Are There Black Widows in Mississippi?
Yes, Black Widows are found throughout Mississippi, from the Delta lowlands to coastal regions. However, bites are uncommon because the spider is shy and avoids people. Understanding where Black Widows hide and how to prevent encounters will help you work and play safely outdoors. Most Mississippians can coexist with this spider without incident.
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
- 3
- species recorded
- 336
- GBIF records
- July, June, September
- peak months
Yes, black widows are in Mississippi. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
3 types of black widows recorded in Mississippi
3 black widow species have a verified observation record in Mississippi, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 3 shown is recorded as introduced to Mississippi rather than native.
- No openly licensed photo yet1
- No openly licensed photo yet2
- No openly licensed photo yet3
Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
572 verified observations on iNaturalist of black widow have been recorded in Mississippi, most often in July, June, September.
When black widow are recorded in Mississippi
Yes, Black Widows are found throughout Mississippi, from the Delta lowlands to coastal regions. However, bites are uncommon because the spider is shy and avoids people. Understanding where Black Widows hide and how to prevent encounters will help you work and play safely outdoors. Most Mississippians can coexist with this spider without incident.
Are they in Mississippi?
Yes, Black Widows are established throughout Mississippi, including the Mississippi Delta region, the central hills, and the coastal plains near the Gulf of Mexico. This state lies within the core range of the Black Widow spider in North America.Black Widows in Mississippiare common enough to be considered a native species. Black Widows thrive in Mississippi's warm, humid climate, which provides ideal conditions for survival and reproduction year-round. Unlike northern states where Black Widows cannot survive winters outdoors, Mississippi's warm winters allow populations to persist both indoors and outdoors.Mississippi wildlifeincludes this established species. Population densities vary depending on local conditions, with higher populations in areas with more shelter such as dense vegetation and human structures.
How dangerous is it?
A Black Widow bite is medically significant and requires professional medical attention. The venom affects the nervous system and causes muscle pain and cramping that can be severe. Symptoms typically begin within one to several hours after a bite. In most healthy adults, symptoms include muscle pain, cramping, sweating, and tremors that last several hours to a few days, especially with medical care. Children, elderly people, and those with heart disease or high blood pressure face higher risk of severe reactions. Severe symptoms may include intense muscle pain and cramping, tremors, profuse sweating, nausea, weakness, and general malaise. The initial bite is often painless, and many people do not realize they have been bitten until symptoms appear.Learn about spider safety.
How to recognize one
Black Widows are small spiders, about the size of a pea in body length, not counting their legs. They are jet black or very dark brown with a shiny appearance. The most distinctive and recognizable feature is a bright red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Some Black Widows also display red spots on the upper surface of the abdomen. The female is significantly larger than the male. These spiders spin tangled, irregular webs in dark, sheltered places such as woodpiles, leaf litter, dense brush, outbuildings, garage corners, and underneath objects left on the ground. They are sedentary spiders that remain in their webs rather than actively hunting prey across open ground.Learn more about Mississippi spiders.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
Remain calm and do not panic. Wash the bitten area gently with soap and water. Remove any tight jewelry, rings, or bracelets from the area, as swelling can occur. Sit or lie down and keep the bitten limb as still as possible. Elevate the affected limb if you can to help reduce swelling. Do not apply a tourniquet or tie any tight bandage around the limb. Do not cut, squeeze, or attempt to suck out venom. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, though a cool cloth may help ease discomfort. Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem mild at first, so doctors can monitor your condition. Contact Poison Control for guidance on next steps. If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 911. 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 Mississippi occur when people accidentally crush the spider or reach into spaces where they are hiding. Wear heavy work gloves when handling items stored in sheds, garages, basements, or under porches. 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 materials that have been stored outside. Clear away dead wood, leaf piles, and dense brush from around your home and yard, which reduces Black Widow habitat. Keep your garage, shed, basement, and storage areas organized and clutter-free. Store items in sealed containers or on shelves rather than directly on the ground.Find more safety tips on our Mississippi wildlife guides.
Where in Mississippi and when
Black Widows are found throughout Mississippi in suitable habitat. They are common in the Mississippi Delta region, central hills, and coastal plains near the Gulf of Mexico. They are present in urban areas, suburbs, and rural regions. They can be found statewide in areas with appropriate shelter. Black Widows are active in Mississippi from spring through fall, with peak activity from June through September 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 lay eggs and overwinter. During winter, they are less active outdoors but may remain active inside heated buildings. They seek shelter in basements, garages, and storage areas where temperatures remain warm. Indoors, they can be active year-round.
Harmless lookalikes
The spiders you find in Mississippi are far more likely to be harmless species than Black Widows. Cellar spiders have extremely long, thin legs and very small bodies. They are completely harmless and help control pest insects. Wolf spiders are common in Mississippi yards and gardens, with brown coloring and excellent eyesight and active hunting behavior. Jumping spiders are small, fuzzy, and intelligent, with remarkable vision. Ground spiders, sheet web spiders, and orb weavers are all common Mississippi species and are harmless. Fishing spiders live near water sources throughout Mississippi and are sometimes mistaken for dangerous spiders but are harmless. Cobweb spiders are found in homes and buildings everywhere. The fishing spider is sometimes confused with a Black Widow due to its dark color, but it is much larger and has different markings. If you find a shiny black spider in Mississippi, carefully look for the bright red hourglass marking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Widows deadly in Mississippi? 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 Mississippi? No, Black Widow bites are uncommon in Mississippi. The spider avoids people and will only bite if threatened or accidentally crushed. Most Mississippians 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 basements, garages, storage areas, and the undersides of items left on the ground. They seek shelter and places where small insects congregate. What should I do if I see one in Mississippi? 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 Mississippi: July, June, September
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your black widow sighting in Mississippi
336 verified black widow records have been logged in Mississippi, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Mississippi
- Gulf Islands National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Natchez Trace Parkway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Shiloh National Military Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site · Find hotels
- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument · Find hotels
- Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Mississippi?+
Yes, Black Widows are established throughout Mississippi, including the Mississippi Delta region, the central hills, and the coastal plains near the Gulf of Mexico. This state lies within the core range of the Black Widow spider in North America.Black Widows in Mississippiare common enough to be considered a native species. Black Widows thrive in Mississippi's warm, humid climate, which provides ideal conditions for survival and reproduction year-round. Unlike northern states where Black Widows cannot survive winters outdoors, Mississippi's warm winters allow populations to persist both indoors and outdoors.Mississippi wildlifeincludes this established species. Population densities vary depending on local conditions, with higher populations in areas with more shelter such as dense vegetation and human structures.
How dangerous is it?+
A Black Widow bite is medically significant and requires professional medical attention. The venom affects the nervous system and causes muscle pain and cramping that can be severe. Symptoms typically begin within one to several hours after a bite. In most healthy adults, symptoms include muscle pain, cramping, sweating, and tremors that last several hours to a few days, especially with medical care. Children, elderly people, and those with heart disease or high blood pressure face higher risk of severe reactions. Severe symptoms may include intense muscle pain and cramping, tremors, profuse sweating, nausea, weakness, and general malaise. The initial bite is often painless, and many people do not realize they have been bitten until symptoms appear.Learn about spider safety.
More wildlife in Mississippi