Black Widow Spider Identification

As far as spiders go, black widows are one of, if not the easiest, to identify. So check out our guide to learn how to identify a black widow spider in West Palm Beach, FL & Surrounding Communities and everything else you need to know about this pest.  

What are black widow spiders?

Like other spiders, black widows have eight legs, fangs, and eight eyes. Here's how to distinguish between female and male black widows:

Female Black Widow:

• About 1 to 1 1/2 inches long
• Shiny black body
• A red or orange hourglass marking on the abdomen 

Male Black Widow:

• About half the size of females at 1/2 an inch long
• Dull, light gray color
• Reddish-pink spots on the back

Knowing how to distinguish between females and males is essential, as you will read. 

Are black widow spiders dangerous?

While other spiders you encounter have fangs and venom, they are not strong enough to cause a problem for people unless you are allergic. But black widows are a different story. Black widows are one of two medically dangerous spiders in North America, with the other being the brown recluse.

However, it is only the female black widows that pose a threat. But although males aren't dangerous if you notice them on your property, females are likely to be nearby.

A bite from a black widow can result in painful swelling, nausea, headache, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, abdominal pain, and other symptoms. With access to medical attention, bites from one of these spiders are rarely fatal. Children and pets are more at risk when it comes to this spider.

Why do I have a black widow spider problem?

Spiders and other predatory pests are attracted to residential properties with plenty of prey for them to feed. Black widows consume prey such as mosquitoes, flies, beetles, ants, caterpillars, and more.

If you see black widows inside your home, they have likely followed prey pests inside because black widows aren't a species that like to be indoors.

Where will I find black widow spiders?

Black widow spiders are shy, preferring to keep their distance from people. They build their webs in lightly trafficked places and low to the ground. Some of this pest's favorite places to live are underwood and rock piles. If they make their way inside, they will look for similar conditions under furniture or storage areas.

If you see a web out in the open, you can rule out a black widow. Also, a black widow's nest will look messy and disorganized compared to the wheel-shaped webs we think of when it comes to spiders. In reality, a black widow spider meticulously plans their web to catch prey.

How do I get rid of black widow spiders?

Black widows are not a pest that should live in high populations on any property, so contact experts if you keep seeing them around yours. 

Empire Pest Defense can provide you with the quick resolutions you need to feel safe in your home, keeping black widows and other pests away from you and your family.

Contact Empire Pest Defense and ask about our home pest control offerings. 

How can I prevent black widow spiders in the future?

You can do a few things to deter black widows, including properly storing firewood away from your home, keeping your yard clear of debris, and decluttering and organizing your home.

An essential part of spider prevention is making your property less attractive to prey pests, which can be done by: 

• Repairing cracks in your home's foundation and exterior walls to keep critters out.
• Cleaning up crumbs, storing food in containers with tight lids, and keeping garbage cans covered to eliminate food sources.
• Resolve any moisture issues like leaks and poor ventilation.

Call us at Empire Pest Defense for more preventative tips.