Black Widow Spiders

What do black widow spiders look like? 

Black widow spiders are 1 ½ to 1 ⅜ inches long; females are much larger than the male spiders. They are also a different color. Female black widow spiders are entirely black except for red hourglass markings on the bottom of their abdomens. Male black widows are brown.

Where do black widow spiders live?

Black widow spiders prefer to live in dark and secluded areas where they can build their webs. Common places you may find their webs include:

• Woodpiles, sheds, garages, and dense landscaping where moisture is trapped
• Inside voids within playsets, under buckets, or behind piles of scrap wood
• In damp areas like basements and crawl spaces

What do black widow spiders eat?

Black widows feed on insects and other small creatures that get caught in their webs. Here are a few creatures they’ll eat:

• Flies
• Mosquitoes
• Roaches
• Other spiders
• Small lizards

An abundance of prey can bring black widows onto your property because these spiders go where food is plentiful.

Are black widows dangerous?

Yes, black widow spiders are considered dangerous due to their potent venom, but it is important to note that they don’t always envenomate the wounds they inflict. It is possible to have a dry bite. These are not aggressive spiders, and bites are rare. However, if you are bitten, you may experience the following symptoms: 

• Severe pain around the bite wound
• Severe muscle pain and cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing

If you are bitten, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. While fatalities are extremely rare, especially with modern medical care, the symptoms can be severe and require medical treatment.

How do you know if a black widow has bitten you?

You’re likely to feel it. If you do not, you can tell the bite by the symptoms we listed above. If you feel sick from a bite wound, seek medical attention. It is best to err on the side of caution.

How do black widow spiders enter homes?

There are many ways black widows can get into your home. Here are a few of the most common entry points they use.

• Tiny openings in the foundation, walls, or around utility lines
• Gaps under and around doors or around windows
• Unprotected vents that lead into interior spaces
• Damaged screens
• Rotted wood holes

Sealing these potential entry points is an essential step in preventing black widows from entering your home.

What attracts black widows?

All spiders want to live where food is found. They seek the conditions that attract their prey. Here are the factors that may draw black widows to your property:

• Cluttered areas, organic yard debris, and dense vegetation provide ideal hiding spots and places to establish webs.
• Damp environments attract not only spiders but also the insects they prey on.
• An abundance of insects such as flies, roaches, and other spiders provide ample food.
• A yard with lots of exterior lights. Though black widows hide in dark places, light attracts the insects that these spiders eat.

Addressing these attractants can make your property less appealing to black widow spiders and the pests they feed upon.

What should I do if I see black widow spiders?

If you notice a black widow, there are a few things you may want to do. Here are some practical tips.

• It is important to stay calm. If you move quickly, you may startle the spider and cause it to bite.
• If you detect a web, avoid it if possible. Vibrations in the web's strands can cause the spider to follow its instinct and attack.
• If you see a spider web or spider and are not sure if you have a black widow spider, you may take a picture of it with your phone. Just make sure to avoid touching the web or moving quickly to startle the spider.
• Contact a professional to find out the best solution for a black widow spider problem.

Please don’t attempt to deal with these spiders or their webs on your own. It is best to have a professional handle spider web removal or spider control. At got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions, we offer effective pest control services for spiders and other pests. Contact us today to find out how we can help!

How can I prevent a black widow spider infestation?

It is important to apply a combination of maintenance and environmental control to deter black widow spiders from getting into your home. Let’s start with exclusion tips.

‍Seal potential entry points

• Use caulking material to fill in cracks and gaps.
• Repair damaged screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps.
• Apply screen material to protect vents.

‍Reduce potential hiding places

• Remove brush piles and leaves.
• Remove junk piles.
• Remove stored items.
• Trim plants and vegetation near your home.

‍Address moisture problems

• Repair leaking pipes, fixtures, and hoses.
• Repair damaged gutters.
• Remove gutter clogs.
• Install a dehumidifier in your home to reduce moisture.
• Apply moisture control in your crawl space.

Reduce spider food options

• Keep exterior lights off.
• Keep trash receptacles covered.
• Address aphid problems quickly.
• Address flowering weeds. These provide nectar for insects.

Perform regular inspections

• Check underneath your deck.
• Check your crawl space.
• Check secluded indoor spaces.

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of black widow spiders making your home their own. You may also get year-round pest control to reduce the number of pests that may try to enter your home, including black widow spiders. Contact us for more information.