Spiders are a normal part of life in Los Angeles, and the great majority of them are harmless. Most local species are beneficial, feeding on the insects that would otherwise gather around a home. A small number, however, can deliver a bite that warrants caution, and it helps to know which spiders those are and where they tend to live.
The Spiders Worth Watching For
In the Los Angeles area, two related spiders account for nearly all of the bites that concern people: the western black widow and the brown widow. The western black widow is the most significant spider in the region. The adult female has a shiny black body with a red hourglass mark on the underside of her round abdomen. Males and young females look different, with lighter tan coloring and pale markings, and they are not considered dangerous. Black widows favor dark, sheltered spots and build strong, irregular webs close to the ground. A bite can cause muscle pain, cramping, and other symptoms that range from mild to serious. Death is very unlikely, but anyone who is bitten should stay calm and seek medical advice.
The brown widow became established across Southern California in the early 2000s and is now common throughout the area. It is tan to brown with a mottled pattern and an orange hourglass, and its egg sacs have a distinctive spiky, tufted surface that sets them apart. A brown widow bite is generally less severe than a black widow bite, with effects that usually stay near the bite itself, though medical attention is still reasonable if symptoms develop.
Where Spiders Gather Around the Home
Spiders look for quiet, undisturbed places that also attract the insects they hunt. Around a typical property, that includes garages, sheds, woodpiles, the undersides of patio furniture, storage boxes, and the corners of eaves and doorways. Covered grills, outdoor shoes, and gardening gloves left in the garage are common hiding spots as well. Because spiders follow their prey, a noticeable spider population often points to an insect problem nearby.
Keeping Spiders in Check
A few habits reduce spider activity indoors and out. Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation, and make sure screens fit well. Keep clutter off the floor in garages and storage areas, and clear webs from around the exterior of the house. Shake out shoes, gloves, and stored items that have sat undisturbed, particularly in the garage. Reducing the insects that spiders feed on does as much as anything to keep their numbers down.
When black widows or brown widows are turning up around living spaces, or when spiders are a persistent presence, professional treatment addresses both the spiders and the insects drawing them in. BeeCal Pest Management can inspect the property, treat problem areas, and help reduce the conditions that attract spiders. Reach out for a free quote to schedule a visit.