What do black widow spiders look like?
The black widow is a jet-black spider with a red hourglass symbol on the underside of her abdomen. Male black widow spiders are brown and much smaller than the females. Since they are small and so different in appearance, the females sometimes mistake them for a meal. That is how the black widow got her name. Female widows range from 1 ½ to 1 ⅜ inches and have a bulbous abdomen. They do not have any visible hairs on their bodies and will appear shiny in certain lighting conditions.
What does a black widow spider web look like?
A black widow makes a tangled web of strong fibers. They create their webs close to the ground to capture large bugs and small, scaly, or furry animals. Therefore, you may see leaves and other debris caught in the webbing. If you pluck a strand of a black widow web, it is likely to make a sound due to the thickness of the threads. But we wouldn't suggest doing this. If you see a black widow spider web, it is best to contact a licensed pest management professional for removal.
Where do black widow spiders live?
You'll find a black widow living in areas where her food is found. Some common zones to find black widow spiders are in stacked wood and brush piles, underneath decks, within logs or low tree cavities, in ground burrows established by other animals, and in a variety of protected spaces. When they come indoors, they're typically found in recesses or clutter. You'll most likely find one in your garage, storage space, or attic.
Do all black widow spiders bite?
No, not all black widow spiders bite. The male spiders are too small, and their fangs can’t break human skin. The spiderlings, referred to as juveniles, are also unable to bite. The only black widows that can harm you are the females. But it is a good idea to know how to recognize the males and juveniles when you see them because they are a warning that a female is nearby.
What will a black widow spider bite do to you?
The symptoms of a black widow spider bite vary drastically. You may experience intense pain and medical symptoms that require hospital treatment or only feel a pinprick and have no symptoms at all. Why the variance? It has to do with whether or not a female injects her venom while biting. She may bite as a warning. This is called a dry bite. It is estimated that 15 percent of black widow spider bites are dry bites. If a bite is envenomated, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Intense, localized pain
- Swelling
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Headache
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Chest pain
If your symptoms intensify, seek medical care. It is possible to experience severe high blood pressure and other symptoms that are a medical concern. It is best to have a physician monitor your symptoms and provide assistance.
What attracts black widow spiders?
There are many factors that can attract a black widow spider to your property or allow it to get into your home. Woodpiles and organic junk piles are high on the list. These spiders are looking for food, and they'll establish their webs where food is found. Moisture is also high on the list. If you control moisture, you'll reduce the population of bugs these spiders eat. Along with reducing attractants, apply expanding foam and weatherproofing materials to seal gaps that can allow a black widow spider to creep indoors.
How do I get rid of black widow spiders?
The control methods for black widow spiders will vary depending on the specific conditions of the infestation. It is best to contact a pest control company for a targeted treatment plan. For help getting rid of black widow spiders in the Phoenix Metro, contact Greenway Pest Solutions!
What is the best defense against black widow spiders?
Black widow spider prevention is complicated. Your licensed pest management professional will apply spot treatments in your yard to reduce the food sources these spiders are searching for on your property. Spider web removal and other spider control steps will reduce another food sources black widows eat, namely other spiders. Along with these, your year-round pest control service plan will come with routine perimeter treatments to keep spiders and other pests out of your home. Contact Greenway Pest Solutions for help controlling these pests around your Arizona home.
