Signs you have a black widow problem
- Strong, messy, irregular webs low to the ground in corners and gaps
- A shiny black spider with a red hourglass hiding near the web by day
- White, spiky egg sacs the size of a marble in web areas
- Webs reappearing in the same spots after removal
Why Valley homes get black widows
Block-wall construction is the black widow's best friend — the gaps and voids in fence walls offer perfect harborage, and Arizona's insect life keeps them fed. They're not aggressive, but they bite defensively when pressed against skin: reaching into a meter box, grabbing patio furniture, or putting on gloves left in the garage.
How we treat black widows
Widow control is hands-on: we physically remove webs and egg sacs (each sac can hold hundreds of spiderlings), treat the harborage points they return to — block-wall voids, weep holes, meter boxes, patio and play equipment — and maintain a barrier that intercepts the insects that feed them. De-webbing at every regular visit keeps populations from re-establishing.
For most homes, our Premium plan is the right fit for black widows — see plans and pricing, published right on the site.
A safety note: this pest is medically significant. If someone in your home has been stung or bitten and shows concerning symptoms, seek medical advice first — then call us.
Prevention tips
- Wear gloves when reaching into meter boxes, woodpiles, or stored items
- Shake out shoes, gloves, and pool toys stored outside
- Reduce outdoor clutter and seal garage weather stripping
- Knock down webs promptly — persistent webbing means a resident spider
Frequently asked questions
How dangerous is a black widow bite?
Bites are rarely life-threatening for healthy adults but can cause serious pain, cramping, and illness requiring medical care. Children, elderly family members, and pets face higher risk — seek medical advice for any suspected bite.
I see webs but never spiders. Are they gone?
Probably not — widows hide in cracks during the day and sit in their webs at night. A flashlight check after dark usually reveals the resident.
Do widows come inside the house?
They prefer undisturbed outdoor harborage, but garages, sheds, and cluttered storage areas are common indoor territory. Interior activity usually signals a large exterior population.