A black widow spider has a somewhat round, shiny black abdomen with red markings on the underside Outdoors they live under rocks and down tree limbs, around the house they are often found in firewood piles. Indoors they may be found in basements and crawlspaces, and sometimes in secluded places in garages and sheds.

Wear gloves when working around wood piles or moving item in sheds and garages. Be cautious of spider webs when working in basements and crawlspaces. Use aerosol insecticides to control spiders in difficult to clean locations.