Do Spiders Reallly . . . ?

We here a lot of strange myths about spiders, so here is the 411 on some of them.

Myth #1: The average person swallows about eight spiders a year when sleeping.
 This urban legend has become one of the most widespread rumors on the Internet. But, fear not – it’s false. According to Snopes.com, this myth was started when a columnist for a computing magazine wrote an article in 1993 about a list of outlandish “facts” that were circulating via email. In reality, it’s highly unlikely for a person to swallow even one live spider when sleeping.

Myth #2: People are never more than three feet away from a spider.
This myth originated in 1995 when arachnologist Norman Platnick wrote, “Wherever you sit as you read these lines, a spider is probably no more than a few yards away.” With more than 35,000 described species of spiders worldwide and about 3,000 in North America alone, there may be some truth to this statement. However, many people argue that it depends on where you are, for example,  standing in a grassy area or on the top floor of a skyscraper.

Myth #3: All spiders spin webs.
The truth is not all spiders spin these silk structures, which are used to catch their prey. In fact, several species of spiders use different strategies for obtaining food. Wolf spiders, for example, catch their food by hunting, while jumping spiders pounce on their prey.

Myth #4:Daddy longlegs are one of the most poisonous spiders, but their fangs are too short to penetrate human skin.
This specific tale has been lurking around for years, but it’s completely false. Think about it – how can a spider inject venom into the human body if its fangs are too short to pierce skin tissue? Arachnologists at the University of California said, "There is no reference to any pholcid spider [read "daddy-long-legs"] biting a human and causing any detrimental reaction… Furthermore, there are no toxicological studies testing the lethality of pholcid venom on any mammalian system.”

 Myth #5: All spiders are dangerous.
Spiders have lived amongst humans for centuries and most species don’t harm humans; in fact, many species are beneficial to the environment. Spiders are predators, feeding mainly on insects, so they help to reduce the amount of pests in homes and gardens. While it’s true that all spiders have a venomous bite, only a few species are medically dangerous.

There are many misconceptions about spiders that give them a bad rap. However, it’s important for homeowners to take preventative steps to keep the more dangerous species from gaining access to homes during the winter months. We recommend storing clothes and shoes in plastic containers, sweeping away webs around the home, and removing clutter from basements, attics and garages.

If you're concerned about a spider infestation in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net Reference: www.pestworld.org

Spider Bites - Part Three

This is the last installment of Dr. Jorge Parada's article on spider bites written for PestWorld.

If you suspect a spider has bitten you, try to bring it with you to the doctor so they can determine the best course of treatment based on the species. Clean the site of the spider bite well with soap and water. Apply a cool compress over the spider bite location (using a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice). If you suspect the bite is form a black widow or brown recluse spider, and the bite is on an extremity, elevate it. Consider tying a snug bandage above the bite and elevate the limb to help slow or halt the venom's spread. Ensure that the bandage is not so tight that it cuts off circulation in your arm or leg. Adults can take aspirin or acetaminophen and antihistamines to relieve minor signs and symptoms (but use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers). Seek medical attention for any severe signs and symptoms, or if signs and symptoms continue to worsen for more than 24 hours.

If a local reaction continues to get worse for more than 24 hours, it may be time to seek medical attention. Look for redness spreading away from the bite, drainage from the bite, increase in pain, numbness/tingling, or a discoloration around the bite that looks like a halo or bull’s-eye. If generalized symptoms set in, be concerned. In very rare cases, there have been reports of spider bites (by spiders considered otherwise harmless) causing allergic reactions - including anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition (much like may result from the sting of a bee, or wasp in a highly allergic person).

If you're concerned about spiders in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net Reference: www.pestworld.org

Spider Bites - PArt Two

Here is Part Two of Dr. Jorge Parada's, a medical spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), excellent article on spider bites that was featured in PestWorld news.

The two spiders of greatest concern in the United States are the brown recluse and the black widow spiders, most commonly found in southern states. Both species prefer warm climates and dark, dry places. Typically, these are timid, non-aggressive spiders, often found in dry, littered, undisturbed areas such as closets, woodpiles and under sinks.

Black Widow Spiders. Black widow spiders can be found throughout North America, but are most common in the southern and western areas of the United States. Male widows, like most spider species, are much smaller and generally less dangerous than the females. Widows tend to be non-aggressive, but will bite if the web is disturbed and the spider feels threatened. The more dangerous female is a dark colored spider and with a red hourglass marking on its belly. The bite feels like a pinprick, and at first may go unnoticed or seem rather minor. Early on there may be slight swelling and faint red marks. Within a few hours, though, intense pain and stiffness begin. Other signs and symptoms include: chills, fever, muscle cramps, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Typically, black widow bites are less common, but more severe than brown recluse bites. That said, no one in the United States has died from a black widow spider bite in more than 10 years.

