Black Widows. The name alone packs a punch. Black Widows can be found in Phoenix’s urban and desert areas! These spiders aren’t aggressive and only bite when they feel threatened. But, their bites can cause some serious or uncomfortable symptoms, and can be fatal.
What to look for:
Females have black glossy backs with a red “hour glass” shape on the underside of their abdomen. Their legs can be up to two times their body length and usually found hanging upside down. This assists in identification as the red “hour glass” is typically visible in this state.
Males are decently smaller than females, with elongated bodies and a variety of coloration. These guys can be black or brown with red spots on their abdomen. Due to this variation, they are harder to identify. Males are often more likely to leave the web, in search for a mate.
Their webs are categorized as stringy, messy, and large- in the stereotypical web pattern. If you find yourself face to face with a widow, call ACTION Termite & Pest Control. Don’t wait or try to handle them on your own. They can be vary dangerous and should be handled by a professional.
