FRESNO, California -- A man trying to kill black widow spiders with a blowtorch ended up setting his parents' home on fire, reports say.

According to the Fresno Bee, the 23-year-old man told firefighters he was using the blowtorch on the spiders and their webs outside on some the home's bricks.

Firefighters believe the blowtorch ignited some flammable material through a crack in the bricks. The fire then worked its way up into the attic and second floor of the home, causing about $10,000 in damage.

The man's parents weren't home and no one was injured.

About 30 firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire, which was reported late Tuesday night, KWQC Channel 6 reports.

"This is definitely not the preferred method to exterminate spiders in and around your home," Fresno Fire Department Capt. Robert Castillo tells the Bee.

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