Black Widow Spiders Seen Around Lubbock
By: Monica Yantosh
Updated: November 5, 2012
The increase in rain this year, as well as the warmer temperatures have helped to increase the insect population.
When the insect population increases, there is often an increase in spiders, because they feed on the insects.
"We honestly have seen a lot of black widow activity this year, a lot higher than normal," said Tim Gafford, owner of Gafford Pest Control.
"There's a lot more insect activity in that we're breaking somewhat of a drought," said Gafford, "With the off and on temperature, rain, and drought, that sorta thing, they're driving these things more inside than what we've seen in the past."
Gafford does say, however, that most Black Widows aren't seen inside. They can usually be found outside, in sheds or garages, or under piles of wood or debris.
"Working around your backyard or outside, you may want to consider wearing some leather gloves, and when you pull something up, look underneath, because they're going to nest under various items," said Gafford.
"They sit in their web and wait for food to come to them, and so the less disturbance the better," said James Cokendolpher, a research scientist at Texas Tech.
He thinks the population should being to drop with the colder weather, as many will hibernate or die. "Even now, the females will start dying, then you'll have the eggs sacks that over winter, and then the very young spiders," said Cokendolpher.
If you encounter one of these spiders, both Gafford and Cokendolpher say to be careful.
"They're not biting you to kill you, so they may inject venom or they may just bite you to get you to let go," said Cokendolpher.
"Generally speaking they're not aggressive, in that they're not going to attack you, but if you reach in and grab them, they have a defense mechanism," said Gafford. "They may bite you and they do have a pretty strong venom."
Both Gafford and Cokendolpher recommend seeing a doctor if you get a spider bite as a precautionary measure.
When the insect population increases, there is often an increase in spiders, because they feed on the insects.
"We honestly have seen a lot of black widow activity this year, a lot higher than normal," said Tim Gafford, owner of Gafford Pest Control.
"There's a lot more insect activity in that we're breaking somewhat of a drought," said Gafford, "With the off and on temperature, rain, and drought, that sorta thing, they're driving these things more inside than what we've seen in the past."
Gafford does say, however, that most Black Widows aren't seen inside. They can usually be found outside, in sheds or garages, or under piles of wood or debris.
"Working around your backyard or outside, you may want to consider wearing some leather gloves, and when you pull something up, look underneath, because they're going to nest under various items," said Gafford.
"They sit in their web and wait for food to come to them, and so the less disturbance the better," said James Cokendolpher, a research scientist at Texas Tech.
He thinks the population should being to drop with the colder weather, as many will hibernate or die. "Even now, the females will start dying, then you'll have the eggs sacks that over winter, and then the very young spiders," said Cokendolpher.
If you encounter one of these spiders, both Gafford and Cokendolpher say to be careful.
"They're not biting you to kill you, so they may inject venom or they may just bite you to get you to let go," said Cokendolpher.
"Generally speaking they're not aggressive, in that they're not going to attack you, but if you reach in and grab them, they have a defense mechanism," said Gafford. "They may bite you and they do have a pretty strong venom."
Both Gafford and Cokendolpher recommend seeing a doctor if you get a spider bite as a precautionary measure.
