Black Widow
Latrodectus mactans
A glossy black spider with a red hourglass — one of the few in our area whose bite needs medical attention.
Size
Body about 1/2 in; leg span up to 1.5 in
Color
Glossy black with a red hourglass underneath
Where
Dark, undisturbed spots — woodpiles, garages, sheds, crawl spaces, and clutter near the ground.
How to Identify It
- Shiny, jet-black rounded body
- Red (sometimes orange) hourglass on the underside of the abdomen
- Builds a messy, irregular, strong web low to the ground
- Females are the larger, more recognizable sex
Signs of a Problem
- Messy webs in garages, sheds, woodpiles, and crawl spaces
- Spiders hanging belly-up in the web
- Egg sacs — round, papery, tan spheres — in the web
Is It Dangerous?
High riskA black widow bite can cause muscle pain, cramping, and other symptoms — seek medical care, especially for children and the elderly.
Did You Know?
Black widows aren't aggressive — most bites happen when one is accidentally pressed against skin while reaching into clutter or woodpiles.
Dealing with a black widow problem?
Our local, family-owned team has protected Hampton Roads homes since 2000 — with pet- and family-safe treatments and a Pest-Free Guarantee. Get a free inspection today.
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How We Compare to Other Pest Control Companies
Not every pest control company in Hampton Roads offers the same thing. Here is a straight comparison of what you get with Universal Pest Control and what is common elsewhere in the industry.
| What to compare | Universal Pest Control | Most pest control companies |
|---|---|---|
| UniGuard ProgramExclusive | Universal Pest ControlUniGuard Program combines termite protection and full pest control in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $63/month, with the termite warranty and quarterly pest service included together. | Most pest control companiesTermite protection and pest control are usually sold as two separate agreements, with two renewals and two bills to keep track of. |
| SmartPay financingExclusive | Universal Pest Control$0-down payment options on termite treatments, baiting systems, and repairs, so the work can start before payday. Simple, predictable monthly payments. | Most pest control companiesFinancing, where it is offered, is commonly arranged separately through a third-party lender. |
| Pest Guard Attic Insulation™Exclusive | Universal Pest ControlHampton Roads' only licensed Pest Guard Insulation™ installer, through our sister company Universal Insulation Doctor — insulation manufactured with an EPA-registered pest preventative, so the replacement itself resists the insects that ruined the original. | Most pest control companiesAttic insulation is typically referred out, and standard fiberglass has no pest deterrent built into the material. |
| Total Home Health Network | Universal Pest ControlPest and termite control, attic insulation, and duct cleaning coordinated under one roof through the Universal family of companies — one point of contact for the whole job, done in the right order. | Most pest control companiesPest control only. Insulation and duct work are usually booked with separate vendors on separate timelines. |
| A+ BBB rating | Universal Pest ControlBBB accredited since 2007 with an A+ rating, earned through consistent, honest work in the same community. | Most pest control companiesAccreditation and ratings vary by company — worth checking before you book anyone. |
| 26+ years in business | Universal Pest ControlProtecting Hampton Roads homes since 2000 — more than 26 years in the same market, with over 100,000+ homes serviced. | Most pest control companiesTenure in the area varies widely; newer branches and recently opened franchises are common. |
| Family owned & operated | Universal Pest ControlOwned and run by a family that has lived in Hampton Roads their whole lives. The people who answer the phone and the crews at your door are your neighbors. | Most pest control companiesOwnership varies — many local branches are franchises of national brands, with crews dispatched from outside the area. |
| Guarantees in writing | Universal Pest ControlPest-Free Guarantee and Termite-Free Guarantee: if pests come back between scheduled visits, so do we, at no extra charge. Free inspections, plus same-day and next-day service. | Most pest control companiesRetreatment terms, callback windows, and what counts as covered differ from contract to contract. |
The highlighted Universal Pest & Termite column reflects services we provide directly or through the Universal family of companies. The “Most pest control companies” column describes common industry practice in general terms and is not a statement about any particular company — some companies may offer services that are similar, so ask any provider exactly what their plan, warranty, and quote include before you sign. Financing on approved credit.