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.
Myth: Black Widow Spiders Are Aggressive
Has anyone ever told you to watch out for black widow spiders because they're aggressive hunters? Have you heard that female black widow spiders even kill their mates? While they do sometimes kill their mates, it isn't because they are aggressive or evil. Female spiders from many species do this, and they do it for two practical reasons—well, practical to spiders. Spiders need to eat to survive and they don't have a problem with cannibalism. So, sometimes, a female will eat a male spider simply because she is hungry. The second reason is that she is much larger than her mate. Studies have shown that spider species that have females that are larger than males eat those males 80 percent of the time. Since you are much larger than a female black widow, she is not likely to mistake you for a meal. Bites from black widows often happen when humans come into accidental close contact with black widow spiders.
What Can We Learn From This?
It's a good idea to learn how to avoid contact with black widow spiders, especially if you've seen them on your property. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Wear gloves when working in the yard.
- Be careful when turning over rocks or moving wood debris.
- Closely inspect areas under your home, deck, porch, patio, or other structures, with a flashlight before crawling under.
- Shake clothing, footwear, towels, and other items before using them.
- Check your bed before sliding in.
- Be careful when opening boxes that have come out of storage.
MYTH: PEOPLE DIE ALL THE TIME FROM BLACK WIDOWS
Very few, if any, die from Black Widow Spider bites. In fact, there have been no confirmed deaths from black widow bites in the U.S. in decades. The danger they pose is often exaggerated, and most bites result in mild to moderate symptoms that resolve with time or treatment.
Thanks to modern medical care and the low likelihood of severe reactions, deaths from black widow spider bites are extremely rare in the United States. While their venom is potent, it’s rarely fatal. Most healthy adults recover fully with minimal medical intervention.
Why Choose Adams Exterminating?
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Trained Entomologists & Service TechniciansOur team brings a deep understanding of insect biology and behavior to create targeted pest control strategies. We're equipped with the latest techniques and technologies to effectively eliminate pests.
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Customized Plans for Every BudgetRecognizing that each space is different, we customize pest control services for every home or business. Our approach involves targeted solutions, addressing specific needs for your environment.
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Trusted in the Community Since 1947With a legacy dating back to 1947, our pest control company brings decades of experience with a proven track record to keep your space critter-free.
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Locally Owned & OperatedAs a locally owned business with offices in both Denton and Lewisville, we are rooted in the community and dedicated to serving our neighbors with personalized service.
