black widows: myths vs facts

In our Texas service area, we are sometimes called upon to deal with black widow spiders. When we do, we often have to reassure our customers that black widow spiders are not the creatures of legend they are made out to be. Many of the myths about black widow spiders come from over exaggerations, others are flat out wrong. Let's take a look at these myths and draw some conclusions that will help us protect ourselves, our families, and our pets.

Myth: Black Widow Bites Are Deadly

You may have heard the myth that a bite from a black widow spider will kill you. You may have even been told that a bite from one of these spiders will kill you instantly. But neither is true. There are over 300 million people in the United States and around 2,500 bites are reported to American poison control centers annually.

Does this mean you shouldn't be cautious around black widow spiders? Of course not. A bite from a black widow can be extremely painful and may include serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, high blood pressure, and shock. It is best to give this spider its space.  

What Can We Learn From This?

Let cooler heads prevail. If you find a black widow spider on your property, don't go after it with harmful pesticides. You could end up having a more serious health crisis on your hands. Contact a professional spider control technician, have your property inspected, and have that spider dealt with properly.

MYTH: I Should Kill A Black Widow When Finding One

Not necessarily. While black widow spiders are venomous and should be treated with caution, they are not aggressive and prefer to stay hidden. 

Bites are rare and typically occur only when the spider feels threatened—such as if it’s accidentally pressed against the skin. In most cases, it’s best to avoid direct contact, and if you find one in or near your home, consider safely relocating it or contacting a pest control professional. Black widows also help control pest insect populations, playing a beneficial role in the ecosystem. 

Killing them should be a last resort, not the first step.