Black and red spiders in Florida include venomous species like the Southern Black Widow and Red Widow. Learn how to identify them, where they hide, and how to keep your home safe year-round with tips from South Florida’s trusted pest control professionals.
In Florida’s subtropical climate, venomous widow spiders thrive in everything from backyard sheds to native palmetto scrub. Knowing the difference between a dangerous black widow and a harmless lookalike is necessary for protecting your home, your family, and even your pets.
This guide covers how to spot the most common black and red spiders in Florida, the places they hide, how to handle a bite, and when it's time to call in help.
If you're looking for spider control tailored to Florida's unique environment, Hoffer Pest Solutions offers inspections and treatments designed to eliminate widow spiders, and the conditions that attract them.
Want to learn exactly what these spiders look like, how to keep them out, and what to do if you find one? Keep reading for the full breakdown.
Are Black and Red Spiders in Florida Dangerous?
In Florida, the phrase “black and red spider” usually brings to mind one of the state’s four venomous widow species: the Southern Black Widow, Northern Black Widow, Brown Widow, and the Red Widow. Each of these spiders carries medically significant venom, but their level of risk varies, and so does their likelihood of interaction with people.
The Southern Black Widow is the most commonly encountered and is responsible for the majority of verified bites. It’s recognized by its glossy black body and bright red hourglass underneath. The Red Widow, in contrast, is a rare and protected species found only in Florida’s sand pine scrub. Despite their bold coloring, widows are not aggressive. They hide during the day and only bite if threatened, such as when accidentally pressed against the skin while reaching into cluttered areas.
It’s worth noting that not all red and black spiders are dangerous. Many non-venomous species are misidentified due to similar coloring, leading to unnecessary fear or inaction when help is needed. Proper identification is key. If a bite does occur, it’s always wise to seek medical attention, especially if symptoms escalate beyond localized pain.
Quick Identification Guide
Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)
This glossy black spider features the unmistakable red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen. Females are significantly larger than males and are typically spotted in dark, sheltered environments, think garages, sheds, piles of firewood, or even patio furniture left untouched for a while.
Brown Widow
With an hourglass that ranges from orange to yellow, the brown widow has a mottled, darker brown body and long banded legs. It’s especially common in Florida’s urban and suburban areas, often found beneath mailboxes, plastic outdoor chairs, porch eaves, and even in children’s toys. Their spiky egg sacs help distinguish them from their more dangerous relatives.
Red Widow (Latrodectus bishopi)
A Florida native and a threatened species, the red widow is identified by its bright red legs and cephalothorax, and a reddish abdomen often lacking a complete hourglass. They live in undisturbed palmetto scrub habitats and are rarely found near homes. While venomous, they are extremely shy and unlikely to pose a risk to pets, especially if the pet doesn’t disturb their hidden burrow.
Harmless Lookalikes: Spiders You Don’t Need to Fear
Floridians often confuse other spiders with black widows due to overlapping red and black coloration. Here are four of the most commonly mistaken, yet harmless, species:
False Black Widow
More brown than black, without the red hourglass. Its bite may cause mild irritation, but it’s not considered medically dangerous.
Orb Weavers (Argiope)
Large, vibrant spiders that spin symmetrical webs. They help control garden pests and pose no threat to humans.
Wolf Spiders
Large and hairy, wolf spiders don’t build webs and are often mistaken for brown recluses. They’re hunters, not ambushers.
Funnel Weavers
Known for their funnel-shaped webs, these garden spiders are often blamed for bites that are actually from other insects.
If you’re seeing spiders under patio furniture, it may be due to clutter and shade, not necessarily danger. Brown widows, in particular, thrive in man-made structures that offer shelter from Florida’s sun and predators.
Where These Spiders Hide And Why That Matters
Knowing spider behavior helps you avoid accidental encounters, and bites. Black widows prefer undisturbed, cluttered areas. You’ll find them tucked in:
Woodpiles and log stacks
Beneath unused patio furniture
Inside cluttered garages and tool sheds
In old boots, gloves, or flowerpots
Brown widows, with their growing presence in Florida cities, have adapted to mailboxes, eaves, and even trash bins. Their survival depends on proximity to prey, darkness, and moisture.
