Black widow spiders are present in Washington State, thriving as part of its natural environment. The Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) is the species typically found in this region. These spiders are established residents within various ecosystems across the state.
Where They Are Found
Western black widow spiders are commonly found throughout the American West and Southwest, including Washington. They are especially prevalent in central and eastern Washington, where warmer, drier conditions prevail. While less common, small populations of black widows can also be found in western Washington, though they are not considered native to the Puget Sound region.
These spiders prefer dark, undisturbed locations, often constructing irregular webs near the ground or in crevices. Common outdoor habitats include woodpiles, hay bales, under eaves, and within sheds or outdoor structures. Indoors, they may inhabit basements, crawl spaces, and unused areas of garages, seeking cluttered, secluded spots.
Recognizing Black Widows
Identifying black widow spiders primarily involves observing the adult female, as she is the most recognizable and medically significant. Adult female black widows are typically about a half-inch long with a shiny black body. Their most distinctive feature is a red or yellowish-orange hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of their abdomen.
The exact shape of this marking can vary, sometimes appearing as two separate marks or a single dot. Male black widows are considerably smaller than females and are generally tan with lighter striping on their abdomen, lacking the prominent hourglass marking. They pose no danger to humans.
Safety Measures
The venom of the female black widow spider contains a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system. While bites are rare and typically not fatal for healthy adults, they can cause significant symptoms, including severe pain, muscle cramping, and abdominal pain. Other possible effects include nausea, sweating, increased blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.
If a black widow bite is suspected, seek medical attention immediately, especially for vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly. Cleaning the bite area with soap and water and applying ice can help reduce swelling and pain. If possible, safely collecting the spider for identification can assist medical professionals in providing appropriate treatment.
Preventing bites involves minimizing contact with their preferred habitats. Wearing gloves when handling firewood, gardening, or working in storage areas like sheds and basements offers protection. Inspect items from storage, shake out shoes before wearing them, and clear away clutter in undisturbed areas around the home. Black widows are generally not aggressive and will try to escape or play dead before biting, usually only doing so when directly threatened or guarding their eggs.