Red Widow Spider

How do I identify a Red Widow Spider?
Color: Black abdomen with a reddish-orange head and legs. The top of the mid-section typically has a row of red and yellow spots. The hourglass typically found on most widow spiders is missing on the Red Widow and instead there are one to two red markings.
Size: Body length is approximately ½"

Have Red Widow Spiders infested your home?
Red Widow Spiders build their webs in palmettos and are mostly found in sand-pine scrub areas in central and southeast Florida.

Will Red Widow Spiders bite?
Red Widow spider bites are toxic and require immediate care by a physician. The most painful period after a bite is approximately 8-12 hours. Following the bite will be intense pain, muscle cramping, sweating, nausea and hypertension.

If you think you may have been bitten by a Red Widow spider go immediately to the emergency. If possible, take the spider with you for identification. Bites can be treated with an antivenom but care should happen immediately.

Will Red Widow Spiders damage my home or structure?
No, red widow spiders will not cause damage to a home or structure. Their cobwebs may become a nuisance.

Recommendations for control: Properly identifying the red widow spider is key, particularly for health reasons. A Pest Management Professional can help if you are unsure if you have an infestation.

Once correctly identified, spiders and their webs can easily be removed using a vacuum. It is not recommended to sweep house spiders up as they are likely to escape. The best strategy in reducing red widow spiders in the home is good sanitation practices. Regularly dusting and vacuuming spaces as well as removing clutter will help deter an infestation by a red widow spider.