Black Widow Spiders Infestation

Black Widow Spider Infestation

Black Widow Spiders are solitary creatures with the exception of mating, which lessens the likeliness of a large scale infestation. Because black widows prefer to live outdoors in undisturbed areas, they can often be found in woodpiles, lumber, tree stumps, sheds and garages. In order to avoid an infestation, it is best to maintain and limited the number of these types of areas. Although black widows prefer outdoor habitats, they can enter homes through small holes in doors and windows and live in undisturbed places such as basements and crawl spaces.

Where Widow Webs Turn Up Around Florida Homes

A widow problem rarely announces itself. What you usually notice first is the web: an irregular, tangled mass of unusually strong, sticky silk, often with dried insect remains caught in it or lying below it. Widows stay tucked in a retreat during the day, so the spider itself is easier to spot after dark with a flashlight, hanging upside down in the web.

Egg sacs are another giveaway. Black widow sacs are smooth, round and cream to tan. Brown widow sacs are a similar color but covered in small spikes, a little like a burr. Several sacs in one spot means more spiderlings will soon spread nearby.

Places worth checking outdoors:

• Water meter boxes and irrigation valve boxes
• The undersides of patio chairs, tables and grills
• Mailboxes, railings and pool equipment enclosures
• Stacked flower pots, open holes in block walls, and the space under decks

Indoors, they favor quiet corners behind stored boxes, around water heaters and in rarely opened closets and utility rooms.

What draws them in: a steady supply of insects, often pulled toward porch and garage lights at night, plus clutter that is seldom moved. Because Florida winters are mild, widow webs can turn up in any season. If someone may have been bitten, the widow bite page explains what to watch for.