Are Black Widow Spiders and Brown Recluse Spiders Really Poisonous?
admin
October 1, 2018
The female black widow spider is considered the most venomous spider in North America. The venom of the black widow spider is 15 times as toxic as the venom of the prairie rattlesnake.
Only the female black widow is dangerous to humans; males and juveniles are harmless. The female black widow will, on occasion, kill and eat the male after mating. Females usually have a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomens. In some species the females have a series of red spots and two crosswise bars on the underbelly.
Another spider that is potentially dangerous is the brown recluse. It is sometimes referred to as the “violin” or “fiddleback” spider because of the violin-shaped marking on its dorsum. Although brown recluse spider bites are rare, the venom can sometimes cause serious wounds and infestations should be taken seriously.
The brown recluse spider is rumored to be the one of the most poisonous house spiders in the United States. However, although the bite of a brown recluse in rare instances can prove damaging to tissue, a fatality from a bite has never been verified. They are reclusive and often seek refuge in areas rarely contacted like cellars or garages.
If you see either of these spiders in your home, give us a call. 800-650-PEST.
