Black Widow Spider Control

Black Widow Spiders In Central Texas

The black widow is one of only two spiders of real concern in Central Texas, recognized by the red hourglass on its underside.

Because black widows hide in sheltered, undisturbed spots and bite when disturbed, control focuses on removing their harborage and treating the places people reach into without looking.

Signs You Have Black Widow Spiders

A few signs point to black widows around a property:

• Shiny black spiders with a red hourglass in sheltered spots.
• Messy, irregular webs low to the ground in garages, sheds, and under debris.
• Round, papery egg sacs in the webs.
• Spiders in woodpiles, meter boxes, and cluttered storage.
• Heavy insect activity that gives them a food source.

Are Black Widow Spiders Dangerous?

Black widows are one of the two medically significant spiders in Central Texas. The female’s bite is venomous and can cause muscle pain, cramping, abdominal pain, and sweating, and the NIH MedlinePlus guide to the black widow spider advises seeking medical help right away after a bite.

A bite is rarely fatal for a healthy adult, but it is serious and the risk is higher for young children and older adults. Most bites happen when a spider is trapped against skin, such as when reaching into a woodpile or pulling on a stored glove or shoe.

How We Get Rid of Black Widow Spiders

Stride treats black widows through the five-step Stride Forward process, aimed at their harborage and prey:

1. Inspect. We check woodpiles, sheds, garages, meter boxes, and the dark, sheltered spots where black widows hide.
2. Identify. We confirm black widows by the red hourglass and locate their webs and egg sacs.
3. Recommend. We point out the clutter and harborage to remove and the insect prey to reduce.
4. Treat. We knock down webs and egg sacs, apply a residual and a dust into the voids and harborage where they shelter, and cut the insect prey with a perimeter treatment.
5. Evaluate. We monitor on recurring visits, since black widows return wherever shelter and prey remain.

Our GreenPro certification guides this reduced-risk approach.

How to Keep Black Widow Spiders Away

Keeping black widows away comes down to removing shelter and using care:

• Remove clutter, woodpiles, and debris from around the house.
• Wear gloves when reaching into woodpiles, sheds, and dark storage.
• Seal gaps around doors, windows, and the foundation.
• Reduce insect prey with a perimeter treatment.
• Shake out shoes, gloves, and stored items before use.

Black Widow Spider Control Frequently Asked Questions

Stride Forward is our Integrated Pest Management program where we partner with our clients in the long-term removal and prevention of pests. Keeping your property free of unwanted insects and rodents works best when we work together.

The program combines habitat manipulation, biological control, cultural behavior changes, and the targeted use of products designed to repel or eradicate pests. Our approach follows five steps, with non-chemical methods prioritized before any product application.

Our Certifications & Awards

Stride Pest Control holds QualityPro and GreenPro certifications through the NPMA’s Foundation for Professional Pest Management, and fewer than 3% of pest control companies nationwide hold both. QualityPro requires background checks on every service member, a drug-free workplace, and 16 standards that exceed state and federal requirements.

Our Austin and Round Rock office operates under Texas Department of Agriculture license TPCL #667951, with Burton Johnston as Responsible Certified Applicator. Our San Antonio office operates under TPCL #827449, with Alex Randall as Responsible Certified Applicator. Our office manager, Michael Honeycutt, is an Associate Certified Entomologist through the Entomological Society of America.

Founded in 2013, we have served nearly 12,000 customers across Central Texas and hold a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews with an A+ from the BBB.