Quote: “Just to post a warning to those who come into contact with a Black Widow. About 7 years ago I was bitten by Black Widow that was no bigger than a dime right on my left wrist while draining my automotive shop air tank moisture valves. When I saw what it was and only because I felt a little sting and pulled my arm back and smacked it off my wrist and it hit the ground upside down. For a second I thought, damn I’m in big trouble, then cooler heads prevailed and I figured do to the size that a tiny amount of venom wouldn’t do much, You know the MOCHO manly attitude of it can’t hurt me. Well let me tell you something, after an hour had passed people noticed my color and slurred speech as if I was drunk at 7 in the morning started to take hold. Then another 10 minutes I was doubled over with what I would call the worst stomach cramps that I have ever or thought could have. I went to take a customers car back to them 2 streets down and all I remember is I walked in and went to give the person the keys and then collapsed. I was rushed to the hospital by my friend and persons car I was working on which thank GOD was only about a mile away. Upon arrival, someone had called ahead and to this day I don’t know who and told them to be ready I was on the way. I don’t know what happened when I got there because I was in and out of consciousness and had more tubes put in me than I can remember. I was given 3 or 4 dosages of the anti-venom and stayed an entire week in there until I recovered enough to be sent home. Anyhow the moral of the story is that I played a deadly game with an animal that could have killed me and it almost succeeded because of my stupidity and so called he-man nature. In reality I was brought to my knees and will NEVER take a stupid chance like that again. The MORAL of the story is no matter how small or how bulletproof you think you are YOU/I/ANYONE are no match for one of GOD’s more venomous creatures and don’t let the size of the animal fool you as it did me. The bottom line is we don’t fair to well when bitten and injected with this type of poison and it can and will KILL people if they don’t seek help in time. Plainly put “Don’t be a fool and get your butt to a hospital ASAP!!!!!!!!” Unquote. Unedited.

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Ask the average Californian to list the spiders which scare him or her most, the list would probably look something like this;

Tarantula – kind of scary

Tarantulas are well known because some can be as big a single wide trailers and have legs as hairy as a middle-aged, gypsy can-can dancer. They also have fangs which makes them kind of like the Edward Cullens of the insect world. There are found in California. Are they scary? Sure, to some people. If you have a fear of spiders bigger is defiantly scarier and tarantulas are big. But if you know anything about spiders you would know that while they do have poison, they can’t kill you with a bite unless you’re highly allergic to it. For most people, tarantula bites are on par with a bee sting.

Black Widow – really scary

Swimming after eating, texting while driving and black widow spiders are a few of the things your mother will warn you about. They should, because the Black Widow spider is the most poisonous spider in North America and commonly found in California. The good news, only the female packs a poisonous punch. The bad news, can you tell the difference between the male and the female? People rarely die from a Black Widow bite but that does not make your mother a liar.

The Brown Recluse – get me out of here!

Ironically, the Brown Recluse isn’t even a native to California although it is believed that the occasional Brown Recluse spider may hitchhike into the state via a shipment of product from the Midwest. So why are Californians so afraid of the Brown Recluse when there are (virtually) none here and there are (virtually) no confirmed bites from a Loxosceles reclusabut anywhere in the state?

This is partially fueled by the internet. We have all seen the photos of the horrific wounds that can be caused by the Brown Recluse spider bite. They look like something out of a gory science fiction movie with really good special effects. They make the rounds in e-mail and sensationalized internet stories. Also, it seems that everyone in California knows someone or knows of someone who has supposedly been bitten by a Brown Recluse. These all turn out to be bites from other spiders, other insects or really nasty zits but it does make for interesting conversation.

So while the Brown Recluse may scare the pants off of us in California, clearly the myth is much bigger than the reality.

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Here are the best black widow videos I could find on YouTube, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Now get to wiggling!

Hope you enjoyed these!

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To limit the side effects of black widow antivenin, the patient should consider the following:

• If they have had reactions to black widow antivenin before, they should tell the doctor.
• If they have any serious allergies, they should tell the doctor.
• If they are pregnant, then the doctor should know right away.
• If they are using any other types of medicines, the doctor needs to know.
• If they are breastfeeding, they should tell the doctor.

Assuming that these things are considered, and that the patient shows no other problems with black widow antivenin consideration, then black widow antivenin may be given as a rule.

