Black Widow Facts and Information

Black widow spiders are one of Southern California's most medically significant arachnids, recognized by their distinctive shiny black coloration and red hourglass marking. These venomous spiders are commonly found in dark, undisturbed areas around homes and structures, posing a serious health risk to humans and pets.

While generally not aggressive, black widows will defend their webs and can deliver a potentially dangerous bite if disturbed. Females, which are larger and more venomous than males, can produce multiple egg sacs containing 200-900 eggs each. Their irregular cobwebs are often found in cluttered areas, woodpiles, and dark corners of garages and outbuildings. Despite their fearsome reputation, black widows play a beneficial role in controlling other pest populations, though their presence near human habitation requires careful management due to their medical significance.