What should I do if I find black widows around my house?

Written and reviewed by Casey Jones, Founder & CEO, Arizona Qualified Applicator, license #31513

Last reviewed: October 9, 2026

Short answer

Leave it alone, keep children and pets away, and don't touch it or its egg sacs with bare hands. Black widows are shy and seldom bite unless pressed against skin, but their venom is serious. Clear clutter where they hide, wear gloves outdoors, and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away after any bite.

Arizona context

The western black widow is one of Arizona's two most common venomous spiders, according to University of Arizona Extension. Adult females are shiny black with a red or orange hourglass on the underside; males and young spiders are smaller and show orange, red and white markings. Widows build strong, messy, irregular webs in seldom-disturbed spots, hide by day and hang in the web at night. UA Extension says egg sacs are most often found from May to October.

What you can do

Wear gloves when moving stored boxes, firewood, pots or yard equipment.
Shake out shoes, gloves and clothing left in the garage or outdoors.
Reduce clutter and move woodpiles away from the house.
Remove webs with a long-handled tool or vacuum while wearing gloves.
Seal gaps around doors, garage doors and utility openings.

What we see in Safford, Show Low and Sierra Vista

Spiders are the pest Gila Valley customers contact us about most, and one of the top topics in the White Mountains. Black widows tend to turn up where things sit undisturbed: cluttered garages and sheds, stacked firewood, crawl spaces, and under outdoor furniture and equipment.

When professional service is warranted

Call for help if you keep finding widows near doors, play areas or patios, or you find several egg sacs. After any bite, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Severe muscle pain, cramping or trouble breathing need emergency care.

How Hydra handles it

Black widows rarely leave their webs, so general spraying alone often misses them. Our Service Pros look for webs and hiding spots, remove webs and egg sacs safely, treat harborage areas and entry points, and show you what to change around the property. Ask for a free custom quote.

Frequently asked

How dangerous is a black widow bite?

Black widow venom affects the nervous system and can cause progressive muscle pain and sometimes difficulty breathing. Bites are rarely fatal but should be treated as serious. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, and get emergency care for severe symptoms.

How do I tell a black widow from other black spiders?

Adult females are glossy black and round-bodied with a red or orange hourglass on the underside. Males and juveniles are smaller and lighter, with orange, red and white markings. A strong, irregular web in a sheltered spot is another clue.

What should I do with black widow egg sacs?

Don't touch them with bare hands. Wearing gloves, remove them with a long-handled tool or vacuum, seal them in a bag and throw it away. Removing egg sacs helps reduce the population.

When are black widows most active in Arizona?

Black widows are around all year in sheltered spots. University of Arizona Extension notes egg sacs are most often found from May to October, so late summer and fall cleanups are when many people run into them.

Why so many spiders in the fall?

About the author

Casey Jones is the founder and CEO of Hydra Pest Control, which started with Casey knocking on doors across rural Arizona. Casey is an Arizona Qualified Applicator (license #31513), licensed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture in categories including wood-destroying insects (termites) and ornamental and turf. Casey writes and reviews Hydra's answers using what our Service Pros see in the Gila Valley, White Mountains and Sierra Vista.

About Casey Jones