Finding a black widow spider in your Arizona home is unsettling. With their shiny black bodies and the distinctive red hourglass marking on female black widow spiders, these venomous spiders are not pests you want hanging around.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of black widow spiders, follow the steps below to address the problem safely and effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Black widow spiders have black bodies, red hourglass markings, and hide in dark, quiet places.
- Protective clothing, cleaning clutter, and vacuuming webs help remove black widows from your home.
- Sealing cracks, using essential oils, and controlling insects keep black widows from coming inside.
- Trimmed grass, firewood stored away from your house, and pest control services prevent future spider infestations.
Identify Black Widow Spiders and Their Hiding Spots
Before you begin removal, make sure you’re dealing with a black widow spider.
Female black widows are recognizable by their black bodies and red hourglass markings, while male black widow spiders are smaller, less venomous, and have lighter markings.
These dangerous arachnids prefer dark, undisturbed areas like garages, basements, crawl spaces, attics, closets, and woodpiles. Check crevices, spider webs, and corners where they may be hiding.
Wear Protective Clothing and Gloves
When handling areas where these spider species might be present, always wear gloves and long sleeves.
Their venom can cause severe symptoms, and while black widow spider bites are rarely fatal, they can require medical attention, especially for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Declutter and Clean Up Potential Hiding Places
Cleaning up clutter in storage areas, closets, and crawl spaces reduces the number of hiding places. Pay special attention to dark corners, baseboards, and firewood piles. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove black widow webs, egg sacs, and debris.
When storing items, use plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes, which can attract black widows.
Seal Entry Points to Prevent Reinfestation
Black widow spiders often enter homes through cracks and gaps.
Inspect the foundation, baseboards, and exterior walls for entry points. Seal these areas using caulk, weather stripping, or mesh screens. Pay close attention to areas around windows, doors, and utility openings.
Use Natural Repellents Like Essential Oils
Essential oils with strong scents, such as peppermint and tea tree oil, are natural black widow spider repellents.
Mix a few drops of peppermint or tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it around entry points, crevices, and hiding spots. The strong scents act as a natural deterrent without harming the environment.
Reduce Their Food Source to Discourage Spiders
Black widow spiders feed on insects like cockroaches and scorpions.
By controlling other pests, you remove their food source, making your home less appealing. Maintain a clean home, remove food crumbs, and address any insect infestations promptly.
Maintain Your Yard to Reduce Outdoor Spider Habitats
Tall grass, woodpiles, and cluttered outdoor areas can attract black widows. Keep grass trimmed, remove woodpiles, and store firewood away from your home. Clear away debris and limit ground cover plants that provide shelter.
Consider Black Widow Spider Control Services
If DIY methods aren’t cutting it and black widow spiders are still lurking around, it’s time to give us a call.
At Green Home Pest Control, we specialize in effective pest management, offering eco-friendly treatments designed to eliminate venomous spiders like black widows. Our team knows how to safely remove adults and their egg sacs.
Black widow venom is nothing to take lightly, especially if you have kids or pets around. Contact us today, and we’ll make sure those shiny black spiders are gone for good!
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
