Are There Black Widows in Maryland?
Yes, Black Widows live in Maryland, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the state near the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay region. However, bites are uncommon because the spider is shy and avoids people. Understanding where they hide and how to prevent encounters will let you safely coexist with this spider.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Northern Black Widow · Joseph McPhail CC BY
Western Black Widow · Rebecca Ray CC BY
Western Black Widow · Michael Eisen CC BY
- 4
- species recorded
- 502
- GBIF records
- June, May, July
- peak months
Yes, black widows are in Maryland. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of black widows recorded in Maryland
2 black widow species have a verified observation record in Maryland, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
- No openly licensed photo yet1
- No openly licensed photo yet2
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
962 verified observations on iNaturalist of black widow have been recorded in Maryland, most often in June, May, July.
When black widow are recorded in Maryland
Yes, Black Widows live in Maryland, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the state near the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay region. However, bites are uncommon because the spider is shy and avoids people. Understanding where they hide and how to prevent encounters will let you safely coexist with this spider.
Are they in Maryland?
Yes, Black Widows are established in Maryland, particularly in southern and eastern counties. The Potomac River valley, Charles County, Calvert County, and areas near the Chesapeake Bay provide suitable habitat for this spider.Black Widows in Marylandhave gradually expanded their range northward over decades and are now common enough in the southern half of the state to be considered established. However, they are not found uniformly across all of Maryland. Northern counties such as Garrett, Allegany, and Washington have fewer populations because of cooler conditions in the mountains and higher elevations. Black Widows prefer warm, sheltered areas, and Maryland's southern lowlands and coastal plains provide ideal conditions. Bites are rare in Maryland, and serious incidents are even rarer.
How dangerous is it?
A Black Widow bite is medically significant but rarely life-threatening with prompt care. The venom affects the nervous system and can cause muscle pain, cramping, and sweating within minutes to an hour after the bite. Most healthy adults experience painful symptoms that last a few hours to a few days, then resolve with medical support. Children, elderly people, and those with heart disease face higher risk of severe reactions. Symptoms may include severe muscle pain, tremors, sweating, and general malaise. The bite itself is often painless, and many people do not realize they have been bitten until symptoms appear. Antivenom is available and very effective, though most bites resolve without it through supportive care. Death is extremely rare in the modern medical era.Learn about spider safety.
How to recognize one
Black Widows are small spiders about the size of a large pea in body length, not counting their legs. They are jet black or very dark brown and shiny. The most distinctive feature is a bright red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Some Black Widows also have red spots on the upper surface of the abdomen. The male is much smaller than the female and is less of a concern for bites. These spiders are found in dark, sheltered places such as woodpiles, leaf litter, dense brush, garage corners, and the undersides of outdoor furniture. They spin webs in undisturbed areas. Unlike jumping spiders or wolf spiders, Black Widows do not have long legs or move quickly across open ground.For more wildlife safety information, learn about other spiders in your area.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
Remain calm and do not panic. Wash the bitten area with soap and water. Remove any rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the bite because mild swelling may develop. Sit or lie down and keep the bitten limb as still as possible. Elevate the affected limb if you can. Do not attempt to apply a tourniquet or tie any kind of bandage around the limb. Do not try to cut the bite or suck out venom. Apply a cool cloth if available, but do not put ice directly on the skin. Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms are mild, so that doctors can monitor you. Contact Poison Control for guidance or call 911 if you have chest pain. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe.
How to prevent encounters
Most Black Widow bites in Maryland occur when people accidentally crush the spider or reach into a space where one is hiding. Wear work gloves when handling items stored in garages, sheds, or basements. Shake out clothing, shoes, and bedding before putting them on or using them. When gardening, wear closed-toe shoes and gloves, especially when moving pots, garden furniture, or woodpiles. Clear away dead wood, leaf piles, and dense brush from around your home and yard, as these attract spiders. Keep your garage, shed, and basement organized and free of clutter. Store items in sealed containers rather than on the floor. Inspect your patio furniture before sitting on it, particularly in warm months when spiders are active.Find more safety tips on our wildlife guides.
Where in Maryland and when
Black Widows in Maryland are most common in the southern and eastern portions of the state, particularly in the Potomac River valley, Charles County, southern Prince George's County, Calvert County, and Anne Arundel County. They are less common in central Maryland and rare in the higher elevations of western Maryland. The coastal plains and lowlands provide the warm, sheltered habitat these spiders prefer. Black Widows are active in Maryland from late spring through fall, with peak activity from June through October when temperatures are warmest. They may become more active around human structures in late summer and early fall as they search for sheltered places to overwinter. During winter, they are relatively dormant and rarely encountered outdoors. Indoors, they can be active year-round, particularly in basements and garages that remain warm.
Harmless lookalikes
The spiders you find in Maryland are far more likely to be harmless species than Black Widows. Common harmless spiders include the cellar spider, which has very long, thin legs and a small body. Cellar spiders actually help control pest insects. Wolf spiders are common in Maryland yards and gardens. They are brown and stockier than Black Widows, with good eyesight and an active hunting style. Ground spiders, orb weavers, and sheet web spiders are all common and harmless. Jumping spiders are small and fuzzy with excellent vision and are not venomous. Cobweb spiders are very common indoors and outdoors and are harmless. The fishing spider, found near ponds and water sources, is sometimes mistaken for a Black Widow but is much larger and has different markings. If you find a shiny black spider in Maryland, look carefully for the bright red hourglass on the underside of the belly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Widows deadly in Maryland? Black Widow bites are serious but very rarely deadly with modern medical care. Deaths are extremely rare, especially when a person seeks medical attention promptly. Are Black Widow bites common in Maryland? No, Black Widow bites are uncommon in Maryland. The spider avoids people and will only bite if threatened or accidentally crushed. Most Marylanders work and play outdoors without ever encountering one. What attracts Black Widows to a house? Black Widows are attracted to dark, undisturbed spaces such as storage areas, garages, basements, and the undersides of outdoor items. They seek shelter and places where small insects congregate. What should I do if I see one in Maryland? If you see a spider you believe is a Black Widow, do not attempt to handle or crush it.Contact your local wildlife authorityfor identification and advice on removal.
Plan your trip
Best time to see black widow in Maryland: June, May, July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your black widow sighting in Maryland
502 verified black widow records have been logged in Maryland. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Maryland?+
Yes, Black Widows are established in Maryland, particularly in southern and eastern counties. The Potomac River valley, Charles County, Calvert County, and areas near the Chesapeake Bay provide suitable habitat for this spider.Black Widows in Marylandhave gradually expanded their range northward over decades and are now common enough in the southern half of the state to be considered established. However, they are not found uniformly across all of Maryland. Northern counties such as Garrett, Allegany, and Washington have fewer populations because of cooler conditions in the mountains and higher elevations. Black Widows prefer warm, sheltered areas, and Maryland's southern lowlands and coastal plains provide ideal conditions. Bites are rare in Maryland, and serious incidents are even rarer.
How dangerous is it?+
A Black Widow bite is medically significant but rarely life-threatening with prompt care. The venom affects the nervous system and can cause muscle pain, cramping, and sweating within minutes to an hour after the bite. Most healthy adults experience painful symptoms that last a few hours to a few days, then resolve with medical support. Children, elderly people, and those with heart disease face higher risk of severe reactions. Symptoms may include severe muscle pain, tremors, sweating, and general malaise. The bite itself is often painless, and many people do not realize they have been bitten until symptoms appear. Antivenom is available and very effective, though most bites resolve without it through supportive care. Death is extremely rare in the modern medical era.Learn about spider safety.
More places to see black widow
More wildlife in Maryland