If bitten, remain calm, collect the spider, if possible, for positive identification and get medical attention immediately. First aid is of limited help. Application of a mild antiseptic such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide prevents infection. Persons younger than 16 and older than 60, especially those with a heart condition, may require a hospital stay. A physician can give specific antivenom or calcium gluconate to relieve pain.
Healthy people recover rapidly in two to five days.
The black widow spider is shy and nocturnal in habit, usually staying in her hidden web. Although not aggressive, she may rush out and bite when her web is disturbed or when accidentally trapped in clothing or shoes. Many are associated with dry, undisturbed piles of firewood, old limbs, rock piles, bales of hay, wooden buildings and pit privies. Prevention Remove trash, old boxes, piles of lumber, old rubble piles and other unwanted items from under or around houses and outbuildings. Do not go barefoot or handle firewood without gloves.