Where Are You Most Likely to Find A Black Widow Spider in Jacksonville?

Black widow spiders are one of the few dangerous spider species found in Jacksonville, North Carolina. These spiders often evoke fear due to myths, including the misconception that females kill males after mating. While rare, the truth about black widow bites and how to handle these pests safely is important for homeowners.

How to Identify a Black Widow Spider in Your Home

Black widow spiders are distinctive, making it easier to identify them compared to other spiders in North Carolina. Here are the key characteristics:

• Appearance: They are typically black with a red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen. The females are larger, measuring between 1/2 and 3/8 inches, while males are smaller.
• Webs: Black widow webs are irregular, messy, and often found near the ground. The webs may also contain silken egg sacs, commonly found in doorways or hidden corners.

If you spot any of these signs, contact a pest control company to remove the spiders safely.

Symptoms of a Black Widow Spider Bite

While black widow spiders are not typically aggressive, they will bite in self-defense, particularly if they feel their eggs are threatened. While their bites are rarely fatal, they are still dangerous.

Symptoms of a bite include:

• Pain that peaks within 1 to 3 hours and can last for up to three days.
• Fever, nausea, increased blood pressure, and sweating.

It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if bitten. With proper care, a black widow bite is rarely fatal.

Where Are Black Widows Found?

Black widow spiders seek out sheltered, dimly lit areas for their webs. Here’s where you might find them:

• Indoors: They prefer areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages—places that are often dark and undisturbed. Cluttered spaces are also prime spots for these spiders, as they attract their prey.
• Outdoors: Black widows often make their homes in dry, man-made structures such as barns, sheds, and woodpiles. They also tend to favor areas where their prey is abundant.

Because female black widows can be aggressive, especially after laying eggs, it’s best to leave handling them to professionals.

How to Get Rid of Black Widows

Simply using natural remedies like vinegar or peppermint oil will only provide temporary relief. To effectively get rid of black widow spiders, follow these steps:

• Seal Entry Points: Close gaps in windows, doors, and foundations to prevent spiders from entering.
• Fix Leaks: Moisture attracts black widows, so address any leaks or humidity issues in your home.
• Reduce Clutter: Keep your home tidy to eliminate potential nesting sites.
• Regularly Clean: Brush away cobwebs and egg sacs from corners and hidden areas.
• Manage Outdoor Spaces: Keep grass and plants trimmed and place wood or greenery at least two feet away from your property.

For more effective pest control, commercial pesticides are often inadequate for serious infestations. A professional service, like B&T Pest Control, offers comprehensive treatments to safely manage black widow problems inside and outside your home.

Leave it to the Professionals

The safest and most effective way to get rid of black widow spiders is to contact a local pest control company. Even trying to remove webs on your own can be dangerous. At B&T Pest Control, our service team members have experience dealing with all types of spiders in North Carolina. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your options for a pest-free home.