Pest Control Services

Did You Just Find a Black Widow Spider? How to Know for Sure


While most spiders in NJ are harmless to humans, black widows are an exception. Black widow spiders have a venomous bite that can cause severe symptoms. Our NJ pest control experts offer the following tips on identifying black widows and their bites.

Black Widow Spider Appearance

Black widows have black coloring and a red hourglass marking on the abdomen. Female black widows measure about 1 1/2 inches in length as adults. Males are roughly half that size. Females are usually more venomous than males.

Black Widow Spider Behavior

Despite their potent venom, black widows aren’t considered aggressive. They mainly bite if they feel threatened.

Black Widow Spider Bite Symptoms

Bites from black widow spiders can cause pain in the affected area, headaches, abdominal and back muscle cramps, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

What to Do About Black Widows

If you have a bite, seek treatment as soon as possible. Wash the area with water and soap, put a cold compress on it, elevate the affected limb, and avoid physical activity that can help the venom spread.

To eliminate black widows, schedule professional pest control. Our experts can find these spiders and get rid of them for you. To prevent a black widow infestation, close up entry points that they can enter, and eliminate clutter where they can hide.

If you need help identifying and eliminating spiders in your home, our NJ pest control company can help. Contact Allison Pest Control to learn more about our services.

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