I am in East Texas. This year seems to be particularly good/bad (depending on your point of view) for widows. We have always had to watch out for them outside, and we were smart with precautionary measures. No flower beds against house, wood piles, etc.
This year they have moved onto our turf! They are in every available crevice by the pool, if a toy is left out it is sure to have a widow the next day, planters in the yard, you name it and there is at least two inhabiting it.
And now they are moving indoors.
There was one under my trash container, one behind the fridge, one behind a picture that was leaned against the bottom of a wall, and numerous 'baby' widows. Last night was my breaking point. Well, my freak out point. I saw legs peeking out from under my dresser. Tell-tale black spindly legs, working on a few strands of web. I do not know for certain that it is a widow, I have to wait for back up to help me flip the dresser! -lol- I pushed a 12x12 mirror tile under the edge and although I could not see the spider, I did see a web and a few round pale brown egg sacs.
I do not like the idea of an exterminator. I rather enjoy the spiders in the garden keeping the bugs away. And I especially don't want my children exposed to chemicals. I don't even let them have preservatives!
So, please tell me what I can do or something I can make organically to get them out of my house and a safe distance from the toys. I have taught my daughter to shake clothes, check out toys and such, but my son has disabilities that prevent him from all of this.
I know spiders are not 'out to get us', but I also know that if they have an egg or two they will most certainly come towards you rather than away. I just don't know if my kids can say 'yes ma'am ms.widow' as fast as I can! -lol-
