Brown Widow Spider

Color: Light brown to dark brown with a yellow or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen

Size: Females are typically 0.5 - 1 inch in body length; males are smaller

Shape: Rounded abdomen with long, slender legs

What is a Brown Widow Spider?

Brown widow spiders are closely related to black widows but are typically lighter in color. They have a distinctive hourglass marking on their underside, which is usually yellow or orange.

Where do Brown Widow Spiders live?

Brown widow spiders live in sheltered, undisturbed areas. Inside homes, they can be found in basements, garages, and attics. Outdoors, they build webs in sheds, under outdoor furniture, and around decks. They prefer places that provide protection from the elements.

What do Brown Widow Spiders eat?

Brown widow spiders eat a variety of insects. Their diet includes flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and other small bugs. They use their webs to catch prey, injecting venom to paralyze it before eating.

How do Brown Widow Spiders behave?

Brown widow spiders are shy and avoid human contact. They spin irregular, tangled webs in dark, secluded spots. These spiders are not aggressive and usually only bite when they feel threatened. Their venom is potent but generally less toxic to humans than that of the black widow.

How do Brown Widow Spiders reproduce?

The female brown widow spider lays eggs in a spiky, silken sac, which she attaches to her web. Each egg sac can contain dozens of eggs. The spiderlings hatch and stay near the egg sac for a short time before dispersing to find their own hiding spots.

How can you control Brown WidowSpiders?

To control brown widow spiders, keep your home and yard clean and free of clutter. Regularly inspect and clean dark, undisturbed areas where they might hide. Seal cracks and gaps to prevent them from entering. Professional pest control can help manage and remove these spiders safely.

Brown widow spiders can be harmful to humans if they bite. While their venom is potent, it is generally less dangerous than that of the black widow. Symptoms can include pain, redness, and swelling. Keeping your home and yard clean and reducing clutter can help prevent encounters with these spiders. Being cautious and respectful of their space can minimize the risk of bites.

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