Black Widows vs. Brown Recluse: Identifying Oklahoma's Venomous Spiders
Tyler Brady
President, Sure Shot Pest & Weed Control
Oklahoma is home to dozens of spider species, the vast majority of which are completely harmless and help control local insect populations. However, there are two medically significant venomous spiders that homeowners in Central Oklahoma need to recognize: the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Understanding their appearance and hiding habits is key to keeping your family safe.
How to Identify a Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)
The Brown Recluse is one of the most misunderstood spiders in the country. To identify a true recluse, look for these specific traits:
• Violin Pattern: A dark, violin-shaped (or fiddle-shaped) marking on the top of the spider's head/carapace, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the abdomen.
• Uniform Color: Their legs are completely uniform in color (tan, light brown, or dark brown) with no bands, stripes, or spine-like hairs.
• Eyes: Most spiders have eight eyes, but the recluse has only six, arranged in three distinct pairs (dyads) in a semi-circle.
Brown Recluses are reclusive by nature. They prefer dry, dark, undisturbed areas such as attics, crawlspaces, storage boxes in garages, closets, and behind baseboards.
How to Identify a Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)
The Black Widow is easily recognized by its striking appearance:
• Shiny Black Body: Adult females have a plump, bulbous, jet-black abdomen.
• Red Hourglass: A bright red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen. Sometimes this mark can appear as two separate spots or a yellowish-orange color.
Black Widows build messy, irregular webs close to the ground. They hide in dark, secluded, damp locations such as woodpiles, under porches, in water meter boxes, tool sheds, and garage corners.
First Aid for Spider Bites
If you suspect a family member has been bitten by a Black Widow or Brown Recluse:
1. Wash the bite site with soap and water.
2. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling.
3. Elevate the affected limb if possible.
4. Seek medical attention immediately. If safe to do so, capture the spider or take a photo to assist the doctor with identification.
Sure Shot's Professional Spider Treatments
Spiders are difficult to control because they do not groom themselves like insects, meaning they don't easily ingest standard pesticide sprays. Sure Shot Pest Control utilizes micro-encapsulated barrier treatments that stick to their legs and bodies, along with physical web-brushing and exclusion methods to keep spiders out of your living space.
👉 Safety Tip: Check your shoes, boots, and winter gloves before putting them on if they have been stored in a garage, closet, or attic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are brown recluse bites always necrotic?
A: No. Many recluse bites result in minor red swelling that heals on its own. However, some bites can develop into a severe necrotic lesion that destroys surrounding skin tissue and requires medical care.
Q: Can glue traps help catch spiders?
A: Yes. Placing sticky glue boards along walls, under furniture, and in garages is a highly effective way to monitor and catch spiders.