Black Widow Spider in Virginia: Identification, Behavior & Control

This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the black widow spider, its habitat, its behavior, and the precautions you can take to stay safe.

The black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) is the only poisonous spider native to Virginia. Only the female Black Widow Spider will bite, and only if she feels that she or her egg sack is under attack.

Keep reading to find out more!

 

How to Identify the Black Widow Spider In Virginia

The black spider in Virginia is a very unique critter that is easy to identify. Below are characteristic features of the black widow spider in Virginia:

• They can be up to 1½ inches long and spin a messy, irregular web. Males are smaller, less brightly colored, and harmless.
• The black widow is prey for birds and other spiders. Although poisonous, the black widow is not considered aggressive unless threatened.
• In fact, the male black widow is reclusive and hardly ever seen by humans. While the black widow’s poison is rarely fatal to humans, it can cause severe pain and nausea.
• You can spot a Black Widow spider by its shiny black body and the famous red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen.
• Female Black Widows are about 1.5 inches long, including their legs, and are more venomous than the smaller, lighter-colored males, which rarely bite humans.
• You can spot a Black Widow spider in Virginia by its shiny black body and the famous red hourglass shape on the underside of its abdomen.
• Female black widow spiders in Virginia are about 1.5 inches long, including their legs, and are more venomous than the smaller, lighter-colored males, which rarely bite humans.

 

Read also: Camel Spiders in Las Vegas: Facts You Should Know If You Are A Visitor

 

What is the Behavior of the Black Widow Spider in Virginia?

The black widow spider in Virginia is not out to get you. These spiders are usually shy and will bite only if they feel threatened. They eat insects like flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, and beetles, which they trap in their webs.

 

Where do black widow spiders in Virginia live?

The black widow spider in Virginia likes to hang out in dark, quiet places both inside and outside. You will often find them in the following places:

• Woodpiles
• Garages
• Sheds
• Basements
• Under rocks
• Under logs
• Cluttered areas

They make messy, tangled webs, usually close to the ground, where they wait to catch their prey.

They like dark, moist, and undisturbed places, especially: forested areas, rock walls, sheds, barns, woodpiles, under porches, inside meter boxes, basements, etc.

In the fall, they may seek warmth indoors or may be transported along with firewood into your homes.

Black widow spiders in Virginia may live in your wood pile. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling firewood or working in known spider habitats.

 

What are the Symptoms of a Black Widow Spider Bite?

Some victims describe the bite as a sharp pain, like a bee sting. Many victims do not feel the spider bite them at all. Symptoms usually develop within a few hours and may include:

• Redness
• Swelling at the site of the bite
• Headache
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Severe muscle pain or cramping, especially in the legs or abdomen.
• Rare symptoms include:
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Death

The bite from a black widow spider in Virginia is very treatable, and death from a bite is extremely rare. Stay calm, wash the bite with soap and water, and go see a doctor immediately for medical care.

 

Read also: Wolf Spider Washington State: Are These Creepy-Looking Spiders A Threat? [2024]

 

How To Prevent Black Widow Spider Bite in Virginia

Here are some tips to help you avoid Black Widow spiders in Virginia:

1. Regularly clean and organize storage areas, garages, and basements to reduce places where spiders can hide.
2. When working in places where spiders might be, like woodpiles or storage spaces, wear gloves and long sleeves.
3. Make sure windows, doors, and other openings are sealed to keep spiders from getting into your home.
4. Spray insecticides around your home’s perimeter and in places where spiders are likely to be found.
5. Outdoor lights attract insects, which attract spiders. Reducing outdoor lighting can help keep black widow spiders away.
6. Always inspect and shake out shoes, clothing, and equipment that have been stored in garages or sheds before using them.

 

Read also: New York Wolf Spider: Amazing Facts About This Species

 

Always wear gloves and long sleeves when carrying firewood or working in places where black widows are known to live. Look before placing your hands in crevices or dark areas.

Thank you for reading!

About The Author