Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus)
Brown widow spiders (latrodectus geometricus) can vary from light tan to dark brown or almost black and may have differing markings such as white, black, yellow, brown and even orange on the back of their abdomen. The widow spiders are the most venomous spiders in the United States, because there bites are sometimes fatal.
General Biology
Brown widows can be located by finding their eggsacks, which are easily identifiable. They resemble a sandspur, having pointed projections all over, and they are sometimes described as "spiky" in appearance. Eggs hatch in approximately 20 days. Brown widow spiders can be found under stones, about stumps, in holes in the ground, and around building. The brown widow builds its web in secluded, protected sites around our homes, often very near our presence. The brown widow has a prominent "hourglass" marking on the underside of the abdomen. The venom released from a brown widow is much more toxic than the black widow, but when it bites it doesn’t release as much venom as a black widow does.
Control
Sanitation is the most important strategy in reducing widow spiders’ infestations around the home. Routine cleaning is the best way to eliminate spiders and discourage their return. Around the home, potential hiding places such as firewood, building materials, and other debris lying on the ground should be moved away from the building, disposed of, or treated with chemical residues. Any cracks, holes, or spaces around windows and doors should be sealed or fitted with weather stripping. Spot treatment applications of a residual insecticide to locations where spiders build their web sites can be helpful to prevent new spiders from becoming established.
Due to the venomous and dangerous nature of brown widows, it is recommended that you call a pest professional to control any infestation.