How to identify and get rid of widow spiders

Getting named for the fact that you are likely to eat your mate is no joking matter. Add a black colored body with an ominous red symbol, and nobody dares to mess with you!

Black widows can frighten many homeowners who neglect to clean up the cobwebs in the forgotten corners of their garages, attics, or outdoor structures.

These spiders are shy and solitary, only socializing during mating. They prefer dark, undisturbed corners to construct their webs. They typically hang upside down, displaying the red hourglass marking on their abdomen. This marking is a warning sign that this spider is venomous, so keeping your distance is a good idea.

Black widows inject a powerful neurotoxin into their prey, and that same neurotoxin can cause complications when they bite humans. While fatality are extremely rare from a black widow bite, the bite itself is extremely painful, and the symptoms are uncomfortable.

Black widows are infamously marked with a red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. Females are shiny and black but seem to stand out in their messy, tangled webs.

Male black widows are typically smaller than females, reaching only about half their size in length. However, their legs are proportionately longer and are marked by orange and brown at the joints. The males may also have red and white stripes on the abdomen, which can vary depending on the species, and are more brightly colored and intricately patterned than the females.

How big are black widows?

Females, which are typically the ones you need to watch out for, can be about 1.5 inches long when including their leg span.

What other pest looks like a black widow?

False black widow spiders share some similarities but lack the bright red hourglass marking. They're also less shiny and more brownish.

Black widow spiders are found across the United States but are more common in the southern and western parts. Look for them in dark and undisturbed locations inside or around the house. This can include under furniture, garages and attics, sheds, and outdoor structures.

If you happen to find messy cobwebs in corners and an egg sac ready to burst with new little black widows, it’s time to take some action.

Here are a few ways to prevent black widows from settling in:

• Remove clutter: This reduces their hiding spots in your home and yard.
• Seal cracks and crevices: To prevent them from entering your home.
• Wear gloves: When moving things in storage areas to avoid accidental bites.
• Regular cleaning: Vacuuming and sweeping can help remove spiders, webs, and egg sacs.
• Perimeter spray: Use a perimeter spray to stop spiders from moving in by building your bug barrier.

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