Black Widow Advice/Info

[dejr_8]

We are relatively new to NC and have come across several Black Widow spiders in our yard. While I know Black Widows rarely kill adults how concerned should we be about our kids (7 & 4) getting bit.

 

[SC Minnie]

I have lived in the south all my life and have never been bitten by a Black Widow. I have seen a few though. They like dark places.

Call you local poison control or your family dr and ask them what to do if your children should get bitten.

 

[salmoneous]

While a kid can get sick from just about any insect bite, there hasn't been a death from black widow venom in the US in over 20 years.

With all the other things parents have to worry about, put this one waaaay down on your list.

 

[SC Minnie]

While a kid can get sick from just about any insect bite, there hasn't been a death from black widow venom in the US in over 20 years.

With all the other things parents have to worry about, put this one waaaay down on your list.

ITA-- I would worry more about them stepping into fire ants. Their bites are extremely painful and some people have allergic reactions.

 

[Jennasis]

I often find black widows living under our gargabe cans and DEFINITELY in the wood pile or anywhere else there are dark "hidey" places. Inform your kids what they look like and tell them to steer clear. I've killed my fair share of them if they are in places I have to go daily (they love to hang out under the poles I use to build my jumps in my riding arena), but mostly I let them be.