Seeing a shiny black spider with a red hourglass on its back is always frightening, and for good reason. The black widow spider is one of the few venomous spiders in Washington State and Idaho, and they’re often found in mid to late summer, when everyone loves to be outside.
Once you spot a black widow on your property, the stress quickly sets in. Black widow bites can cause serious symptoms that may require medical attention, and their presence isn’t something to take lightly. Thankfully, with the right help from professional exterminators, you won’t have to worry. Take a moment now to learn how to protect you and your loved ones from these sneaky pests.
Where Do Black Widow Spiders Like to Hide?
Black widows are naturally secretive pests. They prefer quiet, sheltered places that don’t get much foot traffic. Here are a few of their common hiding spots:
- Dark corners of garages, sheds, and crawl spaces
- Under decks, porches, or piles of wood
- Inside basement vents, utility boxes, or foundation gaps
- Outdoor furniture that hasn’t been used in a while
- Beneath rocks, landscape timbers, or yard debris
How to Tell If You Have a Black Widow Infestation
If you’re spotting webs repeatedly in different areas of your property, especially near the ground or in dark, undisturbed spaces, it could be a sign that multiple spiders have moved in. Their webs are messy and irregular, often tucked away under eaves, behind furniture, or near foundational cracks.
What to Do If You See a Black Widow
Do not try to handle or squash it. Black widows will only bite when threatened, but accidental contact, like putting on a shoe or moving a box, can result in an injury. Instead:
- Keep your distance. Avoid disturbing the web or attempting to spray it directly.
- Block off the area, especially from children or pets.
- Note the location for a pest control technician.
- Call a licensed pest control provider to inspect and safely remove the spider.
Black widow spiders are resilient. Over-the-counter sprays may not reach spiders hidden deep inside wall voids, crawlspaces, or cluttered sheds. Professional treatment ensures the entire population, including any eggs, is eliminated.
Are DIY Removal Methods Effective?
DIY removal may be effective at times, but there’s no guarantee. Getting rid of black widow spiders isn’t something you should attempt on your own. These venomous spiders are quick, elusive, and often tucked away in hard-to-reach areas, making DIY attempts both ineffective and risky. Store-bought sprays might kill one or two visible spiders, but they rarely eliminate the full infestation or reach hidden egg sacs.
The safest and most reliable solution is to hire a professional. Pest control experts know where to look, what to use, and how to treat black widow hiding spots effectively. They can remove active spiders, seal up entry points, and offer guidance on keeping your property protected in the future. With professional help, you’re not just reacting to a problem, you’re preventing it from coming back.
Get Expert Help for Black Widow Spiders in Washington State and Idaho
If you’ve found a black widow on your property, or think you could have a bigger issue, don’t risk dealing with it on your own. Eden Advanced Pest Technologies is here for you with effective spider control that keeps your property hassle-free.
Our process involves an inspection of your home or business, removal of any dangerous spiders or eggs, and implementation of long-term prevention strategies to keep you protected all season long.
Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule service. When it comes to venomous spiders, it’s better to be proactive than sorry.
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