Brown Recluse Spiders. The brown recluse spider, also known as the violin spider, is most commonly found in the south-central, mid-western and southern states of the United States. Most encounters with this spider occur from moving boxes or rooting about in closets, attics, garages or under beds where they may have nested. These spiders are brown in color with a characteristic dark violin-shaped (or fiddle-shaped) marking on its head. Whereas most spiders have eight eyes, brown recluses have six equal-sized eyes. The bite produces a mild stinging, followed by local redness and intense pain within eight hours. A fluid-filled blister forms at the site and then sloughs off to leave a deep, enlarging ulcer. Systemic (or generalized) reactions from a brown recluse spider bite vary from a mild fever and rash to nausea and listlessness. Generally, brown recluse spider bites are reported much more frequently than black widow bites, but while the brown recluse bite may cause very significant local skin reactions, it is much more unusual for these bites to cause generalized symptoms. Unfortunately, brown recluses are almost communal and can be sometimes be found in great numbers.
 
Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009. If you're concerned about spiders in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net Reference: www.pestworld.org

Spider Bites - Part One

Dr. Jorge Parada, a medical spokesperson for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), wrote an excellent article on spider bites that was featured in PestWorld news. Since spiders tend to be even more prevalent in winter months, I thought I'd share this article with you over the next few posts.

Spiders are not intentionally harmful to humans. Most spider bites occur when humans accidentally trap or brush up against a spider and receive a defensive bite. On rare occasions, spiders may have a serious lapse in judgment and bite a human finger (or other body part) mistaking it for a caterpillar or other such prey. Even then, most spiders are too small and not capable of breaking the skin with their fangs, or their venom too weak to be dangerous to humans. Simply put — most spider bites are accidental, harmless and require no specific treatment.

Still, that is not enough to stop spiders from having a bad reputation. It is common for any unexplained skin irritation to be called a "spider bite." In fact, most skin lesions and symptoms that are attributed to spiders are rarely actually due to a spider bite. Research has shown that 80 percent of presumed spider bites are actually bites from other insects, or due to skin infections such as MRSA (a resistant staph infection).

Yet, occasionally, a spider’s bites will cause real harm. Spider bites may cause injury by three mechanisms. First, especially with larger spiders, the bite itself may be painful and cause injury. However, far more concerning is the spider's venom, which can include necrotic agents or neurotoxins. Spider bites rarely transmit infectious diseases.

Most spider bites are less painful than a bee sting. Pain from non-venomous spider bites typically lasts for five to 60 minutes while pain from venomous spider bites frequently lasts for longer than 24 hours. The rate of a bacterial infection due to a spider bite is low (less than one percent).

Call Dave at 1-800-400-6009. If you're concerned about spiders in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net Reference: www.pestworld.org

Being Thankful

My family and I want to take this moment to express our thankfulness, joy, and gratitude for the blessings we have received.

Our family wishes your family a joyful Thanksgiving.

Dave

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Health Concerns Regarding Insects and Rodents

Insects and rodents cause a wealth of health concerns. Here are a few points to keep in  mind...

• About one-quarter (24%) of homeowners surveyed believe the risks associated with pest infestations have increased over the past few years.
• Filth flies can carry diseases such as E. coli, leprosy, typhoid and polio.
• 11% of U.S. living room floors and 13% of kitchen floors exhibit elevated concentrations of cockroach allergens, levels previously found to be associated with significantly increased allergic sensitization.
• Body lice infestations spread rapidly under crowded conditions where hygiene is poor and there is frequent contact among people. 

If you're concerned that you have insects or rodents in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  

Reference: www.pestworld.org

Invasive Insects From Abroad - Part Four

The good news about invasive foreign insects is that like indigenous species, invasive pest infestations can be curtailed or prevented altogether with some pest proofing know-how.

Homeowners should inspect the outside of their home and identify potential pest entry points. Any cracks or crevices on the outside of the home – including around windows, doors and utility pipes – should be sealed with a silicone caulk. Torn or damaged window screen should be repaired, and screens should be installed on attic and crawl space vents.

In addition, homeowners should take steps to reduce moisture in and around their homes, which attracts many pest species. Divert water away from the home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with proper ventilation.

To prevent Formosan termites, store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground. Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of your home, and routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

If you suspect an invasive pest infestation contact Dave at 1-800-400-6009 right away. Our trained professionals will be able to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment to control the infestation before it becomes a major problem.

Remember that some invasive pest species, especially Formosan termites, should always be left to the professionals to handle.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net  

Reference: www.pestworld.org