Some people are terrified of spiders, but it’s the venomous ones that really scare us the most. And for good reason, right? They are after all, extremely dangerous. Well, that’s not exactly true. Let’s take a look at why black widow spiders are not as terrifying as you think.
They prefer the outdoors
Most spiders, including the black widow, want to stay away from people as much as possible. In general, they prefer the outdoors, where they face fewer threats and where food is more abundant. The only time they step inside is when the conditions are better for them indoors. If they can find dark, hidden places where they can nest, or if there are insects that they can feed on, they will be drawn to the home instead of the garden.
They do not bite often
The black widow is not an aggressive species of spider. It is actually quite shy and will only bite in self-defence when it feels that it is under high-threat. On top of that, it is only the females of the species that pose a threat to humans, and they can be recognized by their larger size and their well-known hourglass symbol on their abdomens. Some black widows will not bite even if they are touched. One study has shown that these spiders only bite when they feel they are being crushed. When they are merely poked, they will often choose to run away.
The bite is not as deadly as it is commonly believed
While the venom of the black widow is very potent, they do not always envenom their bites, and even if they do, they may not use a lethal amount. In fact, they may not even use an amount that causes severe symptoms. A majority of black widow bites are not serious, and most people will either recover from them on their own or with a quick trip to the hospital where the symptoms are treated immediately. According to a 2013 report from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, out of 1,866 bites, only 14 resulted in severe symptoms and none resulted in deaths.
Should you worry if you see a black widow in the home?
While there are a lot of misconceptions about just how dangerous black widow spiders are, they can still pose a considerable threat to people with pre-existing health conditions, compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly. As such, it’s important to take care of an infestation as soon as possible. Contact us today to set up a pest control appointment.
