As a homeowner, you may feel as though you have taken all possible measures to protect your family from pests. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, certain pests may find their way into your home. While some of these insects may only be a minor nuisance, others can be dangerous and even deadly. One serious threat that can be found in homes is the black widow spider. Black widows are known for their venomous bites and can pose a significant danger to anyone living in the household. Here are some signs that you may have a black widow infestation in your home.

Webbing: One of the most apparent signs of having a black widow infestation in your home is the webbing that they leave behind. Black widows are known for their messy webs that can usually be found in dark, secluded corners. These spiders tend to build their webs close to the ground, so check areas such as your garage, basement, and crawl spaces. When you come across a web, look for distinctive patterns such as a sheer tangle of silk or irregular lines.

Presence of Eggs: Black widows lay their eggs in white, roundish sacs that measure about half an inch in diameter. When inspecting your home, keep your eye out for these sacs. You may find them in the same areas where you discover webbing. Each female black widow spider produces around four to nine egg sacs in a lifetime, and each sac contains 100 to 400 eggs.

Spider Bodies: Black widows have a distinctive appearance, so if you come across them in your home, it can be easy to recognize them. These spiders are usually black, with a red or orange hourglass shape on their abdomen. If you see spiders that match this description, it’s a good idea to steer clear and contact a pest control professional.

Bites: One of the most alarming signs of a black widow infestation is if you or anyone in your household gets bitten. Black widow bites are venomous and cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea, and intense pain at the bite’s location. If you think that you or someone else has had a black widow bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Insect Population: Black widows can be an indication of other pests in your home. These spiders feed on insects and other small arachnids such as roaches, earwigs, and even other spiders. If you have a black widow infestation, there’s a good chance that you have other insect populations in your home.

Black widows can be dangerous and even deadly if not addressed. If you have come across any of the signs mentioned in this blog post, such as webbing or spider bodies, be sure to contact a pest control professional. With the help of a professional, you can develop a plan to safely and effectively remove black widows from your home. Remember to look for signs of infestation regularly, so you can take action before any serious harm is done. Stay safe and be vigilant!