What are Black Widow Spiders?

Black widow spiders are one of the most well-known venomous spiders in North America. They are easily recognized by their shiny black bodies and the distinct red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomens. Female black widows are larger and more dangerous than males, as their venom is significantly stronger. These spiders typically build irregular webs in dark, undisturbed areas such as sheds, garages, crawl spaces, and woodpiles. While they generally avoid people, they will bite if threatened, making them a serious concern around homes and businesses.

Signs of Black Widow Spider Infestation

You may have a black widow spider infestation if you notice:

• Shiny black spiders with a red hourglass marking on the abdomen
• Irregular, messy webs in corners, garages, sheds, or under outdoor furniture
• Spiders hiding in dark, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles or crawl spaces
• Egg sacs that are round, white, and papery in appearance
• Increased sightings in outdoor storage areas or basements

Why They are a Problem

Black widow spider bites can be dangerous, especially to children, the elderly, and pets. Their venom affects the nervous system, potentially causing severe pain, muscle cramps, and nausea. While fatalities are rare, medical treatment is often necessary. Beyond the health risk, their unsettling presence can make families and business owners uncomfortable. In commercial environments, such as warehouses or storage facilities, infestations can also disrupt operations and create liability risks.

Where Do They Come From?

Black widow spiders prefer secluded, dark, and quiet locations where they can build webs and hunt prey. Common attractants and entry points include:

• Firewood, logs, and outdoor debris piles
• Basements, crawl spaces, and garages
• Sheds, barns, and warehouses
• Gaps under doors, vents, and utility openings
• Outdoor furniture, playground equipment, and garden structures

They are often drawn indoors when outdoor conditions become too hot, dry, or cold.

How to Get Rid of Black Widow Spiders at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of black widow spiders, here are some steps you can take:

• Remove clutter indoors and outdoors to eliminate hiding places
• Wear gloves when handling firewood, storage boxes, or outdoor debris
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations
• Reduce outdoor lighting at night to avoid attracting insects that serve as spider prey
• Use a vacuum to safely remove webs, egg sacs, and visible spiders
• Place sticky traps in basements, garages, or crawl spaces to monitor activity

These actions may help reduce spider activity, but professional treatment is strongly recommended when black widows are found.

Black Widow Spiders vs Brown Recluse Spiders

Black widows are often confused with brown recluse spiders, but they have distinct differences:

• Black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass marking, while brown recluses are light to dark brown with a violin-shaped mark on their backs
• Black widow venom is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system, while brown recluse venom is cytotoxic, causing tissue damage
• Black widows build messy webs in dark corners, while brown recluses prefer hiding in boxes, shoes, or clothing

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide safe and effective solutions for black widow spider infestations. Our experts inspect your property to identify nesting sites and apply targeted treatments that eliminate spiders and their egg sacs. We also implement exclusion techniques to keep them from returning and provide practical prevention tips tailored to your property. With our professional services, you can protect your family, pets, and business from the dangers and discomfort of black widow spiders.