Brown Widow Spider Identification

Like other spiders and predators, brown widow spiders are most problematic in properties that offer them plenty of prey to hunt. Spider and insect infestations go hand in hand. Learning about these spiders is the best way to stop your home from being overtaken by them. 

What are brown widow spiders?

Native to Africa and South America, the brown widow spider lives successfully in South Florida. Brown widow spiders are matte-black or dark brown in color, with a yellowish or orange hourglass-like marking on the underside of the abdomen. Brown widow spiders are smaller in size than other species of widow spiders, including the black widow spider. Like other spiders, brown widow spiders are arachnids, so they have two body segments, eight legs, and lack wings and antenna.

Are brown widow spiders dangerous?

The brown widow spider is not nearly as dangerous as the black widow spider. Still, because of the black widow spider’s reputation, people usually are alarmed to discover these spiders on their properties. 
 
If bitten by a brown widow spider, the symptoms tend to be milder than that of a black widow spider bite. Their venom is as potent as a black widow spider, but their smaller size means they inject less, resulting in milder symptoms. 
 
Another piece of good news about the brown widow spider is that they are much less likely to bite than other spiders. When they feel threatened, they drop to the ground and play dead!

Why do I have a brown widow problem?

Brown widow spiders thrive in Florida; our hot, humid temperatures provide them with the perfect environment. These spiders aren’t usually in our air-conditioned homes because they are too cool for them to survive in. Brown widow spiders become a problem in any Florida yard or other outdoor space that offers their basic needs. These spiders are timid, making the camouflage our yards offer them very inviting!

Where will I find brown widow spiders?

The good news is that brown widow spiders rarely live inside our homes. But the bad news is that they regularly hang around our yards and outside our houses.
 
Outside, these spiders like to build their irregular webs near the ground in cluttered areas like overgrown gardens, tall grass, woodpiles, and areas where trash is stored. You may also see them hanging out near fencing and outdoor furniture. 

How do I get rid of brown widow spiders?

If you have discovered that brown widow spiders have found their way to your Florida yard, immediately reach out to Empire Pest Defense. We will act quickly and provide you with the detailed inspections, effective spider control treatments, and ongoing services necessary to remove them. 
 
We are a local company with a deep commitment to our community and to providing our customers with the top-notch services they deserve. For more information about our industry-leading pest control services, call today!

How can I prevent brown widow spiders in the future?

Reduce the number of brown widow spiders that want to live on your Florida property with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense and the following prevention tips:

• Avoid accidental contact with brown widow spiders by wearing gloves when gardening, handling firewood, or doing other yard work.

• Keep landscaping on your property pruned back to prevent it from providing hiding spots for these spiders.

• Eliminate piles of dead grass or other yard debris from near your home’s foundation.

• Remove things from your yard that will attract the insects that brown widow spiders want to feed upon – open trash cans and recycling bins, and areas of standing water.

Contact us now to learn more about our home or commercial pest control services.