Brown Widow Spiders: Identification, Egg Sacs & Control
By the Clark Pest Entomology Team | Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Key Takeaways
Brown Widow Spiders are an invasive species overtaking Black Widows in California. They are identified by their orange hourglass, banded legs, and unique spiky egg sacs. While venomous, their bite is less dangerous than a Black Widow's. They hide under patio furniture and plastic pots. Professional control focuses on removing egg sacs to break the breeding cycle.
Quick answer: If you see a spider that looks like a Black Widow but has tan/brown striped legs and an orange hourglass, it is likely a Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus). The easiest way to confirm is to look for their egg sacs—creamy, spiky balls that look like naval mines. They are common in Southern California gardens and patio furniture.
Brown Widow vs. Black Widow: What's the Difference?
Brown Widows are often mistaken for immature Black Widows. Use this guide to tell them apart.
Brown Widow: Tan/brown body with geometric patterns. Orange or yellow hourglass. Banded legs.
Photo: Matthew Field (Mfield) via Wikimedia Commons, GFDL 1.2
Black Widow: Shiny, jet-black body. Bright Red hourglass. Legs are usually solid black.
Photo: Dllu via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The #1 Sign: Spiky Egg Sacs
The most reliable way to identify a Brown Widow infestation is by their egg sacs. Unlike the smooth, white sacs of the Black Widow, Brown Widow sacs are distinct.
Photo: Karlamalie via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
What to Look For:
- Shape: Round with spiky protrusions (looks like a naval mine or a pollen grain).
- Color: Cream, tan, or yellow.
- Location: Under patio chairs, inside recessed handles of trash bins, under railing lips.
Watch: Brown Widow Identification
Learn how to spot these spiders and their unique egg sacs in this guide from nature educator Travis McEnery.
Video: Travis McEnery
How to Get Rid of Brown Widows (7 Steps)
Brown Widows are prolific breeders. To stop them, you must be diligent about removing their hiding spots.
- Inspect Furniture: Flip over plastic lawn chairs and tables. This is their favorite nesting spot.
- Check Pot Rims: Look under the curled lips of plastic flower pots.
- Remove Egg Sacs: Vacuum or squash every spiky egg sac you find. Each one contains hundreds of babies.
- Declutter: Remove empty pots, toys, and debris from the yard.
- Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when gardening or moving outdoor items to avoid accidental bites.
- Seal Cracks: Seal crevices in block walls and fences where they like to hide.
- Professional Treatment: For heavy infestations, professional treatment of nesting sites is recommended to break the cycle.
Clark's Expert Insight
"Our technicians find Brown Widows in yards far more often than Black Widows these days. The first place we always check is under the lip of outdoor plastic flower pots and underneath patio chairs. People are often surprised to find multiple spiky egg sacs right in their seating area. Removing these sacs is key."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the brown widow bite dangerous?
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Yes, but less so than the Black Widow. While their venom is potent, they inject very little of it. Bites are painful and can cause muscle stiffness, but serious symptoms are rare. However, children and seniors should seek medical attention if bitten.
Are brown widows invasive?
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Yes. Native to Africa or South America, they are spreading rapidly in California. They actually displace native Black Widows because they are more aggressive breeders and reproduce faster.
Do brown widow spiders jump?
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No. Like other widow spiders, they are clumsy walkers outside of their web. If they fall from a web, they might appear to jump, but they do not have jumping legs like jumping spiders or wolf spiders.
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