Located in the heart of San Joaquin Valley, Manteca is centered among some of California’s most popular tourist attractions; it is an ideal stopping point for tourists. Manteca’s claim to fame is that it has a “family city” atmosphere. One “tourist” who can keep on moving through this family-friendly town is the spider.
Descriptions & Dangers Of 4 Common Spiders In The Manteca Area
There are 66 unique species of spiders in California. Most are not dangerous, but some can make you extremely sick. Many species are rare in a home, but it is not impossible for them to join you indoors.
Some species and their descriptions are as follows:
- Black Widow: These spiders are typically black with two reddish triangular markings on the abdomen which join together at the tips to form a reddish hourglass shape (their most recognized feature). Male black widows rarely bite; females may bite in defense (especially after laying eggs). If you are bitten by a black widow, you may experience fever, increased blood pressure, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath. Pain from the bite is immediate and may continue for 1-3 days before subsiding. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
- Brown Recluse: The color of this spider ranges from tan to dark brown with a dark brown violin shape on its back. A bite may produce an immediate stinging sensation followed by intense pain (sometimes the reaction to a bite can be delayed for 6-8 hours). The area around the bite may swell and develop a small blister. Bite victims may experience restlessness, a fever, and have difficulty sleeping. Dead tissue around a bite can develop into an ulcer. A bite from a brown recluse should be seen by a medical professional.
- Common House Spider: This spider is yellowish-brown; its belly is usually dirty white with several dark stripes that meet at an angle. House spiders are not known to bite unless they feel threatened. They are not known to be a threat to your health, but medical attention should be sought if you notice severe swelling, lesions, or have a headache.
- Hobo Spider: This spider is light to medium brown with a dark stripe down center to either side of lighter midline stripes. Its legs are solid light brown with no bands. A bite from a hobo spider usually causes only mild pain and redness.
Prevention Tips To Deter Spiders & Their Friends
One of the main reasons a spider enters your home is to search for a food source. Spiders enjoy ants, beetles, cockroaches, scorpions, and other various arthropods. If you notice a lot of webs and/or spiders in your home, this may be an indication of a bigger problem.
Luckily, some of the prevention tips homeowners use against spiders may also be beneficial for preventing other pests from taking up residence. There are multiple things homeowners can do to stop pests from entering their homes. Some suggestions for prevention are as follows:
- Stack firewood at least 18 feet from home and 5 inches off the ground; inspect any wood you bring inside.
- Inspect the outside of your home for any small openings or holes, especially where utility pipes enter the home. Use silicone caulk to seal these openings.
- Screen all doors and windows.
- Keep tight lids on food and trash.
- Keep your home clean and tidy – vacuum and dust frequently.
- De-clutter basements, garages, and closets to reduce hiding spots.
What Is The Best Way To Handle Pest Infestations?
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