A potentially deadly spider is making a comeback in the southwestern states this summer with scientists and pest control experts warning people to be vigilant.
Black widow spider females carry a bite and venom which can be 15 times stronger than the bite of a rattlesnake, with a powerful neurotoxin that can kill vulnerable humans.
Most at risk are the elderly and young from the venom, which induces heart problems, muscle pain and in extreme cases can paralyse breathing function.
According to the Mail Online, entomologists at Texas A&M University have advised that locals to “take precautions when dealing with stored items or working in areas where these spiders might hide” and in “undisturbed sites such as basements and storage areas”.
Bryant McDowell told the paper: “I have personally come across black widow spiders hanging out in outdoor trashcans, BBQ smoke pits that have been untouched for some time, and underneath patio furniture.”
Black widows are distinguishable by their strong black colour and red stripe on the abdomen, they also make webs that appear very messy, seemingly created by “a very drunk spider”, according to T.J Martin from the University of Arizona.
He added: “The black widow typically spins a very messy-looking web, [it] bears little resemblance to the stereotypical neat and symmetrical web of most spiders.”
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, black widows “prefer protected cavities outdoors, often in portable toilets, abandoned sheds, cellars and other undisturbed places”.
The state wildlife body website says: “It is the only shiny black spider (males and juveniles may show more color) and has a red hourglass pattern on the underside of its abdomen. Only the female is dangerous to humans. The bite feels like a pin prick or may not be felt.
“There may be slight local swelling and two faint red spots surrounded by local redness at the bite. Pain may become intense within one to three hours and may continue up to 48 hours.
“There may be pain in the muscles and soles of the feet, and eyelids may become swollen. Other symptoms include nausea, profuse perspiration, tremors, laboured breathing and speech, and vomiting. During this time, a feeble pulse, cold clammy skin, unconsciousness, convulsions and even death may result if the victim does not receive medical attention immediately.”
Texas Parks and Wildlife stressed that bites are uncommon and extreme reactions rare, but that “those at most risk of serious reaction to black widow venom are small children and older persons”, and it advised people to “seek immediate medical attention if bitten”.
