Northern Black Widow Spider?? - Ask Extension
Hello
I found a spider that looks a lot like a Northern Black Widow Spider on a shutter on my house. I would like know whether or not it is.
Can you...
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Northern Black Widow Spider?? #705342
Asked July 25, 2020, 8:23 PM EDT
Hello
I found a spider that looks a lot like a Northern Black Widow Spider on a shutter on my house. I would like know whether or not it is.
Can you confirm it is a Black Widow Spider?
If it isn’t, then what kind is it?
If it is, how do I keep them away from my house?
Are they poisonous to dogs?
Thank you
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
We agree and think that this is a female Northern Black Widow Spider.
They are non-agressive and timid and like dark, undisturbed areas like wood or stone piles, basement window wells etc. It is unusual to find them out in the open.
Here is our page on spiders which includes the black widow and how to avoid and manage them: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/spiders-maryland
Bites are uncommon, especially if care is taken. but can be medically significant. (So called 'dry bites' without venom can occur.)
As far as your dog goes, we suggest contacting your vet to see how common they see it and what they advise.
Christine
They are non-agressive and timid and like dark, undisturbed areas like wood or stone piles, basement window wells etc. It is unusual to find them out in the open.
Here is our page on spiders which includes the black widow and how to avoid and manage them: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/spiders-maryland
Bites are uncommon, especially if care is taken. but can be medically significant. (So called 'dry bites' without venom can occur.)
As far as your dog goes, we suggest contacting your vet to see how common they see it and what they advise.
Christine
