The New Widow in Town: The Brown Widow Spider
We all know the Black widow, she is easy to describe: shiny black body with a bright red hourglass or triangle on her abdomen. But there is a new widow in town, the Brown widow. Researchers say the Brown widow may be taking over Black widow territory.
The Brown widow spider was first documented in Florida 1935. In as little as 68 years they have traveled all the way to California. Researchers have found an explosion of Brown widows displacing Black widows in Southern California. After a 72 site study they found 20 times as many Brown widows as Black.
The good news is Brown widow spider bites are lower on the toxicity index than the bite from a Black widow spider. However, they are still dangerous and extreme caution should be taken if you believe that Brown widow spiders are on or near your property.
Located below are pictures of the Brown widow spider.
In St. George, Southwest Exterminators pest control specialists’ have seen that the Brown widow spider prefers children’s backyard play equipment, sheds (especially metal ones), and untreated garages. If you even think you have Brown widows give us a call. If you have any more questions about the Brown widow please feel free to call our office at 435-628-2700.