Brown Widow Spiders in Salina
Brown widow spiders, often mistaken for black widows, are an invasive species that’s become common in Salina. Aside from their brown color, the most noticeable difference between brown widows and black widows is the hourglass of the brown widow is yellowish-orange or reddish-orange instead of bright red as in the black widow. Males do not bite, but female brown widows inject a neurotoxic venom when they bite their prey.
Brown Widow Spider Habitat
The brown widow builds webs in secluded areas around homes. Some typical sites selected by brown widows for web building are empty containers such as buckets and nursery pots, mailboxes, entryway corners, under eaves, storage closets, and garages, and on the undersides of outdoor furniture and wrought iron railings. They choose places that are more exposed than sites chosen by black widows. This makes them a higher risk for human interaction and potential bites.
Brown Widow Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Brown widow spider venom is twice as potent as black widow venom; the difference is the brown widow does not inject the same amount. As a result, the bite of a brown widow spider is minor in comparison to that of a black widow. This species is timid and avoids human interaction. In fact, males and immature brown widow spiders do not bite at all. While brown widow spider bites are typically not medically threatening, it is important for sensitive individuals to seek medical attention in the event of severe pain and swelling.
If you are dealing with a brown widow spider problem in your home, contact your local spider exterminators for help.
