Black Widow
Latrodectus mactans
Small, shiny, and packing venom 15× stronger than a rattlesnake's.
Shiny black spider with a red hourglass on the abdomen. Venom is 15x stronger than a rattlesnake's, though rarely fatal to healthy adults.
At a glance
- Category
- arachnid
- Seasonal activity
- Active spring through fall; may overwinter indoors.
- Life cycle
- Females live 1–3 years; egg sacs contain 200–900 eggs.
- Common locations
- Garages · Wood piles · Under decks · Sheds · Basement corners
- Also known as
- southern black widow
Entity relationships
Parent entity
Related entities
Key attributes
Risk profile
A quick read on how this pest scores across the four factors that matter most.
- Health risk
- High
- Property damage
- None
- Spread potential
- Low
- Treatment difficulty
- Moderate
Seasonal activity
When this pest is most active across the calendar year.
Identification & habitat
Confirm what you're dealing with before choosing a treatment path.
How to identify
- Shiny black body with red hourglass on underside
- Tangled, disorganized web low to the ground
- Cream-colored egg sacs the size of a pea
Where they live
- Garages
- Wood piles
- Under decks
- Sheds
- Basement corners
- Meter boxes
Signs of infestation
- Tangled, disorganized webs low to the ground
- Cream-colored egg sacs
- Distinctive red hourglass on females
Behavior
- Non-aggressive; bites when trapped against skin
- Female eats male after mating (sometimes)
Reproduction
Females live 1–3 years; egg sacs contain 200–900 eggs.
Life cycle timeline
Every treatment plan must reach every stage — miss one, and the population rebuilds.
- Stage 12–4 weeks
Egg sac
Cream-colored, held in web.
- Stage 22–4 months
Spiderling
Cannibalistic; disperses via ballooning.
- Stage 31–3 years
Adult
Females venomous; males rarely bite humans.
Health risks
- Painful bite with muscle cramps and sweating
- Medical attention recommended for bites
Inspection checklist
- Wear gloves when moving stored boxes and firewood
- Inspect garage corners, meter boxes, and BBQ storage
- Vacuum egg sacs on sight (contain hundreds of spiderlings)
Professional treatment
The proven, licensed protocol our specialists use in the field.
- 1
Direct web + spider treatment
Contact spray on visible spiders and egg sacs.
- 2
Void dusting
Long-residual dust in garage voids and outbuildings.
- 3
Perimeter residual
Reduces recolonization pressure.
You can handle
- Wear gloves in garages and sheds
- Reduce clutter and firewood near structure
Get professional help
- Any confirmed widow presence, especially with pets or children
What changes the price
- Property size
- Number of outbuildings
- Follow-up frequency
Prevention
Small habits keep black widow from coming back after treatment.
Prevent black widow
- Wear gloves when moving stored items
- Reduce clutter in garages and sheds
- Install door sweeps and screen vents
Common myths
Bad advice makes infestations worse — here's the truth.
Widow bites are usually fatal.
Fatalities are extremely rare with modern antivenom — but always seek medical care.
Frequently asked
Answers to the questions homeowners ask most about black widow.
How do I identify a black widow?
Look for a shiny black body with a red hourglass on the underside — no other US spider shares this combination.
What if I'm bitten?
Wash the site, apply ice, and go to an emergency room. Symptoms include cramping, sweating, and nausea.
Call a pro immediately if…
- Any widow sighting near living spaces
- Egg sacs in garage or shed
Answer your next question
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