What Are Black Widow Spiders?
Black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are the most medically significant spiders in North Carolina. Females are glossy black with a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen. They measure about 1.5 inches including legs, while males are much smaller and rarely bite.
Habitat & Behavior
Black widows prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, garages, crawl spaces, outdoor sheds, meter boxes, and under decks. They build irregular, tangled webs close to the ground. Bites typically occur when the spider is accidentally pressed against skin, such as when reaching into a cluttered storage area.
A black widow bite delivers a neurotoxic venom that can cause severe muscle pain, cramping, nausea, and in rare cases, serious medical complications—particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
Prevention & Control
Prevention includes wearing gloves when working in garages, sheds, or woodpiles, shaking out shoes and clothing stored in dark areas, and reducing clutter around the exterior of your home. Regular pest control treatments can significantly reduce black widow populations on your property.