月25日 星期五

2011年11月24日 星期四

2011年11月30日星期三

2011年11月29日星期二

2011年11月28日星期一

2011年11月27日星期日

2011年11月26日星期六

2011年11月25日星期五

2011年11月24日星期四