Although fatalities in humans are rare, the venom of a black widow spider can be deadly for small children, the elderly and those who are ill.
Black widow spiders are known for the females' unique appearance and her tendency to eat her mate.
Female black widows measure approximately 0.5 inch long to 1.5 inches long when the legs are spread, with shiny black bodies and a red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of their round abdomen.
The males are about half the size, are lighter in color, with smaller bodies and longer legs.
Found in temperate regions, black widow spiders inhabit dark, dry shelters such as barns, garbage cans, basements, outdoor toilets, trash, hollow stumps, rodent holes and dense vegetation.
The female black widow spider hangs upside down from her web as she waits for her prey. Once ensnared in her web, the black widow wraps the prey in silk using her feet. Black widows eat other spiders and small insects including flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars.
The female black widow spider lays approximately 150-400 eggs. She may produce 4-9 egg sacs in one summer.. The eggs incubate for about 20 days in a small, round papery sac that’s attached to the mother’s web. After hatching, the baby spiders stay in the cocoon for up to one month.
How do l recognize a black widow spider?
Female black widows have shiny black bodies and a red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of their round abdomen, whereas the males are about half the size, are lighter in color, with smaller bodies and longer legs.
Are black widow spiders hazardous to humans?
Although the female black widow spiders are known for eating their mates, fatalities in humans are rare. However, the venom of a black widow spider can be deadly for small children, the elderly and those who are ill.
What can I do to prevent a black widow spider infestation?
To prevent a black widow spider infestation on your property, avoid keeping clutter in basements and garages. If a spider web is visible, use caution before putting your hands or feet in that area. Outdoors, store firewood at least five inches off the ground.
How do I remove a black widow spider infestation?
If you notice black widow spiders around your property or suspect an infestation of black widows, contact Abell Pest Control immediately. This is the safest way to get rid of black widow spiders in your home.
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