How Dangerous Are Black Widow Spiders?

It is widely known that the black widow spider delivers a potent venom that can cause death. Some claim that it is 15 times more powerful than the venom of a rattlesnake. 

But what is not so widely known is that black widow spider bites hardly ever lead to death here in the United States. While the venom from this spider is powerful, it is meant to take down much smaller creatures than a human. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. 

A bite from a black widow can be quite painful. And the symptoms associated with black widow spider bites are unpleasant, to say the least.

So how dangerous is a black widow bite? 

It depends on your definition of dangerous. If your definition of “dangerous” is something that can kill you, the black widow spider isn’t all that dangerous. Here in the U.S., where there is quick and easy access to medical care, the critical symptoms caused by this spider can be avoided.

If you think dangerous means something that can bite and cause pain, then this spider is definitely dangerous. Its bite can lead to nausea, chills, fever, muscle cramps, and even shock. It can also raise blood pressure and cause body pain. 

But even in this, the level of danger can vary. Black widow spiders can decide how much venom they are going to inject. If the venom dose is low, the resulting symptoms will be low. Symptoms vary depending on age, physical health, and other factors, as well. For one person, a bite may cause days of sickness. For another, there may be hardly any symptoms.

Identification

Black widows are a shiny black color with a bright red hourglass symbol on the bottom of their abdomen. There’s just one shiny black spider you’ll see on your property. Because of this, the hourglass symbol is rarely needed for identification.

If you see a black widow, it is likely to be in its web, which should look like a tangled mess. But, all of those tangles aren’t an accident. It isn’t that this is a lazy spider. Black widows eat larger prey than other spiders, and their webs need to be more robust than a simple sheet of tender fibers.

What happens if you encounter a black widow spider?

It bears mentioning that black widows are not aggressive spiders, in general. If you startle one, it is more likely to run away than it is to bite you. 

Bites usually occur when this spider is pressed against the skin. You might get bitten by a black widow in several ways. For example, you could slide into bed and find one under the covers. Or, you might grab something in your yard and touch one. Another possibility is slipping your foot into a shoe that has a black widow inside. Be careful in these situations!

How dangerous something is should also be evaluated by the level of risk. If you don’t have any black widows on your property and have never seen a black widow, the danger is low. If you spot black widows when moving things in your yard or checking storage areas, the danger is much greater. The quantity of spiders is definitely a factor.

Are black widows aggressive?

Black widow spiders are not aggressive, despite what many think. They tend to be shy and avoid the spotlight. When disturbed, they choose to retreat instead of striking back.

These spiders will only bite as a last resort when they feel trapped or threatened.

How fast can a black widow spider kill you?

If untreated, deaths usually happen 1-3 days after a bite. This is more common in young children, elderly people, or those with serious health issues.

Symptoms typically begin within 20-60 minutes of the bite and can last for several days. The critical period is typically the first 24 to 48 hours. This is when medical monitoring is very important.

Are female black widow spiders more dangerous than males?

Yes, female black widow spiders are significantly more dangerous than males. Female black widows are bigger, have stronger venom, and longer fangs that can pierce human skin.

Black Widow Bite Prevention Tips

• Pull covers back before getting into bed.
• Shake footwear before sliding your feet in.
• Reduce clutter in storage areas and other secluded places.
• Be cautious when going into dark, warm, and secluded locations within or around your home. These spiders love crawl spaces, the underside of decks, and piles of brush.
• Be cautious when turning anything over in your yard. Consider wearing gloves if you’ll be working in the yard.

When should I call for a professional?

If you see black widows often around your home, contact a pest control expert. This is especially important in places where children play.

Call right away if you see black widows in your home. Also, report if you find multiple egg sacs, as they can hold hundreds of spiderlings. If anyone in your household gets bitten, contact us immediately.

Keep Yourself Safe With Professional Extermination

If you see black widows on your property, and you’re in our extensive service area, let the team here at Action Pest Control help. We help home and business owners get rid of black widow spiders. Spiders are one of the pests your technician checks for during a routine inspection. This is part of the year-round pest control if you sign up.

For more information, or to set up a service, reach out to us today. While black widows aren’t necessarily dangerous, it is better when they’re not around.