|
|
 |
Latrodectus
mactans
Characteristics –
Size: Body may be up to 3/4-inch in length with the
abdomen reaching 3/8-inch in diameter.
Color: Typically glossy black but may also be dark brown
to light brown. Related widow spiders may be brown.
The characteristic red markings on the underside of the abdomen
often connect to form an hourglass shape, but this does not always
occur. The black widow spider is widely feared because its bite
results in severe pain that may take several days to subside. Such
bites are rarely fatal but small children and elderly persons are at
risk.
Behavior –
Black widow spiders construct irregular, scaffold-type webs usually
near the ground level. These webs are almost always constructed in a
protected site such as among items piled together, beneath boards,
in firewood, and between boxes. Newly hatched spider lings climb to
highpoints, release a strand of webbing and are propelled by
"ballooning" to new locations. For this reason, buildings
may have new spider lings float to it on a regular basis. Most of
these do not survive. Black widows eat any insect they can capture.
It is not true that the female always consumes her mate after
mating, but it does frequently occur. Black widows are classified as
dangerous spiders because their bite can cause severe cramping and
pain throughout the body. Very young children, the elderly, and very
ill persons are most at risk for severe reactions to the bite of
this spider.
Habitat – Bites most frequently occur when
people are picking up an item under which the spider is hiding or
putting on a shoe the spider has crawled into. Many bites are
reported in outhouses where the black widow likes to spin her web
below the toilet seat. (Be sure to check carefully before sitting
down!) Black widows prefer to construct their webs in secluded,
protected sites where insects are more likely to show up. Such sites
are common in items stored haphazardly in garages or outside. Such
clutter creates innumerable spaces suitable for spider harborage.
Keeping boxes and objects stored neatly and away from walls is one
step to minimize these spiders in or around a home.
Tips for Control –
 |
Bites can be avoided by wearing heavy gloves when moving items
stored for long periods outside, in garages, in basements or in
warehouses.
|
|
Shoes should be stored inside shoeboxes or shaken vigorously
prior to wearing.
|
|
When webs are visible, inspect carefully before putting your
hand down under an object.
|
|
Control is best left to a professional company such as Curtis
Pest Control. If numerous spiders are encountered, they can be
removed using a shop vacuum, but care must be taken when opening
the vacuum to kill the spiders.
|
|
|
