Is that a black widow spider? How to tell, and what to do about it

Black widow spiders are notable and venomous spiders that make up most of the Latrodectus genus of spiders. These intimidating arachnids comprise many different species that share similar habits and characteristics, such as the telltale hourglass-shaped mark that can usually be found on the spider's abdomen. 

Regardless of how you feel about spiders, the sight of one of these plump, darkly colored arachnids in or around your home can be an unpleasant moment. Since black widow spiders can cause painful symptoms with their bites, it is recommended to keep your distance and call in spider experts from a trusted pest control company to safely handle the situation.

If you want to learn more about the black widow spider -- including how to spot one, what happens if you get bitten, and which species tend to live in which U.S. states -- we have you covered with our guide below.

How to identify a black widow spider

The black widow spider is perhaps the biggest example of a creepy crawly whose reputation precedes them. Even if you know nothing about this spider, a few key details probably come to mind: a visible red hourglass mark and a venomous bite you want to avoid. 

There are around 30 species of black widow spider around the world. While most female black widow spiders share the same black and red color scheme, some may have markings that barely resemble an hourglass -- or no markings at all. Three of these species can commonly be found in the United States.

Here is what you should keep in mind when it comes to identifying a black widow spider:

• Most female black widow spiders have a red or orange hourglass mark on their abdomen, although this can vary from one spider to the next. Some may have red triangles, spots, or no marking at all.
• The rest of the female black widow spider is typically shiny black or dark brown in appearance.
• The male black widow spider is smaller than its female counterpart and may be black, brown or tan with banded legs. They may also have red or white markings on their abdomen.
• The female black widow spider can measure as large as one and a half inches, including legs. The male black widow spider tends to be smaller.
• Black widow spider webs tend to be messy and asymmetrical in appearance. These can typically be found low to the ground since the black widow spider prefers prey that can crawl.

Do you have black widow spiders? What to look for

Signs of a spider infestation can be unsettling. Active or abandoned spider webs, spiky-looking, silky egg sacs in corners or doorways, and the sight of these eight-legged intruders themselves can make you feel like you're living in a horror movie. 

Although black widow spiders tend to be solitary arachnids, they may still attract a mate and lay eggs. Also, one black widow spider may be enough to fill you with dread, so it can be prudent to place a call with your local pest control company at the first sign of trouble. 

If you notice any of these signs of an infestation by a black widow (or any type of spider), consider reaching out to a pest control company for prompt spider pest control treatment and removal services:

• Spider webs. If they look asymmetrical and are low to the ground, they may belong to a black widow spider. 
• Egg sacs. Black widow spiders lay egg sacs that are white, off-white or gray in appearance and spherical in shape, typically with a small pointed notch at the tip.
• Skins. A black widow spider may shed its skin around its hiding spot, so if you notice small bits of brown or gray material lying around, they could be the result of a black widow spider shedding its skin.

If you suspect a black widow spider infestation, the safest thing to do is call in the professionals. Most pest control companies offer custom spider pest control treatment and removal services. 

Orkin, for example, will send spider experts to thoroughly inspect your home before coming up with a detailed plan on how to kill spiders in your home, as well as keep them out by sealing any gaps or cracks where spiders could sneak in. 

Are black widow spiders dangerous?

Black widow spiders can be dangerous due to venom that can cause painful symptoms, although they rarely bite humans. Female black widow spiders may bite in defense, however, especially after laying eggs.

A spider bite from a black widow spider is rarely fatal, with common symptoms including pain and muscle cramps. Bites from a black widow spider are most likely to be dangerous for young children or the elderly, so hospitalization may be needed if someone at a higher risk is bitten by one of these spiders.

After being bitten by a black widow spider, you may experience pain around the wound site within minutes. Neuromuscular symptoms such as sudden and severe pain and cramping may also occur, causing worrying symptoms such as a tightness in the chest. Pain will typically radiate out from the bite site, affecting the rest of your body.

