I would estimate that about 80 - 90% of the homes we inspect these days are foreclosures... at least they're vacant.  We often find very interesting things during these home inspections.  But the warning I give you today does not concern home inspections (please read my other blogs for that).

We come across a lot of black widows at vacant houses.  I'm no spider expert and have seen quite a few black widows in my life.  I knew they are poisonous but never realized how dangerous they are.  I was watching a show the other day with a name similar to "The Most Dangerous Insects."  Anyway, in that show, the black widow was named... wow!

So my warning is to be alert for black windows (or any other insects) while looking at homes.  Be especially careful if you have small children.  We all know how they can run off in an instant.  Below is a picture I took of a black widow which shows the "hourglass" on its abdomen.

 Be safe out there.

Posted by Joseph Lang of Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection

(c) 2009 Joseph Lang dba Pillar To Post

Joseph Lang and Jimmy Zazueta provide home inspections for clients and real estate professionals located in Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Montclair, Chino, Chino Hills, La Verne, Claremont, San Dimas, Glendora, Azusa, Diamond Bar, Brea, Fullerton, Placentia, Fontana, Rialto, Corona, Norco and surronding areas.