Know the hourglass
Black widows like the quiet corners outside and in the garage, and we know right where to look.
Spiders are covered.
Black widows fall under spiders on every recurring home pest control plan.
Webs knocked down.
Every visit, we clear webs and nests around the outside of your home.
Back for free.
Still seeing spiders between visits? Re-service is free on any plan.
Black widow spiders in Kansas City are shiny black with a red hourglass under the belly. They live on both sides of the state line and favor dark, cluttered spots outside and in garages. Spiders, black widows included, are covered on our year-round pest control plans.
Here’s how to identify one, where to look and how we handle them. Our spider exterminator page covers spider service more broadly.
How do you identify a black widow?
A female black widow is glossy black with a red or orange hourglass shape on the underside of her round abdomen. With legs, she’s about 1 1/2 inches across.
Males and young spiders are smaller and paler, often with red, white or yellow markings. Black widow webs look messy and tangled, not like a neat wheel, and usually sit low to the ground.
Where do black widows live around Kansas City homes?
Black widows live in dark, undisturbed spots like woodpiles, garages, window wells, sheds and under outdoor furniture. They rarely come into living areas.
Most sightings of black widow spiders in Kansas City happen in garages and around woodpiles. Other common spots include meter boxes, stacked pots, storage bins, the underside of decks and the corners of crawl space entrances. Firewood stacked against the house gives them easy cover. Our post on firewood pests explains how to store it.
Are black widow bites dangerous?
Seek medical care right away if you think a black widow bit you. Their venom can cause serious symptoms, though bites are uncommon.
Most bites happen when a spider gets pressed against skin, like when someone reaches into a glove, shoe or box without looking.
How do we treat black widow spiders in Kansas City homes?
We treat black widows with an inspection, an exterior barrier, web and nest knockdown and targeted treatment in garages and other hiding spots. Plans include treating inside the garage every visit if you allow access.
We also treat at the crawl space entrance and email you a report after every visit. Allow 10 to 14 days for products to work. If you still see black widow activity after that, we come back for free.
How can I keep black widows away?
Clear clutter and remove the hiding spots they like. A few habits make a big difference:
- Wear gloves when moving firewood, pots or stored boxes.
- Shake out shoes and gloves kept in the garage.
- Keep woodpiles and debris away from the foundation.
- Seal gaps around garage doors and window wells.
For more ideas, see our garage pests guide.
Webs piling up outside? See how we handle spider webs on eaves and porches, and what to know about brown recluse spiders in Kansas City.
Found a black widow near your home? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, black widows live throughout the Kansas City area in both Kansas and Missouri. They usually hide in garages, woodpiles, window wells and sheds rather than inside living spaces.
Yes, Rock Pest covers black widows under spiders on every recurring home pest control plan. Free re-service between scheduled visits is included.
A female black widow is shiny black with a red hourglass under her round abdomen and is about 1 1/2 inches across with legs. Males and young spiders are smaller with lighter markings.
Seek medical care right away if you think a black widow bit you. Bites are uncommon, but their venom can cause serious symptoms.
Yes, Rock Pest plans include treating inside the garage every visit when you allow access. If the garage is closed, we treat the exterior now and the garage next visit.
