MARTHA STEWART - You’re reaching in the back of your garage for a box of holiday decorations or a power tool when you notice it—a shiny black spider tucked in the corner, its telltale red hourglass on full display. But don’t panic; black widows aren’t looking to pick a fight with you. In fact, they’re generally rather reclusive and prefer to keep their distance. Still, they’re venomous, so if one has made its way into your home, you’ll want to know how to handle the situation safely. We spoke with spider experts who shared what to do if you find yourself living out your real-life arachnophobic nightmare.
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Retired UC Riverside entomologist Rick S. Vetter adds that juveniles can have red dots or white stripes. Their egg sacs can also indicate whether you’re looking at a black widow—they’re typically white to tan, round with a pointed end, and suspended in the web.