How To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders

how to get rid of black widow spiders
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How To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders

Getting rid of black widow spiders on your own requires careful planning because these spiders are venomous and can pose serious health risks. Here’s how to get rid of black widow spiders from your home or business:

Identify Infested Areas

Black widows prefer dark, undisturbed spaces, such as:

  • Basements, crawl spaces, sheds, garages

  • Woodpiles, outdoor furniture, under eaves

  • Corners of storage rooms or cluttered areas

Look for irregular, messy webs and the shiny black body with a red hourglass on the underside of the abdomen.

Wear Protective Gear

  • Always wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes.

  • Use eye protection if you are working overhead.

  • Never attempt to handle black widow spiders with your bare hands.

Remove Webs and Spiders Safely

Use a long-handled broom or vacuum to remove webs and spiders.

  • A vacuum is effective because it immediately traps the spider.

  • Immediately empty the vacuum bag or container outdoors, far from your home.

Avoid crushing spiders with your hands; bites are dangerous.

Apply Spider-Specific Insecticides

  • Use a residual insecticide labeled for black widows or spiders, such as bifenthrin, permethrin, or deltamethrin. These sprays are commonly used in homes.

  • Spray in corners, behind furniture, baseboards, eaves, and outdoor structures.

  • Apply during evening or nighttime, when spiders are more active.

  • Follow all label instructions carefully.

Seal Entry Points

Reduce indoor infestations by:

  • Caulking gaps, cracks, and openings around doors and windows

  • Installing door sweeps and weatherstripping

  • Ensuring screens are intact

Reduce Outdoor Hiding Spots

  • Clear woodpiles, debris, and clutter away from building foundations

  • Store firewood off the ground and away from structures

  • Keep grass trimmed and shrubs away from walls

Maintain Regular Cleaning

  • Frequent sweeping, vacuuming, and decluttering remove spiders and webs before they become a problem.

  • Outdoor lighting can attract insects, which feed spiders; consider yellow “bug lights” to reduce prey availability.

Use Sticky Traps

  • Place glue traps in corners, garages, and storage areas to monitor and catch spiders.

  • These traps are low-risk and effective in small infestations.

Monitor and Repeat

  • Black widows can return if their habitat isn’t addressed.

  • Reapply insecticides as needed and continue monitoring regularly.

Safety Considerations

  • Black widow bites can be medically serious. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.

  • Avoid DIY spraying in high-traffic areas or where children or pets could contact chemicals.

  • Large or persistent infestations may require our professional exterminators.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Black Widow Spiders

Our professional pest control is generally the most effective and safest way to eliminate black widow spiders, especially for larger infestations or in high-risk areas. Here’s why:

Safety First

  • Black widows are venomous; bites can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and in some cases, systemic illness.

  • Our professionals have training and experience in handling venomous spiders safely.

  • We use personal protective equipment (PPE) and techniques that greatly reduce the risk of bites—something most homeowners cannot replicate reliably.

Accurate Identification

  • There are many spiders that look similar to black widows.

  • Our professionals can correctly identify the species, which ensures the treatment is targeted and effective.

  • Misidentification can lead to wasted time, ineffective DIY treatments, and continued risk.

Effective Treatments

  • Our professionals have access to industrial-strength insecticides and residual treatments not available to the general public.

  • We know the right type, concentration, and placement of treatments to eliminate both spiders and their egg sacs.

  • This reduces the chance of spiders returning after initial treatment.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach

Our professionals don’t just spray; we combine:

  • Inspection: Finding nests, egg sacs, and areas where spiders hide

  • Exclusion: Sealing cracks, gaps, and other entry points

  • Sanitation: Identifying clutter or debris that attracts spiders

  • Monitoring: Follow-ups to ensure the infestation is fully eliminated

This holistic approach is far more effective than DIY methods alone.

Reduces Recurrence

  • Black widows are opportunistic and resilient. Without our professional intervention, even a single egg sac can restart an infestation.

  • Our regular professional treatments help prevent re-infestation, giving long-term protection rather than a temporary fix.

Saves Time and Reduces Stress

  • DIY spider removal can be time-consuming, dangerous, and frustrating, especially in cluttered or hard-to-reach areas.

  • Our professionals handle the problem efficiently and thoroughly, giving you peace of mind.

Tailored Solutions for Businesses

  • For businesses, black widows pose liability risks to employees, customers, and visitors.

  • Our professionals can provide custom plans to keep workspaces safe, comply with regulations, and maintain a pest-free environment.

While DIY methods can work for small, isolated infestations, our professional pest control ensures safety, effectiveness, and long-term prevention. For any property with repeated black widow sightings, our professional services are the best way to confidently eliminate the risk.