Black Widows

How do I identify a Northern Black Widow Spider?
Color: Black in color with a red hourglass shape on the abdomen. The Northern Black Widow's hourglass is usually slightly separated making it look like two triangular shapes. There is also usually a row of red markings down the back of the Northern Black Widow. Size: About 1-½" – 1-3/8" long

Have Northern Black Widow Spiders infested your home?
Typically found outdoors under boards or rocks or on or around old buildings. These spiders tend to build their webs in secluded, cluttered areas. Their webs are about 1 foot in diameter.

Will Black Widow Spiders bite?
Southern Black Widow female bites are toxic and require immediate care by a physician. Typically Southern Black Widow females are quite timid, however, will become aggressive after laying her eggs and while guarding them. Bites feel like a pin prick with slight swelling and 2 red dots where the fangs entered. Approximately 1-3 hours following the bite will be intense pain, muscle cramping, sweating, nausea and hypertension.

If you think you may have been bitten by a Black 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 Northern Black Widow Spiders damage my home or structure?
No, southern black widow spiders will not cause damage to a home or structure.

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