Have You Checked Your Grapes for Black Widows?

My kids and I love buying grapes at the grocery store. Sometimes we are little impatient and nibble on the grapes while driving home. A teacher from West Fargo was surprised earlier this month, when she got home and opened up her grape package to reveal some spider webs and a recently deceased black widow. Thank goodness the black widow was already dead! Can you imagine grabbing a grape and feeling the initial sting of a black widow bite? Uggghhhhhh…. the thought of it freaks me out a little bit to say the least.

Black Widow in grapes grocery store pest control

What would you do if this happened to you?

Here’s a quick idea of how you would feel if a black widow were to bite you:

Muscle cramps and spasms begin near the bite and then spreads increasing in severity for 6 to 12 hours.
Chills, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.
Sweating.
Severe belly, back, and/or chest pain.
Headache.
Stupor, restlessness, and/or shock.
heightened blood pressure.

You may ask where you can typically find black widows? These spiders typically live in holes, cracks, crevices, trash, and other clutter around our homes, barns, storage sheds, and such. But ironically, black widows are not as common in Florida. Brown Widows are more common in Florida. These spiders carry the same venom but inject less than their relatives. Brown Widows generally reside in cluttered areas outside such as woodpiles or in cluttered areas of garages, but you’ll also find them in more exposed areas such as on chain-link fences where black widows normally wouldn’t be found. With the spider abundance in Florida what is the scariest encounter you or your family have ever had?

Concerned about a spider problem in your home or business? Call us today at 850-682-5354 or fill out our easy 30 second form online to provide you with a free estimate.

Did you know that Florida is home to 2 of the most dangerous species of spiders? Click here to learn more about them.

Can you tell the difference between a brown recluse or a wolf spider? We wrote a popular article last year about that.