Northern Black Widow Garden Spiders

The variety of the black widow garden spiders found in Michigan is called the northern black widow spider. These garden spiders are not nearly as big as many people believe. The mass of the female garden spider is about ½-inch long (1½-inch long including the legs). Males are smaller. Black widow spiders are shiny, black, and have a round abdomen. Females have a red spot (often shaped like an hourglass) on the underside of its abdomen. The male does not have the red hourglass marking but may have yellow and red bands and spots over the back. Black widow garden spiders are common around wood stocks and are often encountered when homeowners haul firewood into the house. They may also be found under patios, in trunks, outdoor buildings, meter boxes and other undisturbed areas. While they may bite when touched or harmed, they are not normally aggressive. Be very careful when working around areas where black widow garden spiders may live. Wear leather gloves and pay attention to where you are working. Black widow bites are sharp and very painful, and the victim should go to the physician immediately for treatment. To control black widow garden spiders, carefully remove all materials where they might lurk. They can be cleared out of an area simply by knocking down the spider webs, and tan egg sacs with a stick and smashing them under a boot..

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