Black Widow Spiders

Close-up of a black widow spider in Dallas Fort Worth with its red hourglass marking, a venomous spider commonly found around Texas homes.

IDENTIFYING THE BLACK WIDOW SPIDER

Known for their glossy black bodies and red hourglass marking, black widow spiders are among the most venomous in North America. Because of this, their bites require immediate medical attention.

Size/Color: About 1.5 inches long; shiny black with a red or orange hourglass on the underside of the abdomen.

Habits: Build messy, irregular webs in garages, sheds, woodpiles, and outdoor furniture. Prefer dark, undisturbed areas.

Problem: Highly venomous bite that can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and other medical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About BLACK WIDOW Spiders