The black widow spider is one of only two venomous spider species in Georgia, the other being the brown recluse. Black widows are fairly large spiders, sometimes growing to 1.5 inches, including legs. The females are black in color, with a distinctive hourglass-shaped marking upon their abdomens. This marking is most often red, but may also be varying degrees of white, yellow, or orange. Male black widows are smaller than the females, usually no larger than .75", and are most often dark brown in color. Males may or may not exhibit hourglass markings on the abdomen; when they are present, they are usually much fainter and of darker shades than those of the female.

Widows are often found at the bottom of structure, near the ground. Around the home, they are usually found under siding, in dryer vent covers, along the bottom of fencing, etc. They will not usually be found inside a home, but sometimes can be found in basements or attics, and may travel to the inhabited parts of the home.

Black Widow venom is approximately 15 times more potent than that of the rattlesnake; however because the spider is so (relatively) small, the effects of a bite are far less grave. Widow bites very rarely result in fatality—only 63 black widow venom-related deaths were reported in the United States between 1950 and 1989. In most cases the effects of the venom are limited to minimal to severe pain and swelling and redness at the bite site, and fang marks. More rarely, victims may experience muscle spasms and cramping throughout the body for 6 to 12 hours; chills, fever, and nausea; severe abdominal pain; seizures; stupor or shock; and/or hypertension. The effects of a bite from a black widow are more serious for children than for adults.

If you are bitten by a black widow, seek medical attention as soon as possible; put ice on the wound and remain calm to decrease the flow of venom into the blood; try to positively identify the spider that bit you to assist your doctor in his/her diagnosis. In most cases the only treatment that is needed is to thoroughly clean the wound; medication may be prescribed if the patient is pregnant, suffers from seizures or hypertension, or is having difficulty breathing. Painkillers may also be prescribed for muscle pain.

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