Most spider bites do not cause harm. There are 2 species of venomous spiders in Kansas: the female black widow and brown recluse.
Black Widow
The female black widow is jet black with a red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of her abdomen. Black widows live in undisturbed places such as woodpiles, dark corners of barns, garages, basements, closets and cluttered areas.
Brown Recluse
The brown recluse spider has a violin-shaped area on the front half of its body, with the neck of the violin pointing toward its abdomen. Brown recluses prefer undisturbed areas like attics, garages, dark closets or under sinks. Outdoors, it hides under logs, porches or within piles of wood or rocks. The brown recluse hunts and feeds at night and hides during the day.
Prevention of Spider Bites:
- Know that both the black widow and the brown recluse spiders are nonaggressive, and only bite when they are startled or surprised.
- Wear protective clothing such as gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks when working outdoors.
- Applying insect repellent containing DEET to skin and clothing can provide extra protection.
- Clear any yard debris to prevent spiders from making their homes nearby.
- Shake out clothing, blankets and shoes before using them – especially if they have been unused for quite some time.
- Make sure your home is sealed to prevent spiders from entering. Caulk cracks and crevices on the outside of the house.
- Keep the house clean and free of clutter. Vacuum under furniture and clear any spider webs.
- If you or someone has been bitten by a spider, call the Poison Center hotline: 1-800-222-1222.