Black widow spiders are present in Kansas, and their venom is medically significant to humans. Understanding their characteristics and habits is important for safety.
Identifying Black Widows in Kansas
Female black widow spiders are readily identified by their distinct appearance. They are typically shiny black, about half an inch long (excluding legs), with a large, rounded abdomen. Their most characteristic marking is a red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen, which can sometimes appear as two separate red triangles. In Kansas, three species are found: the northern, southern, and western black widows, with the western species being particularly common.
Male black widows are considerably smaller than females, usually half their size or less, and range in color from brown to light black. Unlike females, males may or may not have the hourglass marking, and their dorsal side might display bands of olive, gray, red, orange, or white. Immature females initially resemble males, gradually acquiring more black coloration and red markings with successive molts. Only adult female black widows possess fangs long enough and venom potent enough to be a medical concern.
Where Black Widows Live
Black widow spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed environments. Outdoors, they commonly establish their irregular, tangled webs in places like woodpiles, under rocks, electrical or water meter boxes, and around general lawn debris. They also inhabit infrequently used structures such as sheds, barns, and old vehicles.
Indoors, black widows rarely venture into frequently trafficked living spaces. However, they can be found in dark, secluded areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and cluttered corners. Their webs are strong, sticky, and often appear messy and disorganized. These spiders are nocturnal, typically remaining within or near their webs, often hanging upside down with their hourglass marking visible.
Safety When Encountering Black Widows
Regularly clearing clutter from basements, garages, and outdoor areas like woodpiles and debris piles reduces potential hiding spots. Sealing cracks around doors and windows, and repairing holes in screens, can help prevent spiders from entering indoor spaces. When handling firewood, gardening, or working in undisturbed areas, wearing gloves is advisable to avoid accidental contact.
If a black widow spider is found, safe removal or pest control is recommended. Spiders, webs, and egg sacs can be carefully removed using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Should a bite occur, symptoms typically begin with a sharp, pinprick-like pain, which may not always be immediately felt. This can be followed by dull muscle pain spreading from the bite area, severe muscle cramps, and other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, and increased blood pressure.
Immediate first aid for a black widow bite includes cleaning the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. Keep the affected area still to help prevent venom spread. Seeking medical attention immediately is recommended for any suspected black widow bite, especially for vulnerable individuals like young children or the elderly. While fatalities are rare, medical professionals can provide pain relief, muscle relaxants, or antivenom in severe cases. Black widows generally bite only when they feel threatened, often when accidentally pressed against the skin.