Some more benign symptoms of black widow antivenin include:

• Fever
• Joint Pain
• Aching Muscles
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Rashes

More serious symptoms of black widow antivenin include:

• Trouble Breathing or Swallowing
• Itching in the Hands or Feet
• Ears Becoming Red
• Swelling Anywhere above the Neck
• Sudden Weakness

The vast majority of black widow spider bites are relatively benign in nature. It is very very rare that someone dies from a black widow spider bite. Occasionally a small child or a elderly person may succumb to the Black widow spider bite venom. This is rare as well. In spite of the relatively small chances of death, the suffering of the black widow bite victim is usually rather common. For this reason, the black widow spider antivenin is widely used and accepted. Not only can it save a spider bite victim’s life, but it can reduce their suffering as well.

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The most effective and easy way to determine if you have brown recluse spiders is to lay down those nasty little glue strips. They are actually designed for mice, but these glue boards are highly effective at catching insects and spiders as well. They can easily be found at most any hardware store, and quite often can be found in the grocery store. The keys to success with these glue boards lies in where you place them.

Brown recluse spiders like to hide out in the most hidden areas of your home. Because they are very secretive, you need to place the traps in some of those low traffic areas. These areas include closets, under furniture, attics, garages and behind large appliances. Brown recluse spiders are thigmotactic. This means that they like to keep one side of their body against the wall. Knowing this, one should place the glue boards lengthwise against the wall. The spiders will climb across them and become stuck.

Once the spiders are attached to the glue board, then you can harmlessly inspect them with a magnifying glass to ensure that they are not Brown recluse spiders. If you find that they are brown recluse spiders, then you may consider contacting a professional to eradicate them from your home. This is far from an exact science, and will likely take a great deal of time. Still, a professional pest control expert can give you your best chance at getting rid of the brown recluse spiders.

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Black Widow Spider

I first told you all about my black widow encounter earlier this year, so I know the little buggers are around my home on the outside. I still had yet to see another one since that fateful day – until this afternoon that is. This time, the spider was in my house. (okay it was on my back porch but that is close enough)

After months of begging me to clean out our enclosed back porch, my wife finally hit the jackpot with me today. I got off my tail and went back there and started moving all the junk around. I noticed a spider or two here and there, but none of them were dangerous at all.

Eventually, I made my way to the cedar chest that was back in the corner. I opened it and immediately saw the random web of a black widow, complete with egg sac. Carefully, I looked around and searched for mama. I saw no spider anywhere, and concluded it was an abandoned web, or dead spider sac. I then went about the task of digging the books out of the cedar chest and cleaning it out.

I was pulling out books and stacking them on the floor behind me. One by one, I was taking them out and stacking them. Out of nowhere, I noticed a flash of movement. Running across the next book I was going to pick up was a huge black widow. She was headed toward my finger and I yanked back just in the nick of time. (okay so I moved it in plenty of time but that is boring, right?)

Come to find out, she was none too happy about my intrusion of her home, and particularly about getting near her egg sac. Black widow spiders are dangerously aggressive sometimes when you get near their young or egg sac. Some don’t seem to care. This gal cared. In a big way.

Unfortunately, I had to dispose of this fine arachnid in spite of my hesitancy to do so. The thought of that egg sac bursting in a room just off mine and my wife’s bedroom was the clincher. I love spiders but even I have my limits.

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Sydney Funnel Web (Photo Credited To Wikipedia Commons User en:User:Tirin

5. Camel Spider The camel spider makes this list largely due to legend. Soldiers returning from Iraq have talked about finding spiders that are the size of a housecat. The truth is, the camel spider is not a spider at all. They are large, and they are scary looking. Most people think of them as spiders, so they make the list based on that alone.

4. Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula This spider is the biggest in the world. Goliath bird eaters can grow to the size of dinner plates, and they are known for that size. The truth is, the spider is scary to watch and look at. They are true miracles of the spider world.

3. Brown Recluse The brown recluse is famous and scary for one reason – their bite. When a brown recluse bites, their venom is necrotic. That is, the venom will begin to cause the skin and tissue to die in and around the wound. Horrific spider bites, amputations, and other dangerous outcomes for brown recluse bites have led to their inclusion on this list.

2. Black WidowThe black widow is the very definition of what a scary spider looks like. The signature hourglass on their abdomens is one of the iconic symbols of the spider world. This spider actually has a few different versions in the family, which include the southern and northern black widows, the brown widow, and the red widow. They all are creepy to most people but are actually quite shy and avoid biting when possible.

1. Sydney Funnel Web Spider Now this is one spider that has a very nasty disposition and the package to do some real damage. A Sydney funnel web spider can kill a healthy man without proper medical intervention, but what really scares people is the attitude of this spider. They are highly aggressive and will readily attack and bite you if you come near. The venom is among the most dangerous in the insect and spider world, and they have large fangs to deliver it with. The Sydney funnel web spider is my choice as the scariest spider in the world. How about you?

