Do black widow spiders pursue mammals?

Question

This is probably ridiculous, but my extreme arachnophobia is raging while I help a friend renovate an old wood frame house. I heard once, probably on a playground when I lived in a similar old house with many black widows, that those spiders actually hunt humans. Of course to this day, the image haunts me, BS or not! Is it true?

Answer 1

No, black widows do not attack humans.  They are not at all aggressive toward humans, or every kid in Southern California would have been bitten more than once.  They are everywhere.

Most black widow bites happen when the spider gets trapped between your clothing and your skin and gets squished.  Also, if a black widow gets on you and you slap it, you could drive its fangs into your skin.

A black widow bite will make you sick for a few days but will not kill you, unless by chance you are allergic to it.

Male black widow spiders can't bite humans, and they are not black.

In my view, more important than wearing gloves is making sure the spider can't get into your cuffs or pant legs; put rubber bands or whatever to prevent this, mainly if you will be crawling around in tight places.  Some advise wearing light-colored clothing, so you will notice a bug on it.  It's not as if they really want to get on you.  Don't stick your fingers where you can't see; that way, you can avoid accidental contact with one.  

Answer 2

Absolutely not true. I've lived in several houses that contained black widows. They are rather tame spiders and would not bite unless they felt threatened and didn't have any place to run away too. I once saw a video of a man "attacking" a black widow with his finger. The spider just kept trying to run away.

I've kept a few as "pets." Never once has a black widow ever reared up on me as if to attack me. I even woke up one morning to this huge black widow sitting on the wall above me. It was just minding its own business. However, in the chaos of renovating a black widow might think you are attacking it when you reach around something and don't see it there. I'd wear gloves.

Answer 3

no, they usually run away, if they cant they bite you, i got tagged in fla and i was real sick for 3 days , picked up a board and trapped it with my hand, someone tol me it was a male or i would of died but i dont think thats true. wear gloves and long clothes and keep aware of dark ,not usually disturbed places.  be careful

Answer 4

Not true! You need to get over your fear. I did. It took me years.I studied them learning more about them don't

be fooled by the myths out there. they are poisonous but so are snakes , some frogs, mosquito's are scarier to me now than spiders cuz they Do want your blood but the black widow is more afraid of you. wear gloves while working around the home and in the garden.As soon a you educate your self about the spider you wont be so afraid. Good luck I wish you well.