Black Widow Spiders

What do black widow spiders look like?

A female black widow is easy to recognize thanks to the distinct red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of her abdomen. She also has a glossy, jet-black body—another signature trait. Fully grown females measure between 1 ½ and 1 ⅜ inches long, with a round, bulbous shape.

Male black widows look entirely different. They’re much smaller, about ½ an inch long, and are usually light gray, brown, or white. They also lack the hourglass marking. If you’ve never seen a male black widow, you likely wouldn’t recognize it as one.

What do black widow spiders eat?

Black widows are skilled hunters. They eat a variety of insects and arthropods that wander into their webs, including grasshoppers, beetles, ants, caterpillars, and flies. Occasionally, they’ll even feed on small animals like mice and lizards. Their name comes from their infamous habit—female black widows sometimes eat their mates. It’s not intentional; they consume many types of spiders, and in some cases, the male just ends up on the menu.
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Do black widow spiders bite?

Yes, black widows can bite, but they don’t always. They are one of only two medically significant spiders in the U.S. due to their potent venom. A bite can cause localized pain, flu-like symptoms, and, in severe cases, high blood pressure and other serious effects. However, black widows don’t always inject venom. If you feel a pinprick but experience no symptoms, you might have received a “dry bite.”
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What should I do if a black widow spider bites me?

Seek medical care immediately, even if it is a dry bite. Getting early medical attention can significantly reduce the risk of severe symptoms.
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How do black widow spiders get inside homes?

These spiders usually enter through low-to-the-ground openings. Here are some common ways they sneak in:

• Crawling into sheds or garages through open doors and settling in cluttered corners.
• Entering through gaps around pipes or wires and making their way into wall voids.
• Squeezing through rotted wood holes in doors, windows, or siding and hiding in basements, closets, or boiler rooms.

They often prefer to live outside under brush piles, junk piles, and dense vegetation.
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Do black widow spiders build webs?

If you’ve read this far, you already know the answer—but if you jumped ahead, yes, they do! Black widows spin strong, tangled webs near the ground to trap prey. Their silk is so tough that you might hear it break if you snap a strand. These webs may look messy, but they’re designed to catch the insects black widows prefer.
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What are the signs of a black widow infestation?

The most apparent sign is their strong, messy webs. You may also spot a female black widow sitting in her web. Look for them in secluded, sheltered spots like the middle of brush piles, under debris, or inside cluttered storage areas.
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What’s the best way to eliminate black widow spiders?

Due to the risks involved, professional pest control is the safest option. Our experts use industry-leading treatments to ensure no spiders remain after service. We track infestations, apply targeted solutions, and monitor success to keep your home spider-free.
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How can I prevent black widows from infesting my home?

To keep black widow spiders out of your shed, garage, or home, follow these tips:

• Keep doors closed, especially at night when spiders are most active.
• Remove brush piles, stacked wood, and other hiding spots near your home.
• Trim vegetation and keep the grass short to reduce shelter and humidity.
• Replace exterior lights with yellow-tinted bulbs to attract fewer insects (which, in turn, attract fewer spiders).
• Seal gaps around pipes, windows, and doors with caulk or expanding foam.
• Keep storage areas tidy and store items on shelves instead of floors.