How to Evict The Black Widow Spiders Living In Your Home Rent-Free

While I don’t encourage killing spiders since they usually help control pests, black widows pose a serious threat to humans and pets. The venomous bite of these itsy-bitsy bullies is truly frightening. Especially if you don’t know how to kick them out of your home without lethal action. Here’s a guide to help send these spiders back up the water spout.

Favorite Hideout Spots

black widow bite spiderman — Western black widow (Latrodectus mactans) hanging on web. Image via Depositphotos

Like chronically online introverts after a party, black widows are commonly found in dark, secluded areas where they can build their webs undisturbed. When choosing their home these spiders prefer places such as garages, sheds, and storage units. But they may also enjoy hiding in piles of brush, forgotten toys, and other yard clutter. While they can enter your home unannounced, much like your mother-in-law, they are more frequently found outdoors. Keep an eye on places that are not regularly disturbed. A dust now and then to keep these areas clean and well-maintained can help dissuade black widow settlers.

Know Your Foes

Southern black widow on leaf — Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) male on leaf. Image by Francisco Farriols Sarabia, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Looked at the pictures and still not sure if it’s Sia or a black widow swinging from your chandelier? According to Rod Crawford, the Curator of Arachnids at The Burke Museum in Seattle, there are three types of black widow species in the U.S. The southern black widow is the most recognizable. It has solid red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen, with females having a red rump spot above their spinnerets and males sporting a more busy pattern with additional colors. You’ll see southern black widows in Texas, south towards eastern Mexico, and some places in northern Canada. Seeing a spider with two distinct red spots instead of a full hourglass? That would be a northern black widow. These females have no rump spots and males actually have patterns more similar to southern widows. They are regular settlers in the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. But if you live in the western states then you’re more likely to come across the western black widow. The females have a solid red hourglass with no red rump spot, whereas males and juveniles have a whole different set of patterns than the other two species. Western black widows like to make their homes west of Kansas, southwestern Canada, and western Mexico. Even if you have a family that doesn’t immediately shove you toward spiders with a slipper, you should know black widows can still be hard to identify. Males and juvenile spiders across all three species are less black and feature more intricate patterns which can throw off even master spider spotters. Not to mention the identity thieves!

The Truth About “False Widows”

Long-legged female false widow spider (Steatoda grossa) lurking under a ledge of rock. Image by EWTC via Depositphotos

False widows are black widow doppelgangers but unlike widows, they’re actually harmless. They often get mistaken for black widows because of their similar appearance but their disguise has some flaws. These spiders have a brownish or purplish tint instead of the solid black color of true widows. You’ll also notice their egg sacs are fuzzy, unlike the smooth ones of black widows and they lack the recognizable red markings. False widows are just little tricksters but if you’re not a fan, they can be kept out in the same way.

How to Stop These Home Invaders

Northern black widow (adult female), Latrodectus variolus. Image by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Black widow spiders are truly on the itsy bitsy side so seal off entry points as best you can. Any gaps, cracks, or crevices around your doors, especially garage doors, need to be sealed. You can use weather stripping and door sweeps. They are simple and effective measures to keep black widows outside. Regular maintenance and cleaning also reduce their preferred habitats, lowering the chances of invaders.

Natural Ways to Repel Black Widows

Northern black widow male. Image by Marshal Hedin, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

More of a lover than a slipper ninja? Don’t worry, there are natural ways to keep black widows at bay. You can spray a mixture of peppermint, thyme, and rosemary oils in prime places web spots. It works by making the surface too slippery for the spiderwebs to stick and doesn’t harm any eight-legged friends. Although this might not be enough! Especially if you have a significant black widow infestation. In such cases, it’s best to call a pest control professional to use insecticides that will be effective against black widows but cause minimal harm to other creatures.

How To Not Become Spiderman

If you’re experiencing pain and symptoms, such as muscle cramps, nausea, and headaches, seek medical attention immediately. Bites can be hard to identify since the bite itself leaves little to no mark. So if you suspect you’ve been bitten, quick treatment is crucial for preventing serious complications, despite the potent venom.

The Severity of Black Widow Bites

Most people experience symptoms like pain and swelling, but serious reactions are typically limited to the very young or elderly. Black widow venom is even stronger than that of a rattlesnake, but they inject much less of it. So although black widow bites can be quite painful, you probably won’t die. In fact, fatalities from black widow bites in the U.S. have been extremely rare over the past several decades. Although I’d rather be safe than sorry!

How to Handle It

Black widow spider on web. Image by Andrew Meeds, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you a lone dad and someone in your household just got bitten by a black widow and you don’t want to call your wife because you’ll never hear the end of it? Don’t panic! First, apply ice to the bite area to reduce pain and swelling. Yes, those gross frozen peas from 2 years ago will also work fine. Next, make sure to keep the affected limb elevated and limit movement to keep the venom from spreading while you wait for medical help. Quick action is crucial for a fast recovery.

In Short

Black widow spider on roof. Image by Marshal Hedin, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You don’t need to be an expert to safely manage black widows. Use natural repellents, and know when it’s time to seek professional help. You are not Hawkeye or the James Bond of spiders, don’t attempt an infestation. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by treating bites promptly and making sure your home and yard are well-maintained. It will impress your neighbors and keep black widows from the walls!