After mating, females may consume the male as nourishment needed to fertilize her eggs. Eggs are laid in silken, cup-like sacs and are vehemently protected by the female during the gestation period, which can last from 10 days to 1 month. Females can create anywhere from 5 to more than a dozen sacs, each containing up to 750 eggs. Upon hatching, the young spiders are cannibalistic, killing and eating other hatchlings to survive. Only a small number of the young spiders survive and develop into adults. The transformation into adulthood takes 2-3 months. The average lifespan of a black widow spider is 1 year.

They are most active at night and are attracted to dark, undisturbed areas.

Black widow spider webs build irregular webs made from strong threads. Although they appear a tangled mess, black widow spiders do this intentionally.

LOutdoors, black widow spiders build webs in woodpiles, under patio furniture, protected ledges, and inside cracks and small holes as well as in sheds.

Indoors, black widow spider webs are typically found at or near ground level in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and in dark areas not often disturbed.

Black widow spiders eat insects and other spiders captured in their webs.

Although the initial bite from a black widow may not cause much discomfort for a human victim, the powerful venom can begin affecting the central nervous system immediately with pain rapidly spreading throughout the body.

Vomiting, chills, difficulty breathing, extreme perspiration, palpitations, and delirium are a few of the symptoms that may arise within hours of the bite.

Most bite victims recover within a week; however, there is a 5% mortality rate associated with black widow bites with most fatalities being children and the elderly.

Black widow spiders make their way indoors through cracks, gaps, and openings on the exterior of the structure and once inside may stay if there are insects to feed on.

Sometimes black widow spiders are introduced in boxes, bags, and other items.

If you're concerned that black widows have infested your home, reach out to a licensed pest control for proper identification and treatment.