Black Widow Spiders in Salina
Black widow spiders are known in Salina for the powerful venom they administer with their bites. Both males and females can range from dark brown to black, but only females have the characteristic red hourglass marking. Black widows find ideal nesting conditions in our clutter. That’s why they’re so common around homes, barns, outbuildings, and rock walls. Though black widows are the most venomous spiders in North America, their bites are rarely fatal because they can be easily treated by medical professionals. Their bites are, however, still very painful.
Black Widow Habitat
Black widow spiders typically live outdoors, preferring to nest in quiet, dark, undisturbed areas near the ground. Widows build irregular, erratic-looking webs and live in crevices or recesses within rock piles, block walls, sprinkler valve boxes, and undersides of patio furniture. Garages, outdoor sheds, and playground equipment are also common spots to find black widows. One of the most obvious signs of a black widow spider infestation is the presence of messy, irregular webs in the home or around the property.
Black Widow Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Black widow spiders are typically non-aggressive. These spiders will bite if provoked when they’re pinched, squeezed, or pressed. Most bites happen when a human accidentally brushes a hand against a black widow, reaching to grab an item or cleaning out a dark space. Within 20 minutes to an hour of a black widow bite, symptoms will begin, including stiffness, intense pain in the bite area, nausea, chills, and fever. Seek immediate medical attention if a black widow bites you.
If you are dealing with a black widow problem, always contact your local spider exterminators.