Extreme symptoms such as severe pain will typically go away within 12 to 24 hours, although it could take days or even weeks for all signs of pain and discomfort to disappear. Treatment for a black widow spider bite may include a prescription for pain medicine from your doctor, as well as an antihistamine to treat any swelling and itchiness. An ice pack placed on the bite area for up to 20 minutes at a time may provide some additional relief.

If you get bitten by a black widow spider and experience intense symptoms such as abdominal cramping, fever or red streaks around the bite mark, call your doctor for immediate medical care. If you have trouble breathing or feel like you might pass out, don't wait -- call 911 for emergency care.

How to get rid of black widow spiders

If you notice signs of a black widow spider in your home, you have two options: Call a pest control company or take matters into your own hands. If you live somewhere humid or in the Southeast, where black widow spiders tend to be more common, we recommend calling in the spider experts from a trusted pest control company. Although black widow spiders tend to be solitary creatures, they do mate and lay eggs, so best to be thorough and cautious if you live in a higher risk area.

If you live in states like sunny California, tropical Florida or in any of the southern states in between, consider Aptive for your spider infestation. Aptive offers spider control solutions that include a full inspection of your home and property, as well as preventative measures such as the sealing of cracks or gaps where spiders and other insects can get in. 

Aptive offers pest control services starting at just $2 per day for new customers who sign up for a minimum 12-month service agreement with four or more standard treatments. There are also three types of plans you can sign up for, depending on the severity of your infestation and what other pests or rodents need to be handled: 

• Basic: Treatments every 50 to 80 days with add-ons such as outdoor rodents, pantry pests and aphids.
• Pro: Treatments every 30 to 60 days (in April through October) or every 50 to 80 days (in November through March). Includes basic add-ons as well as mosquito treatments.
• Premium: Treatments every 20 to 40 days (in April through October) or every 50 to 80 days (in November through March). Includes all basic and pro add-ons.

If you'd rather go the DIY route, spider repellents and insecticides that work on other arachnids should do the trick for dealing with a single black widow spider. Just make sure to keep a safe distance to avoid risking being bitten and promptly clean up any residue. 

How to keep black widow spiders away from your home

One thing black widows and other spiders are good at is sneaking into your home, despite your best efforts to get rid of them in the first place. Here are some useful tips for not only getting rid of spiders, but keeping them away from your home entirely:

• Vacuum your home from top to bottom regularly.
• Keep the rooms in your house clean and free of clutter -- messy and dusty rooms can be a spider's best friend.
• Get rid of their food source -- minimize the risk of other insects moving in by washing fruits and vegetables, rinsing drains with hot water and regularly cleaning trash bins.
• Enlist help from a furry friend -- dogs and especially cats tend to be vigilant about spotting (and getting rid of) spiders that scurry about your home.

Where do black widow spiders live?

The black widow spider mostly lives in the southern half of the U.S., although different species have been spotted in every state except for Alaska. Some states with warmer climates and diverse ecosystems such as Florida and California host multiple species.

All three species of the black widow spider that can be found in the U.S. have been established in the Hawaiian islands as well, possible due to imported produce (a common method of transportation for spiders that want to travel the world).

The three most common species of black widow spider found in the U.S. can be a bit deceiving, since their names don't always match up with their locations across the country. These species include:

• Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans): These black widow spiders are most common in the southeast, but the species has been spotted as far north at Ohio. Of the three U.S. species, the southern black widow spider is the most common. 
• Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus): Typically found along the East Coast, these spiders are most commonly found in the northeast, although they can crop up anywhere from northern Florida all the way up to Canada.
• Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus): Homes along the west coast are at the highest risk of running into a western black widow spider. These spiders tend to be more common the higher north you go.
  

Aside from their general locations, there are few differences between these different species of black widow spiders. All three look and behave similarly, sporting brightly colored bodies and brandishing their venomous bites primarily in defense. 

The black widow spider's natural habitat is a diverse one. Some black widow spiders thrive in warm, humid or tropical settings, while others can set up shop in dry, hot desert locations. Individual black widow spiders tend to look for dark and quiet areas to spin their webs. These webs are usually low to the ground and asymmetrical -- messy, even -- making them stand out in comparison to webs spun by other types of spiders.