Black widow spiders are well known for their shiny black bodies and the red hourglass pattern on the underside of the abdomen. They are one of the most recognizable spiders in North America and a common concern for homeowners in Idaho. While bites are rare, the venom of a female black widow can cause significant pain and requires prompt medical attention.
Many homeowners wonder what happens to black widows during the colder months. Understanding their behavior helps with prevention and year round control.
Do Black Widows Hibernate?
Black widows do not truly hibernate. Instead, they slow down their activity as temperatures drop. In cold weather they:
- Stay hidden inside their webs or shelters
- Move very little during the daytime
- Conserve energy during long periods of cold
- Seek warmer protected areas including garages, crawlspaces, sheds, and foundations
They can remain active on milder winter days, which means Idaho homeowners can still encounter them even in the colder months.
When temperatures fall below 50 degrees, movement decreases significantly but the spider does not die. When temperatures rise again, activity increases.
This is why winter is still an important time for monitoring and prevention around homes in the Treasure Valley.
Types of Widow Spiders
Widow spiders belong to the genus Latrodectus. Worldwide, there are more than thirty species, though only a few are commonly encountered in the United States.
The most recognized species include:
- Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans)
- Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus)
- Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus)
- Brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus)
- Redback widow (primarily Australia and New Zealand)
In Idaho, the species homeowners encounter most often is the Western black widow. Males are much smaller and rarely bite. Females are larger, more defensive, and responsible for the medically significant bites that sometimes occur.
Where Black Widows Live
Black widows prefer dark, protected areas where prey is abundant. Indoors and outdoors they commonly hide in:
- Garages and storage areas
- Crawlspaces and basements
- Woodpiles and debris piles
- Eaves, corners, and outdoor structures
- Unused shoes, gloves, or stored items
- Gaps around foundations or steps
They often build irregular webs close to the ground and remain hidden during the day.
When winter arrives, these locations provide warmth and stability, reducing the chances of cold exposure.
Are Black Widows Active Inside Homes in Winter?
Yes. When temperatures outside drop, black widows may enter homes and outbuildings in search of warmth. Indoors they may remain active throughout the winter.
Signs include:
- Messy, irregular webs near floor level
- Presence of egg sacs
- Spiders hiding in cluttered or undisturbed spaces
Because their activity slows down in cold weather, infestations often go unnoticed until temperatures warm up again.
How to Reduce Black Widow Activity Around Your Home
Prevention is the most effective long term strategy. Homeowners can reduce black widow presence by:
- Sealing entry points along the foundation, windows, and door frames
- Removing clutter in garages, basements, and storage areas
- Keeping firewood stacked away from the structure
- Reducing outdoor debris piles
- Using gloves when moving stored items or working in crawlspaces
- Ensuring exterior lighting does not attract excessive insect prey
These steps make your home less appealing as a winter shelter.
Professional Control for Black Widow Spiders
Because black widows prefer hidden areas and can produce multiple egg sacs, professional treatment is often the most reliable way to eliminate them.
A Pestcom Pest Management expert can:
- Identify active hiding spots
- Remove webs and egg sacs
- Apply targeted treatments in cracks and low visibility areas
- Build a long term prevention plan tailored for Idaho homes
Residents throughout the Treasure Valley rely on winter and spring spider control to prevent seasonal surges.
For safe and effective removal, contact Pestcom Pest Management today.