Question
Hi, there currently is a black widow infestation outside of my work place
Where we are required to take out breaks. I have never seen so many female by each other nesting only a foot apart from each other, sometimes closer, is this normal? By the size of there abdomen, the ones closet to each other are virgin. But my wonder is why, being as territorial as they are, living amongst each other so closely?

Answer
Crystal,

Normally when you see higher than normal numbers of spiders like this outdoors it is because of outdoor lighting. Outdoor lights attract flying insects which attract spiders because spiders feed on insects. If the lights could be turned off at night, or shielded so they did not attract as many flying insects, this might help.

Jack DeAngelis