Pest Guide · Lake of the Ozarks
Black Widow Spiders: how they live, why they invade & how to get rid of them
The black widow is Missouri's other spider to respect. It's not aggressive, but its venom is potent, and it likes exactly the quiet, cluttered spots around Lake homes - garages, sheds, woodpiles, crawlspaces, and dock storage. Learn to spot it and keep it out.
How black widows live
Black widows spin messy, strong, irregular webs low to the ground in undisturbed corners and hunt the insects that blunder in. Females - the ones with the red hourglass - stay close to the web and rarely leave. They bite defensively, usually when trapped against skin in a glove, boot, or stack of stored items.
Why they come into your home
They move into sheltered, low-traffic places with insects to eat: under deck steps, in garages and sheds, behind stored boxes, in dock boxes, and around foundation vents. Clutter and outdoor lighting that draws prey make a property more attractive.
Signs of a black widows problem
- Messy, strong webs in low, undisturbed corners
- Glossy black spiders with a red hourglass on the underside
- Papery, round egg sacs in the web
- Sightings in garages, sheds, woodpiles, and dock storage
How to get rid of black widows
Knock down webs and egg sacs, de-clutter storage, and wear gloves when reaching into undisturbed spaces. For an active problem, a professional treats harborage areas, egg sacs, and the insects widows feed on, with follow-ups - safer and more thorough than reaching into corners yourself.
How to keep them out
- Wear gloves handling firewood, boxes, and dock storage
- De-clutter garages, sheds, and crawlspaces
- Seal gaps and vents; knock down webs regularly
- Move woodpiles away from the house
- Switch to yellow "bug" bulbs to draw fewer insects
Dealing with black widows at the Lake? All American has treated them since 1971 - local, licensed, and using no-odor products that are safe around kids and pets. We'll identify what you have and put together a plan that actually solves it.
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