Black widow spiders are not aggressive, but they still present a threat because of their venomous bite. They can be found in garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, undisturbed areas close to the ground.
There are several ways to get rid of black widows. Using strong scents to deter, vacuums to clear webs, and pesticides to treat problematic areas all provide coverage. Different strategies can be used together to maximize effectiveness.
Black widows prefer dark, isolated, protected places close to the ground. Their webs are messy, haphazard, and very strong compared to normal spider webs. Common locations include:
Professionals use a combination of methods. Use these strategies together to fill gaps and maximize extermination success.
Effective for undisturbed areas. Can be injected into wall cavities and electrical outlets.
Residual pesticides for perimeter spraying and spot treatments. Creates barrier that kills on contact.
Remove wood piles, organize garages, clear debris. Control other pests to eliminate food sources.
Seal large cracks and crevices that black widows can crawl through to enter garages and storage.
Black widows are sensitive to strong odors. Lemon, tea tree, and peppermint oils can deter activity.
Too acidic for black widows. Mix with water and spray areas with webs and egg sacs.
Cleaning out webs removes their homes and source of food.
Remove hiding places and keep areas pest-free. Black widows will not find suitable places to build homes.
Our experts identify problem areas and apply proven treatment strategies.
Call (866) 326-2847Check dark corners in basements, garages, closets, sheds, and storage units. Follow these tips:
Black widows move inside when weather changes. Treat the exterior to prevent them from entering:
Eliminate debris piles, woodpiles, unruly bushes, tall grass. Spray area first to kill hiding spiders.
Turn off lights (attract flying insects). Reduce standing water (introduces mosquitoes). Less food = fewer black widows.
Birds, bats, and other natural predators. Bird feeders and bat boxes give them a place to stay and hunt.
Apply around exterior of home and yard to infect any black widows that come into contact.
The best way to eliminate black widows is to prevent them before they become a problem:
Trim grass, clear debris, manicure bushes
Keep areas bright and open. Black widows avoid sunlight (indicates predators)
Torn screens, under doorways, foundation cracks
Use mesh designed to keep bugs out
If all other strategies have failed and black widow populations keep coming back, enlist the help of EcoGuard Pest Management. Our team of licensed and experienced experts will identify problematic areas and apply treatment that has proven effective. Call today to schedule a free home inspection.
Pesticide treatments that include pyrethrin are effective against black widow spiders. The spray can be applied onto black widows and in spaces with signs of activity.
Black widows can be kept away by applying pesticides, minimizing food resources, and eliminating their webs. Removing their ability to catch food and making surfaces toxic keeps populations low.
Black widows are attracted to a stable food source and shelter from elements and predators. If they find a discreet place to hide with enough food, they will establish a nest.
