How To Get Rid Of Black Widows

If you've discovered a black widow in the garage, you need to take action quickly. While one black widow might not seem like a threat, it can reproduce and spawn many black widows in the same area, creating a danger to you and your family.

In this article, we're taking a closer look at how to get rid of black widows in the garage

How to Get Rid of Black Widows in Garage

As spiders go, the Black Widow is one of the most notorious. With a bite that is extremely venomous (and painful), you definitely don't want them in or near your home. Thankfully it is usually a rare occurrence. This article will teach you a little about this fearsome little spider and how to get rid of black widows in your garage.

Here's how to get rid of black widows in the garage.

What Do Black Widows Look Like?

Black widows are particularly distinctive and easy to identify. They are characterized by a jet-black body. The females are also adorned with a highly visible red stripe along their abdomen. This is usually shaped like an hourglass. Depending on location, you may also find that this colored 'stripe' may be amber instead of red.

Why Have I got Black Widows in My Garage?

Let's be honest.

Often our garage isn't the cleanest place in the entire house. This can attract a range of insects that black widows love to eat . They also prefer dark environments and to hide in corners. Most garages have plenty of nooks and crannies that make the perfect location for a hungry black widow to call home.

If you have an existing insect issue, you are more likely to attract black widow spiders. They tend to prefer to live outside and will go out of their way to avoid people. If they have decided to enter your home, it will be for a reason.

The good news is that, while their bite can be pretty venomous, they aren't a particularly aggressive species. They usually only bite when they feel threatened , so if you've spotted one, leave it alone until you've come up with a strategy on how to deal with it.

How Do I Get Rid of Black Widows in My Garage?

So you've moved a few boxes and found a black widow. Here are several methods on how to deal with it.

Natural Methods

You can discourage and remove black widow spiders in a few natural ways. Often these solutions can be attempted with things you'll commonly find lying around the house.

Get Rid of Welcome Mat

As we said, garages make an ideal habitat for black widow spiders. They are cool, dark, and have lots of tucked-away holes to hide in.

The key to preventing black widow spiders in your garage is two-fold.

First, have a good tidy and see if you can reduce the number of places for a black widow to hide. Storage boxes for loose items make it harder for black widows to build their web.

Secondly, if a black widow can't get in, you will not have to help it move out. Ensure that your garage is sealed from the outside world. Plug and fill any gaps, draft excluders, and window seals are both effective in preventing 8-legged friends from entering your property

Strong Smells Stop Spiders

Like most creepy crawlies, spiders tend to be averse to very strong smells. Scents that have a citrus or menthol base are particularly effective. Here are some great suggestions for scents you can apply to frighten away spiders: –

Citronella
Lemon Juice
Eucalyptus
Mint based smells such as peppermint oil
Tea tree oil
Menthol

Vinegar

Time to take some direct action. Vinegar is harmful to a spider's fragile skin. To make a homemade spider spray, mix equal amounts of water and vinegar. Decant this into a spray bottle, and then give the spider a little 'spritz'.

If you are dealing with a nest and there are egg sacs visible, this solution will also kill the eggs.

Use a Vacuum

When was the last time you wanted to put your hands near something more venomous than a rattlesnake ?

If you use a vacuum cleaner, attach a hose nozzle and use it to suck the spider, and web, away wholesale. Be careful where you empty the vacuum afterward. The last thing you want to do is remove a black widow spider from your garage and transport it into your home.

Chemical Warfare

So, you want to be sure that you've removed a black widow from your garage?

We are going to have to up our game.

Some chemical-based pesticides and solutions are really effective.

You can buy either a spray or a powder. The powder is a long-term solution that is best used in undisturbed areas. Sprays are acute and target the problem at the source.

Most spider sprays are also effective against egg-sacs. So if you want to banish black widows from your garage permanently, they are a great option

Consider Your Clothing

Spiders, like all wild animals, can be a little unpredictable. While a black widow is more than likely to run away from you, the last thing you need is for them to accidentally make their way onto you as they try to escape.

The best way to guard against this is to wear appropriate clothing. A pair of kitchen gloves will protect your hands. One often overlooked area is your feet. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes to prevent a bite on your foot.

Long-sleeved jerseys and long trousers are a good option too.

Remove Food Sources

As we said above, if spiders are entering your property, there is a good chance of a steady supply of food. Even if you don't have spiders, you are creating more favorable conditions by allowing insect life to flourish.

Remove the food, prevent the spider. It's that simple.

If you are struggling to deal with a bug infestation, it could be time to call an expert before getting even more uninvited guests.

Contact the Professionals

Don't like spiders or the thought of going anywhere near them?

You are not alone.

The easiest and most time-effective solution is to contact a professional pest removal company. They have all the required equipment to remove black widow spiders from your garage and prevent them from returning. Facility Pest Control provides free quotes and has experience in removing spiders, as well as other bugs, from any area in your home.