While the Overland Park area is home to dozens of spider species, the vast majority are completely harmless to humans. However, two species stand out as genuine health risks: the brown recluse and the black widow. Knowing how to identify them could make a real difference for your family's safety.
The Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse is a sandy brown spider with a distinctive violin marking on its back. It has six eyes instead of eight. They prefer dark, undisturbed spaces like closets and basements. Their bite can cause a serious necrotic wound, where the tissue breaks down. They are commonly found in homes throughout Overland Park and the surrounding area.
The Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider is easy to identify by its shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. They prefer to hide in garages, woodpiles, under outdoor furniture, and in dark corners of basements. The neurological symptoms of their venom include muscle pain, cramping, and nausea. Bites require immediate medical attention.
What to Do If You Spot a Venomous Spider
Do not try to catch or kill the spider by hand due to the risk of being bitten. If possible, place a glass jar over the spider to contain it, or simply leave the area and call a professional. Do not attempt to treat the area with store-bought sprays, as this can scatter the spiders into other parts of the home.
Expert Black Widow and Brown Recluse Control
Hire a spider exterminator in Overland Park to handle dangerous infestations safely. Frontier Trapper uses targeted treatments in the specific areas where these spiders live. Contact us today for expert black widow spider control in Overland Park.