Black widow spiders are present throughout Texas. Understanding their appearance, preferred habitats, and behavior can help alleviate concerns. Knowing how to identify them and what precautions to take aids in safe coexistence.
Identifying Black Widows in Texas
Female black widow spiders are recognizable by their shiny black bodies and a distinct red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomen. This hourglass shape can be reduced to remnants or appear as separate red spots. While typically jet black, variations in color occur, and young spiders may be orange and white, gradually acquiring black as they mature.
Texas hosts several black widow species, including the Southern (Latrodectus mactans), Western (Latrodectus hesperus), and potentially the Northern (Latrodectus variolus). The Southern black widow is common in central and eastern Texas, while the Western largely displaces it in the state’s western half. The Northern black widow, found in the eastern U.S., may extend into eastern Texas, but its presence is less certain.
Typical Habitats and Behavior
Black widow spiders build irregular, tangled webs in dark, undisturbed areas, often close to the ground. Common outdoor locations include woodpiles, sheds, garages, under outdoor furniture, or eaves. They also inhabit meter boxes, undisturbed shrubbery, and abandoned animal burrows.
These spiders are reclusive and non-aggressive, biting only when threatened or accidentally disturbed. Bites can occur if a spider is accidentally trapped or pressed against skin. Black widows are primarily nocturnal, waiting in their webs for prey.
Safety and Prevention
To reduce encounters with black widow spiders, take preventative measures around your home and yard. Wear gloves when gardening or handling items in undisturbed areas like woodpiles or sheds to prevent accidental bites. Shake out shoes or clothing stored for extended periods before wearing them to dislodge hidden spiders. Clear clutter from storage areas such as basements, attics, and garages to remove potential hiding spots. Seal cracks and gaps in foundations, around windows and doors, and along utility entry points to prevent spiders from entering your home. Keep woodpiles and other debris away from the house foundation to limit their habitat near human dwellings.
If a black widow bite occurs, symptoms include immediate pain at the bite site, followed by muscle cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, and sweating. While the venom is potent, bites are rarely fatal, especially for healthy adults. Children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems may experience more severe reactions. Wash the bite area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention promptly, particularly if symptoms worsen or for vulnerable individuals. Capturing the spider, if possible, can assist medical professionals in confirming its identification.