South Gulf County Volunteer Fire Department

Brown Widow Spiders

There have been an increase in sitings of Brown Widow spiders on the Cape recently.  These spiders are a little bit smaller than Black Widow, can vary from light tan to dark brown or almost black and may have differing markings such as white, black, yellow, brown and even orange on the back of their abdomen.  The hour glass on the underside is usually bright orange.

The easiest way to determine if there is a brown widow around is to find the egg sack.   It is not that same as other widows and has pointed projections much like the old sea mines.  Their webs are haphazard with no design on them.  They can be found in every kind of nook and cranny.

Even though the brown widow is more venomous than a black widow, it does not inject as much venum when it bites.  But the bite is still painful. The severity of the reaction depends on the age and physical condition of the person bitten. Children and the elderly are more seriously affected than young adults. 

The decision to seek emergency care should be made early. If the person who was bitten by a brown widow spider has more than minor pain or has whole-body symptoms, seek care at a hospital's Emergency Department. If symptoms are severe, call 911 for emergency medical transport so that evaluation and treatment can start en route to the hospital.

Posted by Captain Vince Bishop - Tuesday, 01/17/12, 06:23 PM - Comments - Category: Health and Safety