About half an inch in length, the black widow spider is a medium-sized insect. The United States is home to two endemic species:
- The southern black widow. The abdomen of this spider is spherical and lustrous black. The red hourglass symbol on the bottom will serve as your indicator.
- The northern black widow. A line of bright red dots runs vertically across the top of its abdomen. On the bottom, it features two bars set at an angle. Markings can also be yellow or white for variety’s sake. Its legs could be brown or red.
Nighttime is when you’ll find these spiders at work. They are most at home in shady nooks and crannies, such as garages. They are only dangerous when provoked.
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Symptoms
The neurological system is affected by the poison produced by the black widow spider. It may have a mild effect on some people and a profound one on others. As soon as it happens, you could experience intense pain, burning, swelling, and redness at the location. As many as two teeth marks could be visible.
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Different symptoms include:
- Muscles that begin to hurt and become stiff, usually within 8 hours
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Excessive sweating
- Rash and itching
- Swollen eyelids
- Weakness or tremors. You may not be able to move your legs.
Black widow bite symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses. However, if you suspect a bite from this spider, you should schedule a medical examination as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT:
Get to the hospital ASAP if you think your kid was bitten by a black widow. In young toddlers, these bites can be lethal.
You can help alleviate your symptoms and stop the spread of illness by following these steps while you wait:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the area.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Tylenol.
- If the bite is on your arm or leg, elevate it to prevent swelling.
- Apply an antibiotic cream or lotion to the bite.
Take the dead spider (in a plastic bag or container) to the doctor with you if you can. This will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were bitten by a black widow spider.
Your doctor will evaluate your current condition and determine if further treatment is required. The use of muscle relaxants and heavier pain medication may be necessary if the symptoms are severe. Even though it’s uncommon, you could end up needing to spend the night in the hospital.
For the worst situations, your doctor may choose to administer an antivenin injection. Substances found in horse blood are used to create this medication. Black widow spider antivenin can be used to counteract the poison. So, it stops it before it can hurt you.
Your doctor won’t prescribe this medication until they’ve consulted with someone who knows how to treat these bites. If your doctor decides to provide antivenin, they will need to keep a close eye on you for at least a week to make sure you don’t experience any unwanted side effects.
Prevention
Sheds and garages are perfect environments for black widow spiders because they are dark, cool, and quiet. When shocked or surprised, they have a tendency to bite. Eliminate potential bites by maintaining clean storage places. You should also be wary of outdoor hiding spots like woodpiles, tree branches, and the like.