If you suspect a black widow spider bite, the National Capital Poison Con- trol Center recommends the following: 1.Keep the affected area still. This prevents the venom from spreading faster throughout the body. 2.Wash the bite site thoroughly with warm, soapy water and apply an icepack in 10-minute intervals. 3.Seek emergency medical attention right away. Black widow spider bites that are left untreated can cause flu-like symptoms, vital sign spikes, heart inflammation, and even death. Tarantulas Tarantulas may look intimidating, but these large, hairy spiders are much less dangerous than they appear. While they can bite and leave a significant wound, their venom is fairly low in tox- icity and typically only results in local- ized pain and swelling. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye out for them. Tarantulas are nocturnal hunters, meaning they burrow during the day and emerge at night to hunt. They’re most ac- tive during warmer months — August through October — for mating season. In the United States, tarantulas are commonly found in the Southwest and
The brown recluse spider is most commonly found in the South Central and Midwestern parts of the United States, including Nebraska, Ohio, and Texas.
While most brown recluse spider bites heal without complications, seek med- ical attention if signs of infection de- velop, the wound becomes ulcerated or fails to heal, pain worsens, or you experience systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or fatigue. For more information, check out the Brown Recluse Spider Bite Informa- tion page from the Cleveland Clinic. Black Widow The black widow spider ( Latrodectus ) is often considered the deadliest and most dangerous spider in North America. It can be identified by its shiny black body with a distinctive red hourglass pattern on its belly. When a black wid- ow bites, it releases a toxic venom that can cause severe pain, nausea, and, in rare cases, paralysis. Black widows are most active during warmer months, with peak activity oc- curring during summer and early fall when temperatures are above 70℉. This is the optimal time for mating and egg- sac production. When temperatures drop, and winter settles in, the black widow generally goes dormant. All arborists need to keep an eye out for this spider, as it lives and thrives throughout the entire United States,
including Alaska.
Symptoms of a Black Widow Spider Bite The powerful neurotoxins behind a black widow spider bite can directly affect the nervous system. Within about one to two hours, victims may experience: •Swelling or rash at the bite location •Intense muscle cramps •Stomach and/or chest pain •Unusually increased sweating •Nausea •Headache
The black widow can be found throughout the entire United States, making it a prominent hazard for arborists everywhere. Its venom is so toxic, it can cause severe pain, nausea, and, in rare cases, paralysis.
30 | Summer 2026 ArborTIMES ™
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