Spiders are invertebrates with two body segments, eight legs, and typically range in size from a ¼ of an inch to several inches long. Although sometimes mistakenly called insects, they are categorized as arachnids that have fangs and feed on a variety of smaller insects. The majority of spiders pose minimal health risks to humans; however, the black widow is one type that can be dangerous.
The black widow spider has a shiny black body that ranges from three to ten millimeters long and has a distinctive red marking that resembles an hourglass on its belly. In exterior areas of a home, the black widow may choose to reside in firewood piles, overgrown vegetation, and other forms of debris. Once indoors, they commonly are attracted to basements, closets, and other darker locations.
