Black Widow Spider Bites

How To Identify A Black Widow Spider?
How can I keep Black Widow Spiders out of my house and yard?
Do female Black Widows kill and eat the male after they mate?

The female black widow spider, though it is the most venomous spider in North America, seldom causes death as it injects a very small amount of poison when it bites. Reports indicate human mortality at well less than 1% from black widow spider bites.

Symptoms Of A Black Widow Spider Bite

If you are bitten by a Black Widow Spider you may experience one or more of the following symptoms. The poison that is injected by the spider bite is what causes the symptoms, not the bite itself.

Small children and the elderly are often more symptomatic and can have a more severe reaction to the venom of the Black Widow spider bite.

If you are not sure if you were bitten by a Black Widow Spider, the symptoms can be caused by or resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Symptoms may vary for each individual.

• Local pain, redness, burning and swelling at bite site (some may have minimal pain from the bite itself)
  
  
• Abdominal pain (pain can be similar to appendicitis)
  
  
• Localized or generalized muscle cramps (stomach, shoulders and back)
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Rash and itching
  
  
• Sweating
  
  
• Eyelid swelling
  
  
• Salivation, tearing of the eyes
  
  
• Weakness, tremors or paralysis (especially in the legs)

Treatment:

Depending on your reaction to the bite you may have mild or severe symptoms. If you or the person bitten is experiencing more than mild pain or symptoms throughout your body seek treatment at an Emergency Deparment at a hospital. If symptoms are severe call 911 for immediate medical assistance and transportation to hospital. Early treatment is important

Young children and the Elderly are often more symptomatic and should be treated .

A physician can evaluate the severity of the bite and give specific antivenin or treatment to relieve pain if necessary. Persons with heart conditions or other health problems may require a hospital stay if bitten by a Black Widow Spider.

First aid measures:

• Wash the bite site with soap and water
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth over the bite location
• To help prevent an infection apply an antibiotic lotion or cream to the bite site
• Elevate if the bite is on a limb (arm or leg) to prevent swelling
• Seek immediate emergency care

Try to collect the spider specimen in a small jar or plastic bag for examination by a spider expert, even if you have crushed it.

Treatment in a medical facility may be necessary.

Black Widow Spider: Overview | Spider Bites | Prevention