Are black widows deadly?

Question

If I were to get bit by one would I live and how long would the reaction time be?

Answer 1

Not deadly. But, could make some people very sick. The problem becomes worse if the person has certain illnesses or is allergic to the venom.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/black_widow_spider_bite/article_em.htm


ARACHNOLOGY
The study of arachnids
POISON, BITES AND DISEASES
http://www.arachnology.org/Arachnology/Pages/A_poison.html

Answer 2

Why do people that don't know anything about a subject answer questions like these? First of all, Black Widow Spider bites are NOT considered deadly, poisonous, but not really deadly. Black Widow Spiders do bite when in danger or guarding egg sacks, but mostly bite in a defensive manner which often doesn't even penetrate skin deep enough to pass enough venom. Death from Black Widow Spider bites are EXTREMELY RARE!!! If they were not rare, people in the Southwest, South, and Southeast States would be dying in staggering numbers every year because the sheer numbers of Black Widow Spiders in some areas is HUGE. Deaths have occurred, but that would be because certain circumstances like a bad heart or the person bitten was really young and sick. Any venomous insect, including the docile European Honeybee could possible cause a death by stinging someone, but they are not considered deadly unless a person is allergic to the venom. Black Widow Spiders are not deadly, but can inflict a painful bite that could make a person quite ill, in in very rare instances, could be fatal. Some people watch too many horror movies.

Answer 3

Widows aren't really 'deadly' , in the sense that almost everyone bitten by one nowadays will live. However, the neurotoxin in the widow's venom is extremely potent, and very tiny amounts will produce powerful effects. Muscle cramping and very strong pain are among the usual symptoms - not limited to the bite area, but often in the abdomen as well. It's something to definitely avoid, although for most people a couple days in hospital serve to get thrrough it.

Answer 4

"Black Widow is considered a venomous spider in North America. Black Widow spiders are not usually deadly, especially to adults, because they inject only a small amount of venom. Despite its reputation, this spider often attempts to escape rather than bite, unless it is guarding an egg mass or if it is cornered and pressed. After mating, the female sometimes eats the male, earning the name "widow."" -- source listed below.

Even if the spider won't kill you, I wouldn't want to get close enough to find out how much it would hurt if I were bitten by one. (My friend almost sat on one the other day, but luckily my other friend stopped him from sitting down just in time.)

There are lots of black widow spiders in my area, so I've seen quite a few of them. I wouldn't want to be bitten by one, whether they're deadly or not.

***The victim of a black widow bite should go to the doctor immediately for treatment.***

Answer 5

No, black widows are beautiful! (no, I'm not being racist!)

Their bites can be painful, but you would be okay unless you were allergic to the spider's venom, or if you are very small or were in frail health to begin with.

Anaphylaxis can occur in just a few minutes for a highly allergic person, and yes, that is likely to be deadly if medical attention is not sought immediately.

Answer 6

You would probably live, assuming you are a healthy adult. You would notice a reaction within a few minutes. The site of the bite would swell up, and you might feel nauseous. It's a good idea to get to a doctor ASAP.

Answer 7

Black widow spiders are venomous, and can kill a child or a pet; adults will almost certainly become very ill, and all will experience a LOT of pain.

Answer 8

It is probably easier to go on wikipedia and get this info. Yes, you would live. You would just be messed up, probably puking and stuff. Someone at my work got bit once and it sucked to be him that day.

Answer 9

yep. not sure how long the reaction time'll be, but they are deadly