Black Widow Spider

Female black widow spiders are shiny, jet-black with a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of their globular abdomen. They measure about 1.5 inches including legs. Males are much smaller, lighter brown, and harmless. Immature females may show red or white spots on the top of the abdomen. Black widows build irregular, tangled cobwebs close to the ground or in sheltered locations. Their silk is notably strong — among the strongest of any spider.

Black widows are shy and build their messy, irregular webs in undisturbed, low-to-ground locations — under decks, in meter boxes, around downspout bases, inside stored shoes, under outdoor furniture, and in garages. Their webs feel noticeably strong and sticky compared to other cobwebs. Finding the distinctive tangle web in a dark, protected location with a spherical egg sac (tan, papery, about 1/2 inch) confirms their presence.

At MBPC, we treat black widow habitats with residual insecticide applications, carefully targeting their preferred web-building locations around Myrtle Beach homes — around foundations, under decks, in garages, meter boxes, and outdoor storage areas. Web removal is performed to force spiders to contact treated surfaces when rebuilding. Dust formulations are applied to wall voids, crawlspaces, and other protected areas. Habitat modification, including reducing ground-level clutter and debris, is essential to long-term control in the SC coastal environment.

Wear gloves when moving firewood, stored items, or reaching into boat storage, pool equipment sheds, and outdoor beach gear bins — all common black widow harborage sites around Grand Strand homes. Shake out shoes, gloves, and garden equipment before use, especially items stored in garages over the mild coastal winter. Reduce ground-level clutter, debris, and woodpile accumulation near the home. Consider that palmetto trees and dense vegetation near your home can increase harborage. Contact MBPC for an inspection.

Black widows thrive in dark, undisturbed, ground-level locations common in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. Common harborage sites include under decks, porches, and steps; inside meter boxes and electrical housings; around downspout bases; in woodpiles, rock walls, and outdoor storage areas; and in seldom-used shoes, gloves, and gardening equipment stored in garages. The subtropical coastal climate of the Grand Strand provides an extended active season. They are frequently found in boat storage areas, pool equipment sheds, and the outdoor beach gear storage common at Myrtle Beach area homes — folded beach chairs, stacked kayaks, and bins of boogie boards provide ideal dark, undisturbed harborage in our sandy-soiled environment.

Peak activity: Spring-Fall