Living in California, you’re bound to encounter your fair share of pests, but few are as unnerving as black widow spiders. These venomous spiders, with their shiny black bodies and distinctive red hourglass marking, are infamous across North America.
And while black widow spider bites are rare, they’re nothing to shrug off. Their venom, especially from a female black widow spider, can cause severe pain, increased blood pressure, and, in some cases, may require medical attention.
If you’ve spotted these spiders or suspect an infestation, here’s what you need to know about how to get rid of them safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways
- A black widow has a shiny black body and a red hourglass marking on the underside of its belly.
- These spiders hide in dark, quiet spots like garages, attics, crawl spaces, and piles of firewood or storage boxes.
- A clean, sealed home with fewer bugs gives spiders less reason to stick around or settle in the first place.
- A pest control expert is your best option if you spot black widows, egg sacs, or signs of an infestation.
Locate and Identify Their Hiding Places
The first step to effective spider control is knowing where to look. Black widows aren’t like your common house spider.
Indoors, they hide in dark corners, under shelves, inside crevices, and around cluttered storage areas. Outdoors, they build spider webs in firewood piles, under patio furniture, or even inside children’s toys that haven’t been used in a while.
Black widows are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Unlike the brown recluse or the brown widow, they have a shiny black body with a red hourglass marking on the underside. Only the female carries the potent black widow’s venom, and it’s her web you’ll most often find.
Get Rid of Their Food Source
Black widows thrive where there’s food, and their menu includes insects like cockroaches, ants, and beetles. If your home has a bug problem, it’s also got a food source for arachnids like the black widow.
This is one reason why general pest control is so important.
Reduce Clutter Indoors and Outdoors
The more clutter you have, the more hiding places you’re offering up to spiders.
Black widows love quiet, undisturbed areas, especially in places where they won’t be easily seen or disturbed. Reduce clutter in attics, crawl spaces, garages, and around woodpiles.
Outside, stack firewood piles away from your house and keep them elevated.
Inside, check and reorganize boxes and storage bins regularly.
Pro tip: Pay special attention to cardboard storage. If it’s been sitting around untouched for a while, you could be giving both female and male black widow spiders a perfect place to settle.
Vacuum Webs and Egg Sacs Immediately
Once you’ve spotted spider webs, especially those with egg sacs, act quickly.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck them up from ceilings, baseboards, corners, and under furniture. This method is safer than trying to brush them away and reduces your chances of encountering a live spider.
Dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately after cleaning.
Try Natural Repellents (For Prevention Only)
If you’re looking for a gentler option, peppermint oil can help keep spiders away, at least in theory.
One lab study found that mint oil repelled certain female spiders, including a close cousin of the black widow. But it didn’t work on all spider species, and lemon oil, despite all the internet hype, did nothing.
That said, you can mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle and treat spider-prone areas, but this works best as prevention, not as a fix for a full-on black widow infestation.
Seal Cracks and Entry Points Around the Home
Prevent future infestations by sealing cracks and gaps where spiders can sneak in. Focus on baseboards, windows, door frames, and exterior walls. Check around plumbing, dryer vents, and electrical outlets as well.
A thorough sealing job limits access and makes it harder for pests to settle in.
Avoid Risky DIY Mistakes
Trying to get rid of black widow spiders with harsh DIY sprays or home remedies might seem like a shortcut, but it’s often ineffective and risky.
You don’t want to provoke a black widow, especially the female black widow, who tends to be more defensive. And unlike other spiders, they pack a venomous punch, similar in toxicity to a rattlesnake on a per-drop basis.
If you or someone in your household is bitten, especially by a female black widow spider, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms can include severe muscle pain, cramps, and difficulty breathing.
Don’t take chances.
Get Safe, Local Spider Control from the Experts
If you’ve seen signs of black widow activity, it’s best to call in local experts who know how to handle them.
Simple Pest Management has your back. We’re based right here in San Diego and serve surrounding areas including South Riverside, Sacramento, and West Placer County.
Our expert technicians specialize in thorough pest management that targets black widow spiders and the bugs they feed on. We’ll inspect your home from top to bottom, garages, attics, crawl spaces, and basements included.
We treat cracks, baseboards, hiding places, and entry points that other companies might miss. With our proven methods and a bug-free guarantee, you’ll get peace of mind without lifting a finger.
Need spider control fast?
Call us today for same-day or next-day service and reclaim your home from unwanted eight-legged guests.
