Color: Usually gloss black but may also be dark brown to light brown. Other widow spiders may be brown.

The red markings on the underside of the abdomen usually connect to form an hourglass shape, but this DOES NOT ALWAYS occur. The black widow spider is feared because its bite results in severe pain that may take numerous days to subside. Such bites are in rare cases fatal, however small children and the elderly are at risk.

Behavior – Black widow spiders construct irregular sized, scaffold type webs usually near the ground. These webs are almost always constructed in a protected area such as under boards, in firewood, and between boxes. This spiders bite can cause severe pain and cramping throughout the body for days.

Bites usually occur when people are picking up an item with which the spider is hiding under or putting on a shoe the spider has crawled inside of.

Control - Control is best left to a professional company such as Select Pest Control.

Tips:
Bites can be avoided by wearing heavy gloves when moving items stored outside, in garages or basements.
Shoes should be stored inside shoeboxes or vigorously shaken prior to wearing.
When a web is visible, look carefully before putting your hand under an object.

Brown Recluse Spider
Size: About 5/8-inches in length and a leg span of about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

Color: Usually light brown but may be darker.

The key to identifying this spider are the six eyes arranged in three pairs at the front of the head area and the fiddle-shaped marking on the back. The brown recluse spider is often referred to as a "violin" spider or a "fiddleback" spider because of the fiddle shaped marking on its top.

Behavior – The brown recluse spider does not look for people to bite. The bite is usually accidental by crawling into a shoe, bed or other article of clothing. The spider, has only one defense -Biting. The bite of this spider can produce an open, ulcerating sore. Left untreated, such bites often become infected.

Habitat – Any corner inside or outside is suitable for brown recluse spiders to construct their webs. These spiders are common in garages, and basements.

Control – Seek the help of a professional such as Select Pest Control.

Tips:
Clothing can be stored in sealed plastic before hanging in closets for storage.
Shoes should be kept sealed in a shoebox.
Clothes that have been left on the floor or in a clothes basket should be shaken before worn.
Beds should be moved out so they don't touch walls or drapes.
Bed skirts around the box springs should be removed from beds, and bedspreads that come near or touch the floor should not be used. These items allow spiders easy access to climb onto the bed.