What are Black Widow Spiders?
Description
Black widow spiders get their common name from the popular belief that the female eats the male after mating, a phenomenon which rarely happens in nature. These spiders can be found worldwide with five species established in the United States and are most recognized for the red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. Although fatalities are rare, the black widow’s venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s and can cause muscle aches and nausea, as well as make breathing difficult. Read on to learn more about black widow spider control and extermination.
Habitats
- Dark, undisturbed areas such as garages, basements, and sheds
- Woodpiles, under rocks, and in debris
- Outdoor structures like eaves, fences, and crawl spaces
- Occasionally inside homes in corners, closets, or rarely-used storage areas
Behavior & Characteristics
- Nocturnal and secretive, rarely aggressive unless provoked
- Build irregular, sticky webs to catch prey
- Feed primarily on insects and other small arthropods
- Can live for several years, especially females in protected habitats
- Males are smaller, less venomous, and rarely bite
Health Risks
- Bites can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and in rare cases, serious systemic reactions
- Children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk
- Bites require medical attention but are rarely fatal
Signs of Infestation
- Irregular, tangled webs in undisturbed areas
- Dead insects caught in webs
- Occasional sightings of spiders in garages, sheds, or crawl spaces
- Red hourglass marking on the underside of female spiders
Prevention Tips
- Keep storage areas clean and free of clutter
- Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points in walls, windows, and doors
- Remove outdoor debris, woodpiles, and rocks near your home
- Wear gloves when handling firewood, debris, or storage items
- Regularly inspect and clean undisturbed areas
Treatment Options
- Spider-specific insecticidal sprays and dusts
- Professional pest control services for inspection and removal
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for long-term control
Keep your home safe from black widow spiders in Tucson, AZ, and Phoenix, AZ with professional pest control services that remove spiders and prevent future infestations.
Interesting Facts
- Female black widows can eat males after mating, giving rise to their infamous name
- Only female bites are considered medically significant
- Black widow venom is 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s, but they deliver only a tiny amount
FAQs
Q1: Are black widow spiders dangerous?
Yes, their bites can cause pain, cramps, and systemic symptoms, but fatalities are extremely rare with medical treatment.
Q2: How can I prevent black widows in my home?
Keep areas clean and clutter-free, seal entry points, remove debris and woodpiles, and regularly inspect garages, basements, and sheds.
Q3: What should I do if I see a black widow?
Do not provoke it. Contact a professional pest control service in Tucson or Phoenix, AZ, to safely remove the spider and prevent future infestations.
Black Widow Spider Identification
Color:Black, with characteristic red "hourglass" on the underside of abdomen
Size:1 ½ - 1 3/8 inches long
Legs:8
Antennae:No
Shape:Round
Region:Found throughout U.S.
What Do Black Widow Spiders Look Like?
Black widow spiders are typically black with two reddish triangular markings usually joined to form a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen – their most recognized feature. Females are occasionally brownish black. Most black widow spiders are 3 to 10 mm long, with females being larger than males. Black widow spiders have eight legs and eight simple eyes, including two lateral pairs that almost touch.