Black Widow Spider Control – Lurking Danger in Quiet Corners

Meet the Threat: Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)

Known for their shiny black bodies and iconic red hourglass markings, Black Widow spiders are one of the most feared arachnids in Florida — and for good reason. Their venom is potent, their bites are painful, and they often hide where you least expect.

Why They’re Dangerous:
– Their venom is 15x more toxic than a rattlesnake’s (but rarely fatal to humans).
– They prefer dark, undisturbed spaces: garages, sheds, under patio furniture, or in children’s toys.
– Bites typically occur when a person unknowingly disturbs a hidden spider.
– Symptoms can include intense pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and even temporary paralysis.

RexPest’s Control Strategy:
– Strategic spraying around baseboards, garage corners, and under outdoor furniture.
– Dusting and sealing common nest locations.
– Removal of webs and egg sacs using mechanical and chemical control.
– Education on how to spot and avoid future nests.

Real Encounters from the Field:
1. A family in Brooksville found a female Black Widow nesting under a toddler’s toy in the garage. It was discovered during spring cleaning — and narrowly avoided a bite.
2. A Spring Hill gardener reported sharp pain and cramping after reaching into a clay pot. The spider was found curled up beneath a discarded glove.
3. During a routine termite inspection, a RexPest technician found 5 egg sacs and two adult Black Widows inside an unused shed behind an overgrown fence line.

Fun Facts & Trivia:
– Only female Black Widows are venomous; males are smaller and less dangerous.
– They rarely bite unless threatened — most incidents happen by accident.
– The “widow” name comes from the female’s habit of eating her mate after breeding (though this doesn’t always happen).

Homeowner Prevention Tips:
– Wear gloves when moving stored items or digging in sheds.
– Keep storage organized and elevated off the ground.
– Shake out shoes, gloves, and gardening equipment before use.
– Use yellow-tinted “bug lights” outside to reduce insect prey — and thus, spider interest.

Hurdles in Treatment:
– Black Widows often nest in rarely accessed spots, like clutter piles or behind outdoor fixtures.
– DIY sprays rarely reach their true hiding spots.
– Many infestations go unnoticed until a bite occurs.

Our Advice:
Black Widow control requires more than killing a few visible spiders — it’s about removing hiding spots, controlling their food sources, and maintaining an exclusion barrier.

Call RexPest for Safe, Effective Spider Control in Spring Hill — Let’s Keep Your Family Safe from Silent Biters.