Photo: xpda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kansas City Pest Identification
Latrodectus mactans / L. variolusBlack Widow Identification
Both the southern and northern black widow occur in Kansas and Missouri. They stay outdoors or in outbuildings and are far less common in living spaces than brown recluse, but the bite is medically significant.
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How to Identify It
A glossy jet-black female with a globe-shaped abdomen and a red hourglass underneath (the northern species may show red spots on top). The web is a tangled, very strong, irregular mess close to the ground. Egg sacs are tan, papery, and round.
Size: Females 8–13 mm body; males much smaller
Commonly Confused With
The false black widow (Steatoda) is brownish with no hourglass; the bold jumping spider is black with white or orange spots and is fuzzy, not glossy.
Why It Shows Up
They prefer undisturbed, dark, protected spots with insect traffic: under decks and outdoor furniture, in woodpiles, water meter boxes, crawlspace vents, and the corners of garages and sheds. Indoors is uncommon.
Where Homeowners Find It
Under deck railings and patio furniture, behind shutters, in electrical and irrigation boxes, in stacked firewood, and along the bottom of garage door tracks.
Seasonal Activity in KC
Most visible July through October; adults overwinter in sheltered spots.
Risk Level
The bite causes intense muscle pain and cramping and can be dangerous for small children, the elderly, and people with heart conditions. Antivenom exists and bites are rarely fatal, but they need medical attention.
What You Can Do Yourself
- • Wear gloves when moving firewood, patio cushions, or stored items outdoors.
- • Knock down webs and remove egg sacs with a broom; reduce outdoor lighting that draws the insects they eat.
- • Keep firewood and debris away from the house and off the ground.
What Professional Treatment Involves
Inspection with a flashlight at dusk (they are easy to spot when active), physical removal of spiders and egg sacs, targeted treatment of harborage under decks, in boxes, and along the foundation, and reduction of the insect prey that attracts them.
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Common Questions
How do I tell a black widow from something that looks similar?
The false black widow (Steatoda) is brownish with no hourglass; the bold jumping spider is black with white or orange spots and is fuzzy, not glossy.
Do I need professional treatment for black widow?
Inspection with a flashlight at dusk (they are easy to spot when active), physical removal of spiders and egg sacs, targeted treatment of harborage under decks, in boxes, and along the foundation, and reduction of the insect prey that attracts them.