Identification

The black widow spider is considered to be the most venomous spider in North America with the female to be the most dangerous. It is considered the most recognizable pest in the U.S. It is found in almost every state except Alaska, but there are still other shiny black spiders and other similar widow spiders that are mistaken for the black widow. So how would you differentiate a black widow spider from other black spiders? To easily determine them from other spiders, search for a red hourglass mark that they have on their abdomen.

Habitat

Black widows are commonly found outdoors. Their webs can be usually seen in dark and quiet locations such as in woodpiles, rodent burrows, hollow tree stumps, or under or around properties. They can also be found indoors such as in garages, crawl spaces, furniture and other locations.

Mating

The black widow spiders get their famous name from the female’s supposed eating of the male after they mate. However, most males get away after mating and may even live another day to mate with another female. Males can at least mate three times or higher with different females through their lifetime.

Feeding

The black widow spiders are powerful predators that can capture and feed on live insects, anthropods, and other members of their own species. If live prey are not available, they can feed on dead insects. This spider will trap their prey through their web. Once caught, she will spin around and begin to put out silk rapidly, weaving it around the trapped insect. This will be continued by giving the prey short bites, followed by more wrapping with silk, and more bites. After the insect is completely paralyzed, she will feed on the insect buy sucking out the pre-digested liquid and leaving an empty husk.

Venomous Bites

The black widow spider is feared by a lot of people because of their venomous bite. However, these spiders do not commonly attack since they will attempt to escape first except if the spider is guarding something or if it is cornered. The male black widow does not bite since the female sometimes consumes the male after mating, which earned her the name black widow. The black widow spider’s bite may not be felt at first. Clinically, generalized pain happens one to eight hours following envenomization with no skin lesions. Once the pain occurs, it will become more intense. Most common reactions include body aches nausea, and elevated blood pressure. But, in a lot of cases, symptoms are gone in just two or three days.

Do you have an existing black widow problem? Call Preventive Pest Control for effective spider control service.