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What can you do about black widows?

Bekah has a question:

In the past 24 hours, I have seen 2 black widow spiders in the broad, open space – not even hiding in dark spaces like they normally do. Black widow spider bites cause severe ulcerating wounds on adults and can kill children. Has anyone else seen them in the area? What can be done to rid of these poisonous spiders, especially in one’s yard?

7 comments

just a neighbor 08/03/2012 at 8:52 AM

A simple google search reveals lots of great info. Did you know only about 3-6 people a year die from BW bites, usually children who do not get immediate medical help?

http://www.getridofthings.com/pests/spiders/get-rid-of-black-widows.htm

http://www.commonpests.com/how-to-get-rid-of-black-widows

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Stephen 08/03/2012 at 11:51 AM

Bekah, I like to squish them with my shoe.

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Bret 08/03/2012 at 12:35 PM

For the two you saw, there are probably 50 within your property you don’t see, they’ve probably been there forever and yet no one is dying. Don’t worry about them.

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Rachel Elves 08/03/2012 at 3:31 PM

I have a lot of black widows in my backyard and I’ve never had any problems. Like most animals/insects they will not bite unless provoked (and sometimes not even then). Just think of all the Mosquitos they’re killing for you 🙂

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Alex 08/03/2012 at 3:50 PM

Spray your yard with napalm. That should do the trick…

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Lora 08/07/2012 at 4:46 PM

I agree with Bret and Rachel. I say leave them alone, wear gloves when you do yard work, be careful when you’re out there, and warn visitors to be mindful as well. They’re all over my yard, but they’re not at all aggressive. I’ve learned to keep an eye out when I’m gardening, which has worked for me.

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