What Kills Black Widow Spiders? The guide about The Black Spiders

Black widow spiders are dangerous because of their venomous bite. These spiders can be found in many parts of the world, including homes, gardens, and sheds. If you see a black widow spider, it’s important to get rid of it carefully. In this article, we will explain different methods to kill black widow spiders safely and prevent them from returning.

How to Identify a Black Widow Spider?

Before learning how to kill black widow spiders, you must know what they look like. This will help you avoid killing harmless spiders by mistake.

What Does a Black Widow Spider Look Like?

A black widow spider is small, shiny, and black. Female black widows are about the size of a marble and are more dangerous than males. The female spider has a red hourglass shape on her belly. Male black widow spiders are smaller and have lighter markings, but they are not a threat to humans.

Where Do Black Widow Spiders Live?

Black widows like dark, quiet places. They can be found in garages, basements, wood piles, sheds, and under rocks. These spiders spin messy, irregular webs to catch insects. You may find them in corners, cracks, or hidden spots in your home.

How Dangerous Are Black Widow Spiders?

The bite of a black widow spider is dangerous, especially to small children and pets. While black widow bites are rarely deadly, they can cause severe pain and health problems.

What Happens If a Black Widow Bites You?

If a black widow spider bites you, you may feel pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site. Symptoms can include:

• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating

If you think you have been bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical attention right away.

Best Ways to Kill Black Widow Spiders

If you have black widow spiders in your home or yard, it is important to kill them safely. Here are some of the most effective methods to get rid of them.

Use Spider Sprays:

Spider sprays are one of the easiest ways to kill black widow spiders. These sprays are designed to kill spiders on contact. You can buy spider sprays at most hardware or grocery stores.

• Step 1: Find the black widow spider.
• Step 2: Spray the spider directly from a safe distance.
• Step 3: Make sure the spider is dead before you remove it.

Always follow the instructions on the spray bottle and wear gloves if needed.

Insecticide Dust:

Insecticide dust is another effective method for killing black widow spiders. This type of dust is placed in areas where spiders hide, like cracks or holes in walls. When the spider walks through the dust, it absorbs the poison and dies.

• Step 1: Spread the insecticide dust in corners, cracks, and dark areas where black widows may live.
• Step 2: Check the areas regularly for dead spiders.
• Step 3: Clean up any spider webs or dust after the spiders are dead.

Use a Vacuum:

A simple way to remove black widow spiders is to vacuum them. This is best for killing spiders you see in hard-to-reach areas, like corners or ceilings.

• Step 1: Use a vacuum cleaner with a long nozzle attachment.
• Step 2: Suck up the black widow spider and its web.
• Step 3: After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and throw it away.

Make sure the spider is dead before handling the vacuum bag.

Use Sticky Traps:

Sticky traps can help catch and kill black widow spiders. These traps are easy to use and do not require chemicals.

• Step 1: Place sticky traps in areas where you have seen black widow spiders, like dark corners or near doors.
• Step 2: Check the traps regularly for spiders.
• Step 3: Dispose of the traps when they have caught a spider.

Sticky traps are safe for homes with pets and children, as they do not use any harmful chemicals.

Kill Spiders with Essential Oils:

Some essential oils, like peppermint or lavender oil, can repel and kill black widow spiders. These natural oils are safe and can be used around the house.

• Step 1: Mix 10 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
• Step 2: Spray the mixture in areas where black widows are likely to hide.
• Step 3: Spray directly on the spider if you see one.

Essential oils may not kill the spider instantly, but they will repel it and eventually kill it if used frequently.

Preventing Black Widow Spiders from Returning

After killing black widow spiders, it’s important to prevent them from returning. Here are some tips to keep your home spider-free.

Keep Your Home Clean:

Spiders are attracted to clutter and dark, hidden spaces. Keeping your home clean and organized will make it less inviting for black widow spiders.

• Sweep and vacuum regularly.
• Remove cobwebs from corners and ceilings.
• Clear out clutter from basements, attics, and garages.

Seal Cracks and Gaps:

Black widow spiders can enter your home through small cracks and gaps. Sealing these openings will keep spiders from getting inside.

• Use caulk to seal cracks around windows and doors.
• Repair any holes in window screens.
• Seal gaps around pipes and vents.

Keep Outdoor Areas Tidy:

Black widows often live outside in wood piles, tall grass, or under rocks. Keeping your yard tidy will reduce the chances of spiders coming indoors.

• Store firewood away from the house.
• Trim tall grass and bushes regularly.
• Remove debris, like piles of leaves or rocks.

Use Outdoor Lighting Carefully:

Bright outdoor lights can attract insects, which in turn attract black widow spiders. To prevent this, use outdoor lighting carefully.

• Use yellow or motion-sensor lights, which attract fewer insects.
• Keep outdoor lights away from windows and doors.

Killing black widow spiders is important for your safety, especially if you have children or pets at home. You can use sprays, insecticide dust, vacuums, or even natural methods like essential oils. After killing the spiders, take steps to prevent them from returning by keeping your home clean, sealing gaps, and tidying outdoor spaces. If you follow these tips, you can safely get rid of black widow spiders and keep your home free from pests.

FAQs About Killing Black Widow Spiders