Black widow spiders are present in North Carolina. Understanding their characteristics and preferred environments is helpful for safety, aiding in avoiding encounters and knowing how to respond if a bite occurs.
Black Widows in North Carolina
Black widow spiders are found across North Carolina. The Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) is the most common species encountered within the state. These spiders typically inhabit rural and suburban areas but can be found statewide. Sightings in everyday living spaces are not common unless specific conditions, like undisturbed areas, are met.
The Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) also exists in North Carolina, with its range overlapping the Southern black widow. While both species are found, the Southern black widow is more prevalent, particularly in warmer regions, including the coastal plain.
Appearance and Preferred Locations
Identifying a black widow spider, particularly the female, involves recognizing distinct features. Adult female black widows are shiny black, measuring about half an inch in body length and up to 1.5 inches including their legs. Their most recognizable mark is a bright red or orange hourglass shape on the underside of their rounded abdomen. Some females may also have additional red spots on the top of their abdomen.
Male black widows are smaller than females, usually half their size, and often exhibit lighter coloration with red and white stripes or spots on their abdomens. Black widows construct irregular, tangled, and nonsymmetrical webs using strong, sticky silk. These webs are typically found near ground level or under protected ledges.
Black widows prefer dark, secluded, and undisturbed locations. Outdoors, they are frequently found in woodpiles, sheds, garages, and crawl spaces. Other common outdoor habitats include areas under rocks, garden debris, block walls, sprinkler valve boxes, patio furniture, and dense vegetation. Indoors, they might be found in basements, attics, closets, storage areas, or other dark, cluttered spaces. They generally prefer to remain outdoors but can be inadvertently brought into homes.
Understanding Bites and Staying Safe
Black widow spider bites are relatively rare, as these spiders are not aggressive and typically bite only when they feel threatened or their web is disturbed. The initial sensation of a bite can range from a sharp, pinprick-like pain to no pain at all. Within 15 minutes to an hour, pain often spreads from the bite site, potentially radiating to the abdomen, back, or chest.
Common symptoms include muscle cramps and spasms, nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, fever, and elevated blood pressure. While black widow bites are rarely fatal, they require prompt medical attention. Bites can be more severe for children and elderly individuals. If bitten, wash the area with soap and water and apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Keeping the affected limb still helps slow the spread of venom. Seek medical help immediately by contacting a doctor, hospital, or poison control center. Do not apply a tourniquet or attempt to remove the venom.
Preventative measures reduce the risk of encounters. Wear gloves when working in gardens or handling woodpiles. Shaking out shoes and clothing before wearing them can prevent accidental bites. Maintaining a tidy environment by clearing clutter, such as woodpiles and debris, indoors and outdoors, removes potential hiding spots. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, windows, and doors can deter spiders from entering homes.