Follow these tips to ward off deadly Black Widow spiders
The black widow spider can be found in Utah and is listed as the only arachnid in the state listed as a “medical concern.” The venomous spider can cause severe illness and possibly death in young kids.
The black widow spider can be found in Utah and is listed as the only arachnid in the state listed as a “medical concern.” The venomous spider can cause severe illness and possibly death in young kids.
Few bugs strike fear in the hearts of Northern Utahns like black widows.
They’re one of the only spider species that pose a threat in the state due to their poisonous bite. Their venom can be fatal to humans.
Although arachnids don’t usually become a nuisance until the fall — when they start moving indoors seeking warmer shelter — it’s possible to come across black widows in the summer while doing yard work and maintenance around the exterior of the house.
Here are a few tips to steer clear of the venomous insects and what to do if you encounter one — or are bitten.
Where are black widows commonly found?
Ryan Davis, arthropod diagnostician with the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab, said black widows prefer to stay stationary.
“They like to live in their webs, you don’t often find them walking around,” he said.
They tend to make their lairs in cracks and crevices near the ground, in wood piles, abandoned rodent holes or in pipes — anywhere that’s relatively undisturbed and makes a good hiding spot.
“The other thing, too, is if you have dense vegetation, especially if touching the walls, pruning it back is good,” Davis said.
Widow spiders build mesh-like, irregular cobwebs, according to the Colorado State University Extension.
Black widows are also nocturnal. The best time to inspect the yard for them is at night with a flashlight.
“Since they are stationary, they count on light to bring insects to their web, so they often set up shop where exterior lights are on at night,” Davis said.
To help ward off black widows, some homeowners switch their exterior lights to yellow bulbs, since they attract fewer insects, Davis said.
What should I do if I find one?
In short, smash it.
“You know, I’m not into killing any spider except maybe this one if it’s right around the house, especially if you have children,” Davis said.
That’s because children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the spider’s venom.
Widow spiders are usually easy to identify, according to the Colorado State University Extension. They’re bulbous and shiny. Females grow to be 1/3 to 1/4 of an inch. They often have the characteristic red hourglass on bottom side of their abdomens, although Western black widows’ markings vary.
“The pattern may appear as two unconnected spots, as a roughly rectangular area, or be so faint as to be barely visible,” according to the Colorado State report.
Only adult female widow spiders pose a threat. Males, which are smaller, browner and less bulbous, also have smaller venom glands and fangs. It’s harder for them to penetrate human skin.
Black widows are easy to exterminate, Davis said, using a regular pesticide or spider spray. He also recommends a good old-fashioned rolled-up newspaper.
“Or just crush it,” he said.
What happens if I’m bitten by a black widow?
First off, black widows don’t usually bite unless they’re in their web defending an egg sac, according to the Colorado State University Extension.
“The bite, in general, is not overly painful on the initial bite,” Davis said. “But then a few hours later you start to notice pain and get a series of systemic effects — abdominal cramping, things like that.”
That’s because widow venom is a neurotoxin. Other symptoms include muscle cramps, weakness, restlessness and difficulty speaking.
If you suspect you’ve been bitten, call the Utah Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
Contact Reporter Leia Larsen at 801-625-4289 or llarsen@standard.net. Follow her on Facebook.com/leiaoutside or on Twitter @LeiaLarsen.