Survey by the National Pest Management Association Shows that Spider Problems Rank Highest in West.FAIRFAX, Va. -- Western homeowners cite spider problems as their most frequent infestation infestation /in·fes·ta·tion/ (-fes-ta´shun) parasitic attack or subsistence on the skin and/or its appendages, as by insects, mites, or ticks; sometimes used to denote parasitic invasion of the organs and tissues, as by helminths. , with 69% saying that they had experienced problems during the past year according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. a 2005 survey by the National Pest Management Association The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the professional pest control industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the (NPMA NPMA National Pest Management Association NPMA National Property Management Association NPMA National Petroleum Management Association NPMA National Project Management Association NPMA Non-Preemptive Multiple Access NPMA National Podiatric Medical Association ). The same study found that 36% of homeowners nationwide mentioned experiencing problems with spiders during the past year. There are nearly 40,000 species of spiders worldwide and about 3,800 in the U.S. "With so many different species in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. alone, homeowners need to be cautious of those that may be dangerous," advises Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. Spiders range in size from small enough to balance comfortably on the tip of a pencil to almost 14 inches in diameter. Two spiders that westerners need to take special precaution against are the brown recluse and the black widow. The brown recluse spider brown recluse spider or violin spider, poisonous nocturnal spider, Loxoceles reclusa, most common in the SE and S central United States. Adults are 3-8 in. bite is painful and can produce an open, ulcerating sore. Black widow spider black widow spider poisonous spider; consumes her mate after mating. [Zoology: NCE, 308] See : Deadliness bites can also cause severe pain. Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to a severe reaction to a black widow spider bite. Both spiders bite in defense and do not bite humans instinctively. "While most spiders may be harmless, homeowners should call a pest professional to handle potentially dangerous species," said Mannes. NPMA Offers Advice on Keeping Spiders Out: --Keep wood and debris away from exterior siding. --Dust and vacuum frequently throughout the home. --Shake out shoes where spiders like to hide and check before wearing. --Avoid piles of clutter and boxes in garages, basements and throughout the home. --Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. --Seal up cracks and small openings along bottom of the house. --Make sure window and door screens are secure and free from holes and openings. For more information on spiders or other summer pests and preventative tips visit www.pestworld.org. The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property. |
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