Black Widows have long struck fear as a lethal pest. Generally black in color, females are 1.5 inches in diameter and have a red hourglass shape on their abdomen. Males are half their size, also black but with red or pink spots on their back. They generally stay outside when it’s warm, but recently, many Virginian’s are finding them in their gardens and landscaping around their homes. The black widow is Virginia’s only native venomous spider, and Holistic Pest Solutions has a lot of great information below that you may be interested in.
Where Do Black Widows Live?
Black widows are found in temperate climates around the world and there are five species in the United States. They are usually found in temperatures 70 degrees and higher but can also survive in lower temperatures. They seek out dark, dry locations to spin their webs. In the warmer months, you may find them outside under rocks, decks, hollow tree stumps, etc. They also make their homes in man-made structures, such as, barns, henhouses, barrels, garages, basements, crawl spaces, etc.
What Do They Eat?
Black widows spin their webs at night to capture ants, beetles, cockroaches, and more. After mating, females on occasion are known to eat the male (hence the widow part of their name).
Black Widows Bite
Female Black Widows are the venomous ones – not males! Black Widows are not aggressive and usually only bite when threatened. These spiders can have venom that is 15 times stronger than rattlesnakes; however, those who are bitten do not usually suffer major injury, let alone death if treated within a timely manner. Fatalities are more common with small children and the elderly. When bitten, you may experience muscle aches, nausea, difficulty breathing, and or a fever.
Signs Of Infestation
One obvious sign of an infestation is seeing webs around your home. Black Widows usually create webs near ground level that are less than a foot in diameter; egg sacks in the web are a further indication of an infestation.
Dissuading the Black Widow – Virginia’s Venomous Spider
As with most pests, you can reduce the risk of black widows near or in your home by eliminating clutter in your house and garage, raking up dead leaves around your home and keeping you landscaping trimmed back. If you see a black widow anywhere, obviously don’t touch it or bother it. If you have more questions about the Black Widow – Virginia’s venomous spider, give us a call.
If you’re concerned about an infestation, and would like to have them removed, CONTACT Holistic Pest Solutions at 434 842 1700 right away. Whether you’re in Charlottesville, Waynesboro, or close to either, Holistic Pest Solutions has the perfect pest plan for you! Our treatments are mindful of our clients, and our Earth.
You may also be interested in Spider Control and Keep Wild Outside
*Our Environmental Commitment: Holistic Pest Solutions is committed to the preservation of our environment. Our goal is to nurture the soils and plant life of lawns and landscapes. Utilizing holistic pest control practices that cause the least amount of impact on the environment.
