Drawing of a Black Widow from above - keep these dangerous spiders out of your household with Action Pest Control in Indiana, Illinois & Kentucky

Black Widow Spider

Actual Size: ½” to 1 ½”

Characteristics: Shiny black or brown body, bright red marking.

Legs: 8

Habitat: Will build irregular, erratic webs in quiet undisturbed areas. Webs are found in rock piles, block walls, sprinkler valve boxes, sheds, garages, and the undersides of patio furniture.

Habits:

  • The most venomous spider in North America.
  • Builds messy, erratic, and irregular shaped webs.
  • Despite their venom, black widows are typically non-aggressive.

Description

Black widow spiders are venomous spiders found in Kentucky and our service area. With venom known to travel through a victim’s bloodstream and affect the nervous system when injected, it is clear that the black widow spider is a dangerous arachnid to encounter. Black widow spider bites may also cause severe cramping in the abdomen muscles and the back, fevers, tremors, and labored breathing, among others. Though bites don’t typically end in death, and it is rare to have long-term complications, seek immediate medical attention if a black widow spider has bitten you.

Biology And Behavior

  • Glossy black with a distinct reddish-orange hourglass shape on the belly.
  • Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. 
  • Females can be approximately 1 1/2 inches around when they extend their legs.
  • Males are about half of their size and are harmless since they will very rarely bite a human.
  • Frequently found in sheds, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and woodpiles.

Black Widow Spider Prevention Tips

  • Watch out for black widow spiders in areas that are dark, warm, and secluded.
  • Decrease clutter in areas that are not frequently disturbed.
  • Contact a pest control company if you’ve noticed spiders in your home or business.

Action’s Spider Control Services

  • Home Pest Control Programs That Target Black Widows and Other Spiders
  • Commercial Pest Control Solutions

Helpful Articles About Black Widow Spiders

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