Black Widow Spiders in Kailua Kona
The brown widow spider came to the U.S. through the state of Florida in the 1990s. They are also known as cobweb spiders because of their irregular webs. The brown widow is similar to the black widow spider, but the hourglass of the black widow is bright red while the brown widow is yellowish-orange or reddish-orange. Only the female brown widow is venomous and it injects neurotoxic venom into its prey with her bite.
Black Widow Habitat
Brown widows can typically be found in protected or secluded areas near homes and in wooded vegetation. Some places where webs are located include empty containers like buckets or garden pots, mailboxes, the corners of entryways, under eaves, garages, storage closets, and under wrought iron railings and outdoor furniture. Brown widows are not as reclusive as black widow spiders, so this risk of interaction with one is much higher. This means that the possibility of a bite is more likely.
Black Widow Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
When compared to a black widow, the bite of a brown widow spider has more mild symptoms. Interestingly, the brown widow spider has a venom that is twice as potent as the black widow, but it is believed that the brown widow does not release as much of the neurotoxin. The species avoids human interaction and the male spiders and immature females do not bite at all. A bite from a brown widow spider is not usually medically threatening, but if there is severe pain and swelling, medical attention should be sought.
If you are dealing with a black widow problem, always contact your local spider exterminators.
