Black Widows 101: How to Identify and Get Rid of Them Safely

So, you’re minding your business, reaching for that forgotten pair of gardening gloves or tugging on a dusty tarp in your shed… and there it is. That unmistakable, glossy black spider with a red hourglass on its belly—just hanging there, like it owns the place.

Take a deep breath. No need to burn down the house (although we’ve all thought about it). What you’ve found is a black widow spider—and while it’s one of the few spiders in North America that can send you to the ER, the good news is: you can handle this.

This guide is your no-BS, neighbor-approved game plan on how to get rid of black widow spiders, how to identify them, and how to spider-proof your home—without losing your sanity or your weekend.

What Exactly Is a Black Widow Spider?

Think of the black widow as the spider world’s version of a mysterious villain in an old film noir. Sleek. Deadly. Keeps to herself. Doesn’t want drama unless provoked.

There are several species, but the most common in North America is the Southern black widow. And here’s how to spot one:

• Color: Females are shiny black; males are smaller, lighter, and less venomous.

• Marking: A red or orange hourglass on the underside of the abdomen—though sometimes it can be faded or incomplete.

• Size: Females are about 1.5 inches including leg span. Males? Usually half that and way less intimidating.

• Web: Not your average neat spiral. Black widows spin messy, irregular webs that look like tangled dental floss in a corner.

They love dark, undisturbed areas. Think: garages, sheds, under rocks, old tires, compost bins, barbecue covers… you get the picture.

Are Black Widows Really That Dangerous?

Short answer? Yes—but not in a horror movie kind of way.

A black widow’s venom is neurotoxic, meaning it affects the nervous system. A bite can be serious—especially for children, the elderly, or anyone with existing health issues—but fatalities are extremely rare.

Common bite symptoms:

• Muscle cramps or spasms (especially stomach and back)

• Sweating and chills

• Headache, nausea

• Mild to intense pain around the bite

• Restlessness or anxiety

They don’t bite unless threatened (usually when pressed against skin). So if you shake out gloves and shoes before using them, you’re already ahead of the game.

Pro tip: If you do get bitten and symptoms appear—get medical help immediately. Antivenom is available, and most people recover fully with proper treatment.

How to Get Rid of Black Widow Spiders: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get to the part you actually came for—how to get rid of black widow spiders once and for all.

Step 1: Suit Up Like You Mean It

Before you start poking around spider real estate, protect yourself:

• Thick gloves

• Long sleeves and pants

• Boots or closed shoes

• Flashlight (for spotting webs)

• A broomstick or long stick (distance is your friend)

It’s not overkill—it’s self-preservation.

Step 2: Destroy Webs and Nests

Find a black widow web? Don’t just walk away. Destroy it. Use a broom or vacuum hose to remove the web—and the spider, if present. Immediately seal and dispose of the vacuum bag or contents.

Use a long stick to disturb potential hiding spots before reaching in. These spiders love:

• Stacked firewood

• Under patio furniture

• Behind planters

• Inside outdoor toys and bikes

• Around dog houses or sheds

Step 3: Kill or Relocate (Depending on Your Vibe)

We won’t judge how you handle this next step.

Option A: Kill
Use a targeted insecticide labeled for “black widow spiders.” Spray directly on the spider and its webbing. These products often contain pyrethroids, which are effective on contact.

Option B: Relocate
Trap the spider using a glass jar and a stiff piece of cardboard. Release it far from your home—preferably in a field, not your neighbor’s backyard.

Important: Don’t squish them with your hand, even through gloves. Just… don’t.

Step 4: Seal Up Entry Points

Black widows didn’t get into your garage because they teleported. They crawled in through cracks and gaps.

Do a full perimeter check:

• Caulk around doors and windows

• Install door sweeps

• Cover vents with mesh

• Patch holes in walls and siding

• Seal gaps where cables or pipes enter

This also keeps out mice, ants, and other freeloaders.

Step 5: Declutter the Danger Zones

Black widows are introverts. They don’t want to hang out in the open. So your clutter? Yeah, that’s prime real estate.

Declutter:

• Old boxes

• Stacks of lumber

• Piles of clothes or towels in garages

• Empty plant pots

• Plastic bags filled with "who-knows-what"

Mini story: One time, a buddy of mine went to grab a spare tire from his shed and—surprise!—two black widows had set up a duplex in the hubcap. He now keeps everything in sealed bins. Smart guy.

Step 6: Use Natural Repellents (but Don’t Expect Miracles)

Natural repellents aren’t a guaranteed fix—but they can help discourage black widow spiders from moving in.

• Peppermint oil spray: Mix 10 drops peppermint oil with water + a dash of dish soap. Spray around windows, door frames, and corners.

• Lemon or eucalyptus oil: Some people swear by it. At the very least, your home will smell spa-fresh.

• Vinegar: Helps dissolve old webbing, but won’t kill spiders.

• Chestnuts: According to grandma, spiders hate them. According to science… meh. But hey, free room décor?

The Widow-Proofing Checklist: Your Weekly Routine

Keep this handy. Tape it inside a cabinet. Heck, print it on a T-shirt if you want.

🕘 Widow-Proofing To-Do:

• Inspect gloves, shoes, and tools before use

• Shake out towels or blankets stored in dark spaces

• Dust/vacuum garage corners weekly

• Keep storage bins off the floor

• Don’t leave outdoor cushions out overnight

• Regularly clean around porch lights (insects = food source)

• Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home

Quick Myth Buster: “Do Black Widows Chase People?”

Nope. Not unless you're a cricket.

Black widows don’t chase, stalk, or plot revenge. They're defensive, not aggressive. If you leave them alone, they'll usually return the favor.

BONUS: Should You Be Worried About Baby Black Widows?

Actually… yes and no.

Newly hatched black widow spiders are tiny, white or tan, and nearly invisible. They’re not venomous yet, but if you see lots of spiderlings in a web—it means mama widow is nearby. And she's the one you should worry about.

If you see dozens of tiny spiders in one spot, treat that area aggressively (spray, vacuum, seal off) and inspect surrounding zones for adult females.

Should You Call a Professional?

If:

• You’ve had repeat infestations

• You find them near children’s play areas

• You’re not confident handling venomous pests

…then yes, go pro.

Pest control companies can perform full property inspections, apply stronger residual insecticides, and help you keep spiders gone for good. Just make sure they’re using treatments labeled specifically for how to get rid of black widow spiders—not just generic "bug spray."

Final Thoughts: Own Your Space

Black widow spiders may look like something out of a horror movie, but the real horror is letting fear control your home. With smart habits, a few tools, and a little courage, you can take back every corner of your property—from basement to barbecue grill.

So next time you’re cleaning out the garage and see a web, don’t panic—just remember: gloves on, eyes open, peppermint at the ready.

And hey—if all else fails, just remind the spider who pays the mortgage.

FAQ

What time of year are black widow spiders most active?
Spring through early fall, especially in warmer climates. They slow down in winter, but they don’t disappear—just hibernate in your woodpile or behind the water heater.

Do black widow spiders live indoors?
They can, but they prefer outdoor or semi-sheltered areas like garages, basements, sheds, or crawlspaces. If you’re seeing them inside your actual living room—time for immediate action.