Are There Black Widows in Massachusetts? Bite Symptoms & Spider Facts

What are Black Widow Spiders?

Black widow spiders belong to the Latrodectus genus and are known for the females' distinctive black and red coloring. Female black widows have a shiny black rounded abdomen with a prominent red hourglass shape on the underside.

Black widows get their name from the belief that female spiders eat the male after mating. However, males are not always consumed after mating and can sometimes mate with the same female multiple times.

There are over 30 species of widow spiders around the world, with three found in North America:

• Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus)
• Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus)
• Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans)

The western black widow is most common in Massachusetts and throughout New England. Black widows can be identified by the red hourglass marking, as well as spinnerets that are longer than other spider species.

Are Black Widows Found in Massachusetts?

Yes, the western black widow spider is endemic to Massachusetts and can be found throughout the state. However, black widow populations are somewhat sparse in northern areas of New England.

Black widows tend to thrive in warmer southern regions of the United States and are more concentrated in southern coastal areas of Massachusetts. They have a high cold tolerance but seem to prefer warmer areas.

In Massachusetts, black widows are most likely to be found in undisturbed habitats such as:

• Woodpiles
• Stored debris
• Sheds, garages, and basements
• Hollow stumps and logs
• Nooks and crannies in stone walls or foundations

Black widow spiders construct irregular web lairs rather than orderly webs for catching prey. The sticky strands anchor egg sacs and provide protection for the spider. Males wander in search of female lairs to mate.

What is the Black Widow's Bite Like?

The black widow has a venomous bite that contains a potent neurotoxin called alpha-latrotoxin. This neurotoxin targets the nervous system and causes severe muscle pain and spasms.

Black widow bites are often described as feeling like an immediate pinprick or stinging sensation. Within minutes to hours, severe pain spreads from the bite site throughout the body as the venom takes effect.

Other black widow bite symptoms include:

• Intense muscle cramps, rigidity, and spasms
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Headache
• Hypertension
• Anxiety
• Restlessness

Without medical treatment, symptoms usually peak within 24 hours but may persist for several days. Rarely, a black widow bite can be fatal, especially in children and the elderly.

First Aid for Black Widow Bites

If bitten by a black widow spider, you should:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress to relieve swelling.
• Keep the bitten limb elevated.
• Seek emergency medical care for antivenom treatment.
• Monitor symptoms closely until help arrives.

Antivenom can rapidly relieve muscle spasms and pain from a black widow bite. But seek care even if symptoms seem mild at first.

What Are the Odds of Being Bitten in Massachusetts?

The odds of being bitten by a black widow are extremely low in Massachusetts. Black widows are non-aggressive, shy spiders that rarely bite humans.

Females tend to stay close to their web and bite only when accidentally disturbed or threatened. Males wander in search of mates but do not typically bite.

Black widow spiders will only bite if trapped against bare skin. The vast majority of bites occur when putting on clothes or shoes, sitting on outdoor furniture, cleaning storage areas, or picking up debris that a spider is hiding under.

Being bitten requires close contact and provocation, so bites are uncommon. Only around 2,200 black widow bites are reported nationwide each year. Most happen in southern or western states with larger black widow populations.

With black widows being less pervasive in Massachusetts, the odds of being bitten are extremely small. There is no cause for alarm or need for preventive extermination.

Signs of Infestation

Black widow infestations are rare, but look for these signs just in case:

• Multiple black widow spiders seen around the home
• Numerous spider egg sacs
• Dense and messy webbing in garages, sheds, basements
• Bites on household members or pets

Seeing one or two female spiders is not necessarily a sign of infestation. But notify an exterminator if you spot multiple black widows, widespread webbing, or other indications of a problematic invasion needing control.

How to Prevent Black Widow Spiders

To deter black widows and bites, you can:

• Remove debris piles, yard clutter, and excess firewood from around your home.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves when cleaning garages and basements.
• Inspect or shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on.
• Seal cracks, holes, and entries around your home's foundation.
• Install lighting or motion-activated lights in dark corners.

If you have severe arachnophobia or find multiple black widows around your property, consult a pest management professional. They can apply targeted pesticide treatments to control spiders.

Professional Black Widow Removal

It's safest to have black widow infestations removed by a professional exterminator. They have the necessary protective gear, tools, and pesticides.

To get rid of black widows, an exterminator may:

• Apply insecticide sprays or dusts to kill adult spiders and egg sacs.
• Use vacuums specially designed to safely remove spiders.
• Fog or mist chemical treatments into cracks and crevices.
• Seal entry points around the home.

Treatment may need to be repeated regularly until the infestation is under control. Keep pets and children away during application.

For homeowners who spot just one or two black widows, pesticides likely aren't necessary. Carefully sweeping away webs and egg sacs or trapping the spiders in jars for removal may be sufficient.

Are Other Spiders in Massachusetts Venomous?

Black widows are the most notorious venomous spider in Massachusetts, but a few other species can deliver medically significant bites, including:

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are rare in Massachusetts but have been found occasionally. They can cause severe skin lesions with their hemotoxic venom.

Hobo Spider

Hobo spiders have spread to parts of New England from the Pacific Northwest. They inflict painful bites but are less toxic than brown recluses.

Yellow Sac Spider

Yellow sac spiders are common around homes in Massachusetts. Bites cause mild reactions similar to a bee sting.

Fishing Spiders

Massachusetts is home to giant fishing spiders that can bite if mishandled. Bites cause localized pain and swelling.

So while black widows are the only spiders of major medical concern, it's still wise to exercise caution around any spiders and wear gloves when cleaning garages and basements where they reside.

What to Do for a Suspected Spider Bite

If you suspect a spider bite, you should:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply an antiseptic cream.
• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Elevate the bite site.
• Take an antihistamine for itching.
• See a doctor if signs of infection develop or pain worsens.

Most spider bites can be treated at home with first aid and over-the-counter medications. But seek prompt medical care for bites that become infected or cause systemic reactions. Get emergency help if bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider.

Non-Venomous Spiders in Massachusetts

While black widows have the most notorious bite, many other harmless spider species are found around and in homes in Massachusetts, including:

• Grass spiders
• Parson spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Orb weaver spiders
• Crab spiders
• Cellar spiders
• Cross spiders
• Barn funnel weavers

These common spiders help control pest populations and are not aggressive toward humans. They should be tolerated or gently captured and released outside.

In Conclusion

While black widow spiders can deliver a painful bite, they are uncommon and incidents are extremely rare in Massachusetts. There is minimal risk for most residents.

Take sensible precautions like removing clutter and wearing gloves when cleaning, but otherwise don't worry. Seek emergency care if bitten to receive antivenom treatment. Leave control to pest management professionals if problematic infestations occur around the home.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.