How to Kill Black Widow Spiders

This time of year is THE time for Black Widow Spiders! If you know how to find them and kill them, you will be able to control them around your yard and home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flashlight
• Ortho Wasp Spray
• A long stick, the diameter of a small coin
• Comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes

1. 
    

   Black Widows like to come out in the evening and night when the weather is hot; wait until dark to start looking around your yard and property. Bring your flashlight, Ortho Wasp Spray, and stick. Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes. The Ortho spray for Wasps seems to work the best - it's foaming action will stun the spider enough to then kill it with a stick if needed, and you can spray from a good distance.

2. 
    

   Start on one side of the house and work around until you end back up where you began.
   Use your flashlight to find the Black Widow(s)by shining the light up (checking above you) and then sweeping down. The spiders are usually found within 2 feet of the ground or up in high corners, and positioned in the middle of their web. Watch for the webs, as they are very strong and will often be an indicator to you that a Black Widow is nearby.
   DO NOT disturb the area, as the spider will feel the vibration and hide.

3. Determine which way the spider may run in it's web, and using good aim, spray the foam directly on the spider. Wait for 2-5 seconds, then squish the spider with the stick. You don't have to squish it, but it will take a little bit of time for the spray to take effect. The spider will die after it's sprayed.

4. 
    

   If you see an egg sack, spray that as well!
   Continue around your home to find as many spiders as you can. Use caution if the spider is positioned above you.
   During the summer months, check around your home weekly to keep the Black Widow spider population under control.

Tips & Warnings

• You may be nervous at first, but with some practice you will find that the spray-method works very well.
• Keeping on top of the Black Widow spiders and checking around your home every week will help prevent them from coming inside.
• Have the kids stay inside the house - this is an adult's job.
• With any bite or sting, seek medical assistance immediately if you are bitten.

[GNGAmerica]

on 9/11/2009 Great article. I never thought of using wasp spray. Now I can hit the spiders form a distance.

[andyandvalm]

on 11/9/2008 I do have Black Widows around my house. We live in NV. I also have 6 Beagles, and I worry that the spiders may bite them AND that the poison to kill the spiders will also hurt my dogs. Is there anything natural and/or not harmful to pets that I can use?

[MizGreenJeans]

on 9/15/2008 More great info from this writer. We have BWSs where we live, and we've learned to always be careful about picking things up or putting on gloves or boots that have been outside. Thanks for the info.

[niellste]

on 8/27/2008 this will be helpful - ive seen quite a bit of them in the fall around here

[MidniteWriter]

on 8/10/2008 Scary stuff, but your articles will keep us safe!