How Potent Is Black Widow Venom? | Stroope Pest Control

In the US, two groups of spiders - widow and recluse species - are known for their highly venomous bites that often result in hospitalizations. However, fatalities from these bites are rare, and experts consider fearing these spiders irrational since more people are killed by cows each year. The brown widow is the most dangerous and widespread of the 13 recluse spider species in the U.S due to its preference for indoor habitats. Although five recluse spider species can be found in Texas, they inhabit areas where they are rarely encountered by humans.

The three black widow spider species found in the country can all inflict equally noxious bites that have resulted in fatalities. The western black widow is  a common household species. Along with its closely related and exotic black widow relative, the brown widow. While its bites are not as dangerous as those of black widows, individuals have experienced a range of systemic symptoms, including muscle pain, abdominal pain, weakness, difficulty walking, pain in lymph nodes, and fever.

According to Dr. Alice L. Anderson, an entomologist for the State of North Carolina, black widow venom is more potent than the venom of all other spider species in the US, including rattlesnakes. However, while black widow bites are not as dangerous as rattlesnake bites because the latter injects significantly more venom into the bloodstream, 15 to 20 percent of prairie rattlesnake bites result in a fatality compared to only 1 percent of black widow bites.

If you're concerned about black widow infestations in your home or business, you can request a free black widow control quote from Stroope Pest Control