Brown Widow Spiders - Facts and Prevention

Many have heard of the infamous Black Widow Spider, but you may not be aware of her sister species the Brown Widow Spider. These spiders are most commonly found in Florida, however, sightings ave been reported in Southern California, Colorado, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina as well. The reasoning for the spread across America is most likely due to transportation in vehicles. There have been many complaints of finding this spider in cars and RVs.

These spiders will vary from a light tan to dark brown, sometimes almost mistaken for a black shade which can confuse people of this spider with the Black Widow. The under side of the spiders abdomen is where you can find the infamous widows hour glass marking. Unlike the Black Widow, the marking of the Brown Widow are orange to a yellow-orange.

Another distinct way to tell the Brown Widow apart from it's sister species is the egg sac. Instead of having a smooth surface, the sac is covered in pointed spike resembling features. It has been described as "fluffy" looking.

Brown Widows tend to build their webs in secluded areas around homes, most often very close to where we dwell in our daily routines. Some of the most common areas you would find a Brown Widow consist of empty containers, mail boxes, entry way corners, stacked equipment, cluttered storage, closets, garages, garbage cans, outside chairs, and underneath mobile homes.

Although when most hear the name of any widow spider, fear strikes many. However, widow spiders are generally not very aggressive and will retreat when disturbed. Bites typically occur when the spider becomes accidentally pushed against your skin or if a person places their hands in dark areas where a widow is. The Brown Widow is very timid and will do not tend to protect their webs. They will scurry away to a new location.