You’ve probably heard of black widow spiders, but what about their lesser-known cousin: the brown widow? These spiders have become more common across Florida, especially around homes in places like Panama City. While their bite is rarely serious, their growing presence has homeowners asking one important question: Are brown widow spiders dangerous?
Our team at Arrow Pest Service goes over what brown widows look like, where they hide, and how they compare to black widows to help you stay in the know and avoid surprises around your home.
What Do Brown Widow Spiders Look Like?
Brown widow spiders (Latrodectus geometricus) are smaller and lighter than black widows but still belong to the same venomous family. They have a tan to light brown body with dark markings, and most noticeably, an orange hourglass-shaped mark on the underside of the abdomen.
Their legs are long and spindly, and their webs look messy and irregular and are usually strung up in corners or tucked behind objects. Unlike black widows, brown widows may also have white or grey mottled patterns on their bodies that help them blend into surroundings like fences, planters, or outdoor furniture.
Where Brown Widows Live and Build Their Webs
Brown widow spiders don’t usually travel far from their webs. Once they find a good spot, they tend to stay put, especially if it’s quiet, dry, and protected from foot traffic. They thrive in areas that are rarely disturbed and provide good cover, which is why homes in Florida offer plenty of hiding spots.
Common locations include:
- Under patio or lawn furniture
- Inside storage sheds and garages
- Behind window shutters or door frames
- Around outdoor decorations
- Beneath playground equipment or flowerpots
Brown widows are more likely to build webs outdoors, but they can shift closer to the home. They can be found under eaves, around doorways, or even inside cracks and crevices if they find the conditions are right. Dry weather, warm temperatures, and access to insects make the area around Florida homes especially attractive to brown widow spiders.
As brown widow spiders can lay between 120 and 150 eggs per sac, it’s important to keep these spots clean, clutter-free, and regularly inspected. This is one of the best ways to discourage their activity around your property.
Are Brown Widow Spiders Dangerous?
Brown widows do carry venom, and their bites can cause discomfort, but they are not considered aggressive. These spiders usually only bite when provoked or accidentally touched.
Most bites cause mild symptoms like localized pain, redness, and swelling. Unlike black widow bites, brown widow bites rarely lead to muscle cramps, nausea, or other serious reactions. That said, if you or a pet is bitten and has a strong reaction, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
Brown Widow vs. Black Widow: Spot the Difference
It’s easy to confuse the two, but there are some key differences to look out for:
| Feature | Brown Widow | Black Widow |
| Body Color | Light brown with dark markings | Glossy black |
| Hourglass Marking | Orange | Red |
| Web Structure | Messy, irregular | Messy, irregular |
| Behavior | Shy, avoids conflict | More defensive if disturbed |
| Bite Symptoms | Mild pain, swelling | Severe pain, potential cramping |
Knowing these details can help you identify what kind of spider you’re dealing with—and how cautious you need to be.
Florida Brown Widow FAQs for Homeowners
Do brown widow spiders bite pets? Yes, but it’s uncommon. Pets are usually safe unless they poke around in a web or disturb the spider. If a pet is bitten, look for swelling or signs of discomfort.
Do they get inside the house? Rarely. Brown widows stick to quiet, dry areas outside. If you spot one indoors, it likely wandered in by accident or found a secluded corner.
Should I be worried if I find one? Not necessarily. One spider doesn’t mean you’ve got a problem, but it’s a good reminder to check your outdoor spaces for webs and keep clutter to a minimum.
What time of year are brown widows most active? With the warm climate in Florida, brown widow spiders can be active year-round, but you may notice more of them during spring and summer when insect activity increases.
Can brown widow spiders reproduce quickly? Yes. Female brown widows can lay multiple egg sacs, each containing dozens to hundreds of spiderlings. If they’re left undisturbed, they can build up a noticeable population around your home.
What do brown widow egg sacs look like? They’re light tan, round, and have a spiky or tufted surface, almost like a small burr or sticker. The sacs are usually attached to the web and can be a clear sign of spider activity nearby.
Don’t Let Brown Widow Spiders Settle In—Reach Out to Arrow Pest Service Today!
Brown widow spiders may not be as threatening as black widows, but they still don’t belong around your home. If you’re spotting spiders in your shed, under your furniture, or around the yard, it might be time for a professional inspection.
Arrow Pest Service is here to help Panama City, FL, residents deal with spiders and other unwanted pests before they become a bigger problem. Contact us today for professional pest control services at (850)409-2580. Stay informed, stay cautious, and let the experts handle the rest.