Black Widow Spiders
• Appearance: Black widows are black and shiny, with a telltale red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. Young black widow spiders appear orange and white, becoming darker and more black in color as they age.
• Region: This spider species is found throughout United States, but is most common in the southern regions with warm temperatures. • Habitat: Black widow spiders tend to seek out dry and dark locations that are protected, such as underneath stones or decks, as well as in hollow tree stumps and in firewood piles. They can also be found in man-made structures such as sheds and barns. Black widow spiders spin their webs near ground level.
• Threat: While male black widow spiders rarely bite, females are known to be aggressive and bite in defense, especially when guarding eggs. Symptoms of a black widow bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating and nausea. Pain from a bite typically reaches a maximum in 1-3 hours. Fatalities are unlikely, as long as proper medical treatment is sought in a timely manner.
• Unique Facts: Black widow spiders are named after the popular belief that females eat their male counterparts after mating. However, this is a rare occurrence in the natural world.
When should you call for help?
If you know you are bitten by this spider,
*contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care, particularly when:
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
> Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the bite or sting.
> Red streaks leading from the area.
> Pus draining from the area.
> A fever.
• You get a blister or sore at the bite or sting area, or the area turns purple. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
• You have pain or burning at the area after 2 days of home treatment.
• You have symptoms for more than 1 week.
*Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have a seizure.
• You have trouble breathing.
