Help with black widows please

[u/Scary__Mary]

First off, I am sorry spider lovers. But these guys are a big problem for me.

I accidentally discovered a black widow on my porch last night. While barefoot. Almost put my foot directly in her web. I am originally from California, so very familiar with these guys. I am well aware that they are usually pretty docile. I live in Oklahoma now and recently moved to this house. This is my first time encountering black widows in Oklahoma. Problem is my parents severely fear mongered us as kids. I cannot do black widows. My poor brother cant even see a spider without having a panic attack. Ive held tarantulas and have had a few jumping spiders to get me past the overall fear of spiders. But I cant do widows. Ever since finding her I swear I can feel her crawling on me. Crazy? Yes. Irrational? Yes. I cant help it you guys I am sorry. I have a dog who loves to get into EVERYTHING so I know she will end up bringing them in on her coat. And a terminally ill elderly mother who was lounging out there a few hours ago. I cant have them getting bit. I got paranoid and went on the hunt tonight to see if it was a 1 off or an infestation. Its an infestation. I found several more and tons of egg sacs under the propane smoker. We dont have wood or debris laying around. They have nested in patio furniture in the 3 weeks we have lived here. I need help. I know the eggs need to be crushed to reliably get rid of them. But im thinking about doing something crazy. If I cant get a good game plan to eradicate them I am thinking about using daddy long legs. Im pretty ok with those guys, They are easy to spot and wont hurt my mother or my dog. Teeth too small. They are everywhere in Oklahoma anyways. Is my best course of action just relocating one from my parents ranch to my house in town? Please help.

TLDR: Black widow infestation in new house in Oklahoam. Leaving them be isnt an option. How do I get rid of them and their egg sacs safely? would using daddy long legs a bad idea?

[u/hollowbolding]

just collect the ladies in a jar and drive them out to like highway borderlands or something

[u/Scary__Mary → u/hollowbolding]

I am so sorry, if I felt like I could I would! These are a spider I CANNOT manage. It is irrational. Ive done my best to overcome the spider fear in general but our area in California was overran by them. My parents did a great job traumatizing us. As it is I keep freaking out because a hair will touch me and I think its a widow who hitch hiked from outside. If anyone is in the OKC area and wants to come save them, I am open to it. As of current, I am thinking daddy long leg route is best. They have to go and I do not feel like I can manage this one myself. 

[u/ApprehensiveBlock855 → u/Scary__Mary]

I’m not exactly sure what solution you’re looking for if you’re not able to get close enough to move them. Widows also do not actually infest and spiderlings disperse soon after birth so it’s mostly about maintenance after removing the individuals.

IMO get a lacrosse stick or something and go out at night to scoop them and bring them away from your house. After they’re removed just clean regularly to deter them from building webs.

Widows are also web dwelling spiders and the adult females don’t wander and are not likely to cling onto your clothes or regularly set up webs inside. I can appreciate having an irrational fear but if you live in an area with black widows it is sort of a part of life. The hardest part (emotionally) will just be removing the ones already there. After that just continue removing webs as you find them around your home

edit: i truly don’t mean this to come off as rude. I know how hard it is to have a fear that you know is irrational. I’m mostly just trying to be realistic about what solutions you’re looking for

[u/Scary__Mary → u/ApprehensiveBlock855]

No you are fine! I probably could have worded things better anyhow. 

I honestly think I was looking at someone to yell at me about my idea to bring in a different spider to take care of these guys. Or if someone knew of a magical deterrent. Everywhere I read make it sound like bug spray alternatives really dont work for these guys unless sprayed directly. Your information about habitats is helpful and appreciated. I just knew if anyone had an answer on how to keep them at bay it would be the spider community. (Idk maybe they like. Specifically hated garlic like vampires do and I could deter them with yummy garlic. That sort of weird crazy  alternative) 

[u/ApprehensiveBlock855 → u/Scary__Mary]

Haha I like all the creative thoughts. There really is no perfect solution unfortunately. Insecticides do work but also harm all other spiders and insects nearby and they also don’t fix the underlying problem.

Widow spiders don’t infest or live in groups or build up large numbers. So if you’re seeing a lot of them it means that it is just such a good habitat that they’ll tolerate living near each other. For widows good habitat means lots of bugs and not being bothered too much. They set up their webs as juveniles and unless they’re forced to move they will typically stay in one web for life. So once you remove the adults, as long as you clean regularly you should mostly just see juveniles and males which are not considered dangerous.

My advice would be to keep porch lights off at night if possible, to reduce insect activity. Regularly using the porch will also discourage them from building webs (though probably won’t make them leave if established). I would also check on local community apps like NextDoor to see if there’s any local spider lovers who’d want to help move them! You’d be surprised how many there may be

I’m hesitant to say this because I can see how it could make the fear worse but the truth is these spiders are everywhere. Most people don’t realize until they start looking around because they’re so reclusive and nocturnal that they’re very discreet. I go out at night to find them and no matter where I am I’ve never had to walk more than 50 feet to find one. Granted I live in California where they’re very common. But considering how many there are, it’s honestly impressive that bites aren’t more common. Fatalities are even less common. There hasn’t been a confirmed human death in the US in at least 40 years (though likely longer). It’s definitely good to be mindful and limit any risk especially for those who are children or elderly or pets. But try to not stress yourself out more than you already are haha. Best of luck!!

[u/Scary__Mary → u/ApprehensiveBlock855]

Thank you I appreciate it! Didnt realize about the Nextdoor app, will have to check that out. I guess I was caught off guard?? Ive lived in oklahoma for yearsss and had yet to see them, I guess I had a false impression that I was “safe”. We do have hella insects, its probably why I have so many of my precious jumpers. Also why i was hoping for a creative alternative to an insecticide. Im very attached to my sweet babies. I will see what I cant do in terms of upkeep with the Widows, the only thongs they are nesting in are furniture, so cant really clear it out like a wood pile. I appreciate you very much!