Black widow spiders are a common concern due to their venom. Knowing where they are found and how to identify them can help individuals stay safe.
Black Widows in Nebraska
Black widow spiders are present in Nebraska. The Western Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is the most common species. The Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) is also occasionally found. The Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus) is found in eastern Nebraska.
These spiders prefer dark, secluded, undisturbed locations. Common habitats include woodpiles, sheds, crawl spaces, garages, basements, and under rocks or logs. Inside homes, they might establish webs in corners, crevices, shelves, or window wells. Black widows are reclusive and often hang upside down within their irregular, tangled webs.
Identification and Safety
Black widow spiders are identified by physical characteristics. Female black widows have a shiny black body and a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen, sometimes appearing as two separate red triangles. Adult females are larger than males, 0.4 to 0.5 inches. Males are smaller and may have red or pink spots on their backs or a splotchy white abdomen. Young black widows are initially orange, brown, and white, gradually acquiring black coloration as they mature.
A bite from a female black widow can cause immediate, sharp, pinprick-like pain, sometimes followed by numbness. Within hours, symptoms progress to severe muscle cramps and spasms in the abdomen, shoulders, chest, and back. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, headache, and elevated blood pressure. These effects usually intensify for up to 12 hours.
If a bite is suspected, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce pain and swelling, and keep the bitten limb still to slow venom spread. Seek medical attention, especially for children or older individuals, who may experience more severe reactions. Do not attempt to remove the venom.
Preventing encounters involves several steps around the home. Seal cracks and gaps in foundations, windows, and doors to block entry. Reduce clutter in basements, garages, attics, and outdoor storage areas to eliminate hiding spots. Store firewood away from the house and off the ground. Wear gloves when handling items in undisturbed areas like woodpiles or sheds, and shake out shoes before putting them on to prevent accidental bites.