Spider
- Species of Most Concern:
- Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus)
- Size:
- Body about 1/2 inch, legs extending further
- Color:
- Shiny black with a red or orange hourglass marking underneath
- Danger Level:
- Moderate to high — venomous bite, medically significant though rarely fatal
Identification
Most spiders around a Valley home are harmless, but the western black widow is the one worth knowing on sight: shiny black, round-bodied, with a red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. They build irregular, tangled webs in dark, undisturbed places rather than the neat orb webs people usually picture.
Black widows are shy and not aggressive — bites almost always happen when a hand or foot accidentally corners one, which is exactly why woodpiles, garages, and storage boxes are common bite locations.
Why Spider Are a Problem in Arizona
Block walls, landscaping rock, woodpiles, and storage sheds all give spiders exactly the dark, undisturbed spots they prefer, and Arizona's block-wall construction style is especially well suited to it. Garages and covered patios are also common hot spots, since they're rarely disturbed and often cluttered.
A black widow bite causes real symptoms — muscle pain, cramping, and in more serious cases, more systemic effects — and while it's rarely fatal to a healthy adult, it warrants medical attention, especially for children or older adults.
What to Expect From Legacy
Inspection of block walls, eaves, garages, and storage areas for webs and egg sacs
Perimeter treatment targeting known spider hiding spots
Removal of webs and egg sacs found during service
Recommendations on reducing clutter and harborage close to the home
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