Q&A for How to Identify a Brown Widow Spider

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  • Question
    How do I prevent spiders from entering our home?
    Chris Parker
    Pest Control Specialist
    Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
    Pest Control Specialist
    Expert Answer
    To prevent them from entering your home, start by inspecting the exterior of your house. Remove any items that could attract spiders, such as wood piles, dense vegetation, and long-stored objects, as these areas provide ideal hiding spots for spiders. Also, clear a perimeter of at least one foot around your home, keeping it free of vegetation and stored items. This one-foot barrier helps deter spiders from making their way inside your home.
  • Question
    Are there widow spiders in the UK?
    Community Answer
    No. Brown widows live in more tropical places. The UK is way too cold for most tropical spiders.
  • Question
    Will I die if bitten?
    Community Answer
    There are no documented cases of deaths from a brown widow. Even though they have a similar venom to the black widow, they cannot inject nearly as much, and their bites are much weaker, reducing the chance that the venom spreads.
  • Question
    Are there brown widow spiders in Indiana?
    Community Answer
    That's not their typical habitat. However, anyone moving there or visiting from a more tropical area could accidentally bring one with them.
  • Question
    How can I tell if a spider is a brown widow?
    Community Answer
    It will be brownish in color with gray, tan, or potentially black spots. It will also have an iconic hourglass on the underside of the body.
  • Question
    Does a brown widow spider bite feel like a burn and does the area become swollen?
    Community Answer
    If you have a mild reaction, the bite will itch and puff up like a bad mosquito bite. A more serious reaction can cause burning sensations, an open ulcer wound, shortness of breath and other symptoms. If you have any concerns, call your doctor.
  • Question
    Are brown widow spiders reddish in color?
    Community Answer
    They have the same red hourglass shape on their undersides as black widows have, but their overall color is brown.
  • Question
    Are there brown widow spiders in Mexico?
    Community Answer
    Yes, because of the warm climate. Check in caves and rocks.
  • Question
    Do brown widow spiders live in tropical areas?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they are generally found in tropical and subtropical parts of the world, including Hawaii, Florida, parts of Australia, and some Caribbean islands.
  • Question
    Where are brown widow spiders found?
    Community Answer
    The brown widow spider is found throughout much of the US, especially in the southeast. They tend to inhabit the same kind of low, undisturbed areas as black widows.
  • Question
    Are there brown widow spiders in Indianola?
    Community Answer
    Not natively, but they can still be transported there by accident through a tourist from the southern United States of America or South Africa.
  • Question
    Are these spiders territorial? I have one inside my apartment where the main door is located. I want to get rid of it, but my husband insists that if we get rid of that one, another one may come in, and that this one also keep roaches out. Is there a plausible suggestion?
    Community Answer
    Try to find a way to lure it elsewhere. You could spill some peppermint oil at the entrance; however, make sure it isn't too slippery to walk on. Don't deliberately harm the spider.
  • Question
    Are brown widow spiders safe to keep?
    Community Answer
    It is not recommended, as they may bite you. It's best to leave them alone unless they are bothering you. If you decide to keep one, be careful and avoid handling it.
  • Question
    Are there brown widow spiders in Pennsylvania?
    Community Answer
    Yes, there are brown widow spiders in Pennsylvania but they are rarely encountered.
  • Question
    The spider I found today almost looks like the brown widow, but the color markings on the legs are an orange red color. Is it one?
    Community Answer
    It may be a brown widow. If you think it's a brown widow, and if it's in a potentially dangerous spot, you should probably get rid of it. It could also be a type of orb weaver as well.
  • Question
    Do brown widos nest higher than black widows? Black widows typically do not nest higher than 12” off the ground. I believe I identified one in my porch light and the answer would help me be certain.
    Community Answer
    Brown widows nest wherever they want to, generally in corners and dark places. They have been spotted near the ground and up high. They are pale, stripey brown with an orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen and their egg sacs are more of a yellow and somewhat spiky looking. Males are very small with long legs and are not venomous.
  • Question
    Where can I find brown widow spiders?
    Community Answer
    You can find brown widow spiders in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, and Louisiana,.
  • Question
    Are brown widow spiders found in Pennsylvania?
    Community Answer
    Brown widow spiders are not found in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is not a warm climate state.
  • Question
    How many babies can be in a brown widow egg sack?
    Community Answer
    50-150 babies can hatch from a single egg. Most of the babies will perish from environmental challenges or predation.
  • Question
    What spiders are found in central Texas? Do they have brown widows?
    Community Answer
    Brown widow spiders usually prefer tropical climates. Central Texas or just the state itself has only 2 venomous spiders, the black widow (not brown, black) and the brown recluse or violin spider. Either way you should still look out for these if you live in Texas.
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