Brown Widow Spiders

Characteristics, Habits, and Geography

Brown widow spiders, alternatively known as gray widow spiders or geometric button spiders, are gray or brown arachnids with orange or yellow hourglass-shaped markings on the undersides of their abdomens, and black and white geometric patterns on their backs. Female brown widows are approximately 1 to 3/2 inches in length, while the males range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length.

Like their cousins the black widow spiders, brown widows are venomous. However, while the venom of brown widows is as toxic as the venom of black widows, brown widows inject less venom into their prey and are therefore not dangerous to humans, excepting those who are allergic to spider bites. Most people bitten by brown widows report that the discomfort they experienced was similar to the discomfort they might feel if bitten by an ordinary house spider. Brown widows are generally not aggressive, and will usually flee from humans.

Brown widows prefer to make their webs in sheltered areas such as mail boxes, under eaves, in abandoned vehicles, beneath patio furniture, and in flowerpots. They can be found throughout the Southern United States.

Damage Signs

Homeowners may detect the presence of brown widow spider egg sacs in the home before they detect the spiders themselves. Brown widow egg sacs are tan, are approximately 1/2 inch across, and look like sandspur seeds, or round spiky balls. Brown widows are not known for causing damage to homes or humans, but their mere presence in the home can be bothersome to many people.

Control

Homeowners looking to prevent brown widows from entering their homes should seal up cracks and holes through which brown widows might enter, and remove firewood and unused containers, such as flowerpots, from the area surrounding the house.

Homeowners who find brown widows in their homes or garages should remove the spiders and accompanying webs and egg sacs with a vacuum.  Once the vacuuming has been completed, it is best to place the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag, and then put the bag in an outdoor garbage receptacle. If the infestation is more severe, it may be necessary to use insecticides, or to call in a licensed exterminator.

Sourced from: mypestprevention.com