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The Brown Widow

The brown widow is actually very similar to the black widow as far as size. They have a bulbous abdomen, and they are about the same size as a black widow. They are generally slightly smaller than a full grown black widow, but this can vary because of age and so on.

Where the black widow is black and shiny, the brown widow can be many different colors. The usual color is brown, but they can be grey, black, or any color in between. Another huge difference in the two is the hourglass marking on their bellies. The brown widow sports an orange or yellow marking, and the black widow sports a red one.

The brown widow has a bite that is similar in toxicity to the black widow. It is not universally agreed upon as to the severity of a brown widow bite, but they are generally less dangerous than a black widow. Most believe this is due to the amount of venom injected in a brown widow bite, rather than the toxicity of the venom.

The brown widow is also rather timid. They will not even attack when you are near their egg sac, unlike their black widow cousins. The brown widow is not interested in biting humans, and will only do so if they are trapped against your skin or messed with. Speaking of egg sacs, the brown widow has a very distinctive one. Their egg sacs are spiky looking and they are the only spiders to have this unique egg sac. This is a great way to ensure you are dealing with a brown widow.

This spider is found throughout the Southeast and Northeast, and is spreading across the United States. Already you can find them in South Carolina, Texas, and other states that originally did not have them. This is largely due to the habit of brown widows to hitch a ride on vehicles. This inadvertant relocation method has been very effective over the years.

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Black Widow Pictures

Black Widow Pictures

Not many people go out taking black widow pictures, but for those that do it is important to be safe about it.  Black widow pictures are some of the most unique and powerful spider pictures on the planet.  The black widow pictures found on this page are all pictures that were available on the net as public domain, etc.  When you take black widow pictures in real life, it is a little bit like shooting pictures of any other dangerous wildlife.

Show respect, and provide proper distance.  This means having a great zoom lens when shooting black widow pictures is vital.

Black Widow Pictures

The first thing you should do when you locate a black widow to shoot a picture of is to make sure you have at least five feet of distance between you and the spider.  Black widows are not overly aggressive unless they are guarding egg sacs or feel threatened.  By giving the black widow at least five feet, you will help it to remain calm and likely go about it’s normal business.  You may even be able to catch a black widow spider feeding.  That makes for wonderful black widow pictures I assure you.

Another important safety note when shooting black widow pictures is to make certain you use the zoom.  To really get the

Black Widow Pictures

detail on the spider, while still keeping yourself safe from a black widow spider bite, it is integral that you use the zoom rather than moving your hands in close.  Black widow spiders are very fast in short bursts, and they can certainly give you a nasty spider bite if you get your hands too close.

There are a number of black widow pictures that can be found on the net for free, as they are the most popular spider to take photos of in America.  The tarantula runs a close second, but the black widow pictures just seem a bit more special.  They have such a lengendary reputation that even the brief sight of a

Black Widow Pictures

black widow picture can bring out feelings.  That is the point of wildlife photography is it not?

Remember, be careful, keep your distance, and use a great zoom lens.  This will guarantee you many wonderful black widow pictures and stay safe from spider bite while you take them.

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Pictures of Brown Recluse Spider Bites

What you should do when a brown recluse spider bites you:

1.  Do go to the emergency room or doctor.  Brown recluse spider bites are serious because the venom is necrotic.  That is, it eats away at and kills tissue under the skin.  These bites can lead to serious complications up to and including amputation.  Worst case scenarios may even include death.

2.  Do apply ice to a brown recluse spider bite.  This will help with swelling and pain, and should be done on the way to the doctor.

3.  Do wash the bite site with soap and cool water.  This will help the brown recluse spider bite site resist infection.

4.  Do elevate the limb above the heart.  Venom travels through the blood stream, and you want to keep the bite site above your heart.

5. Do take acetamenophene for any pain you experience from the brown recluse spider bite.

6.  Do remain calm after being bitten by a brown recluse spider.  The venom travels faster if you are excited or active.

What you should not do if bitten by a brown recluse spider:

1.  Do not risk retrieving the spider unless you can safely do so.  You do not want to risk another bite.  Try to identify the brown recluse.  You can read about brown recluse spider identification here.

2.  Do not ever add heat to the bite site.  Heat will cause the tissue to break down quicker with a brown recluse spider bite.

3.  Do not suck, cut, or attempt to remove the venom from a brown recluse spider bite.  This can cause further damage as well as an added risk of spreading the venom.

4.  Do not medicate the brown recluse bite site with creams, or medicines of any kind.  Some of these can cause major problems with a brown recluse spider bite.

When you arrive at the doctors, you may receive any number of treatments for your brown recluse spider bite.  These can include tetanus shots, allergy meds, pain medications, and even antibiotics.  These depend on the site, as well as your reaction to the brown recluse spider bite.

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