WHY MARKED TREE?

Area Conditions that Support This Critical Pest

The black widow spider is one of the most feared pests in North America. As one of very few venomous spiders whose bite can potentially be fatal, it's easy to see why so many Americans fear them. Forms of the spider are found in nearly every state, but Arkansas residents see more of these spiders than most Americans. If you encounter a black widow in your Marked Tree home, show extreme caution. This spider prefers warmer weather and dark, low-traffic areas. Black widows will oftentimes build webs on patio furniture, in garages, or occasionally in a dark, unused closet inside of your house. Arkansas offers the ideal conditions for this spider, so it's no surprise that they pop up here more frequently than in most U.S. states. These spiders are easy to identify: glossy black in color, about a half an inch long, and featuring a bright red hourglass-shaped mark on the underside of the abdomen. Black widows are shy, and their lives are spent almost entirely in solitude other than during mating. If you encounter one, it will bite only out of fear, especially if cornered or picked up. Their venom can be fatal, but normally only in very young children, people who are already sick and small animals. Because of this threat, you should contact a pest control expert immediately if you see a black widow in or around your Marked Tree home.