Black widow spiders are found in Washington State. Understanding their characteristics, typical locations, and behavior can help residents coexist safely with these arachnids.
Black Widows in Washington State
The Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is the primary species found in Washington State. This species is native to western North America, including parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In Washington, they are more common in the drier, eastern regions, though smaller populations also exist in western Washington.
Identifying Black Widows
Identifying a black widow spider involves observing distinct physical characteristics, especially for the larger female. Adult female Western Black Widows are typically about 1/2 inch (14–16 mm) in body length, with a leg span up to 2 inches (50 mm). They have a shiny black, globular abdomen. Their most distinguishing feature is a red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on the underside, which can sometimes appear as two separate spots or be faded. Male black widows are considerably smaller, about half the female’s size, usually tan or light brown with lighter striping, and their hourglass marking might be orange or yellow.
Common Habitats and Behavior
Black widow spiders typically construct irregular, tangled webs near the ground. These webs are often found in dark, secluded, and undisturbed areas, both indoors and outdoors. Common outdoor habitats include woodpiles, sheds, garages, crawl spaces, under rocks, and neglected outdoor furniture. Indoors, they may reside in basements, closets, and cluttered areas. Black widows are nocturnal and reclusive, often hanging upside down in their web, exposing their red hourglass marking. They are not aggressive and usually bite only when threatened or unable to escape, such as when accidentally disturbed or pressed against.
Understanding the Bite
A black widow spider bite may initially feel like a pinprick or go unnoticed, but pain typically develops within an hour. The venom contains a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system, leading to various symptoms. Common symptoms include localized pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site, followed by muscle cramps and spasms that can spread to the abdomen, back, or chest. Other potential effects are nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, and fever. While rarely fatal, especially with modern medical care, bites can be medically significant for vulnerable individuals like young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. If a bite is suspected, clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and seek prompt medical attention.
Safety and Prevention
Preventing encounters with black widow spiders involves maintaining tidy environments and exercising caution. Key prevention tips include:
- Regularly clearing clutter, woodpiles, and debris from around homes and yards to reduce potential habitats.
- Wearing gloves and long sleeves when working in sheds, basements, or gardens.
- Shaking out shoes or clothing stored in undisturbed areas before wearing them.
- Sealing cracks in foundations and around utility entry points to prevent indoor entry.
If a black widow spider is sighted, avoid direct contact; pest control professionals can offer safe removal strategies.