Look at that red! This pretty girl was found right here in Citrus Springs, FL. The most recognizable feature of a black widow is their beautiful red hourglass that stands out brilliantly against their obsidian-black skin — but there are many misconceptions about these beauties.
Only the Females Are Venomous
I'm sure you've been advised to stay far away from this venomous spider — but did you know it's only the females who carry venom? You can tell the difference easily: females are that deep, almost void black with the signature red hourglass marking, while males are more brown or gray with red spots. If you spot the classic black-and-red combination, that's a female.
Eight Eyes, Terrible Vision
Here's a fun fact — although black widows have eight eyes, they actually have really poor eyesight. They rely mostly on their webs and the vibrations traveling through them to understand what's happening around them. The web is essentially their entire sensory system for detecting prey and threats.
Not as Aggressive as You Think
Contrary to popular belief, black widows are not violent at all. Females only bite when they feel threatened or when they are protecting their eggs. Males are even less likely to bite and are rarely seen in the open — in part because they are often eaten by the female after mating. That's where the "widow" name comes from.
So while a black widow bite is certainly something to take seriously and seek medical attention for, these spiders are not out looking for trouble. They'd much rather stay hidden in their web and be left alone.
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a black widow in or around your home — especially near garages, woodpiles, sheds, or dark corners — give it space and call a professional. Don't try to handle or relocate it yourself. A pest control technician can safely remove it and check for others nearby.
If you are having trouble with spiders or any other pests, call Turbo Pest Solutions at (352) 345-7572.
Written by a licensed pest control professional with hands-on experience serving residential and commercial properties in Citrus County, Florida, supported by consistent positive customer reviews on Google.