While the term “poisonous” is often used, spiders are venomous, injecting toxins through a bite, unlike poisonous substances which are ingested or absorbed. In New Jersey, certain venomous spiders exist, but severe reactions to their bites are uncommon. Most spiders are harmless, and bites requiring medical attention are rare.
Identifying Venomous Spiders in New Jersey
The primary venomous spider in New Jersey is the Northern Black Widow. This spider is characterized by its shiny black body and a distinct red hourglass-shaped marking on its abdomen. Female Northern Black Widows are typically larger than males, measuring up to 1.5 inches, while males are roughly half that size and may appear dark brown. These spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, sheds, garages, basements, and crawl spaces. They construct strong, irregular webs often found close to the ground.
A common misconception involves the presence of the Brown Recluse spider in New Jersey. This spider is not native to the state, and confirmed sightings are extremely rare. Many brown spiders found in New Jersey are often mistaken for the Brown Recluse, which typically has a violin-shaped marking on its cephalothorax and six eyes arranged in pairs. Any reported encounters are usually instances of misidentification or the spider being accidentally transported from its native range in the central and southern United States.
Recognizing Venomous Spider Bite Symptoms
A spider bite often presents as a small red bump with localized pain or itching. Bites from a Northern Black Widow spider can cause an immediate, sharp, pinprick-like sensation, although some individuals may not feel the bite at all. The area around the bite may subsequently become numb, red, and swollen.
More significant symptoms, known as latrodectism, can develop within hours as the venom affects the nervous system. These commonly include severe muscle cramps and spasms, often beginning near the bite site and spreading to the abdomen, back, and chest. Other systemic reactions include nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, fever, chills, and elevated blood pressure. While these symptoms can be distressing, severe, life-threatening reactions or fatalities from black widow bites are exceptionally rare.
Responding to a Spider Bite
If you suspect a spider bite, cleaning the wound with mild soap and water is important. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. Elevating the bitten limb, if possible, also helps manage swelling.
Seeking medical attention is recommended if symptoms worsen or if the bite is from a suspected venomous spider, such as a Northern Black Widow. Medical care should also be sought if systemic symptoms develop, including severe muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Children or elderly individuals should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional due to their heightened sensitivity. If safe, try to capture the spider or take a clear photograph for identification, which can aid in diagnosis and treatment.