Red widows, unlike their cousins, do not live in homes or urban areas. They prefer native palmetto scrublands, rarely crossing paths with people unless habitat loss drives them closer to civilization.
If you see a messy web close to the ground with white or spiky egg sacs, there’s likely a widow nearby.
Signs of Infestation And When to Take Action
It only takes a few web sightings to spark fear of infestation, but not every sighting means danger. You’ll want to watch for:
Irregular, tangled webs in low corners
Egg sacs, white (black widow) or spiked (brown widow)
Sightings of mature females, often near their webs
Multiple webs in cluttered or damp spaces
While some egg sacs may be visible, others are tucked in discreet cracks or behind boxes. Regular inspection is mandatory.
If you’re spotting webs regularly or worried about hidden colonies, it’s time to bring in professionals. Hoffer Pest Solutions offers targeted spider inspections and treatments that address existing issues and help prevent future problems.
What Happens If You Get Bitten?
Black widow bites are rare but can be serious. Bites usually happen when someone reaches into a dark area and accidentally presses against the spider. The most commonly reported symptoms include:
Sharp local pain
Radiating muscle cramps (especially from Southern Black Widow bites)
Nausea, sweating, chills, or difficulty breathing
Though red widow bites are rarely documented, their venom is similar in potency. Immediate first aid includes washing the area, applying ice, and seeking medical attention. Severe symptoms warrant a 911 call.
Preventing Widow Spiders Around Your Home
You can dramatically reduce your risk by staying proactive. Some key prevention tactics include:
Remove outdoor clutter like firewood, lawn furniture, and debris.
Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines.
Store gloves, shoes, and boxes off the ground, preferably in sealed containers.
Sweep webs regularly from garage corners, porch ceilings, and sheds.
Switch to yellow outdoor lights, which attract fewer insects, and thus fewer spiders.
While rare, widows can enter through AC vents or utility gaps if not sealed. Preventive maintenance is your first and most cost-effective line of defense.
Why These Spiders Keep Coming Back
Florida’s warm, humid environment is ideal for spiders year-round. Brown widows in particular are resilient and highly adaptable, often returning to the same locations even after treatment.
If your yard harbors insects, moisture, and clutter, it’s essentially a VIP invitation for spiders. While some natural predators like birds and lizards help keep populations in check, they’re no substitute for pest control strategies designed to remove attractants and block entry points.
Spider control isn’t a one-time fix. That’s why we recommend ongoing inspection and exclusion services, especially during peak seasons.
Why Choose Hoffer Pest Solutions for Spider Control in Florida?
We’ve spent over four decades protecting Florida families from pests of all kinds, including dangerous spiders. As a second-generation, family-owned company, Hoffer Pest Solutions combines local knowledge with modern, environmentally responsible treatments.
Our services are:
Backed by experience with widow spiders in South Florida
Tailored to your home’s unique risk factors
Safe for children and pets
Backed by our commitment to fast, reliable, and respectful service
We’re your neighbors. We’re invested in our community because we live here, too, and we treat every home as if it were our own.
Worried about spiders around your home or yard? Schedule your inspection with Hoffer Pest Solutions today
Take the Next Step Toward a Spider-Free Home
If you've spotted suspicious webs, egg sacs, or spider activity around your property, don’t wait for a bite to take action. We offer accurate identification, safe removal, and long-term prevention, all tailored for Florida homes.
Book your inspection today and let our family help protect yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do mothballs work against spiders?
No. Mothballs are unreliable as a spider deterrent and may pose risks to children or pets.
Can spiders live in outdoor cushions or trash bins?
Yes. These spaces provide shade, moisture, and insect prey, especially appealing to brown widows.
Is spraying pesticides safe for pets?
Only if applied professionally. We use eco-conscious, pet-safe treatments designed for families like yours.
Can spiders infest kids’ toys outside?
Absolutely. Always shake out or inspect outdoor gear, especially if it’s been sitting unused.