What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Black Widow Spider 🕷️
A Complete, Step-by-Step Guide
A black widow bite can be serious, but staying calm and acting quickly makes a big difference.
1. Stay calm and move to safety
Black widows are not aggressive, but make sure you’re away from the spider to avoid another bite.
2. Wash the bite area immediately
Use soap and clean water to reduce the risk of infection. Gently clean—don’t scrub hard.
3. Apply a cold compress
Place ice wrapped in a cloth on the bite for 10–15 minutes at a time. This helps reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. Never apply ice directly to skin.
4. Keep the bitten limb still and elevated
This can slow the spread of venom and reduce discomfort.
5. Manage pain carefully
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help. Avoid aspirin for children and teens.
6. Watch for symptoms
Mild bites may cause: • Redness or swelling
• Sharp pain at the bite site
More serious symptoms can include: • Severe muscle cramps or spasms
• Abdominal pain
• Sweating, nausea, or vomiting
• Headache or dizziness
• High blood pressure or rapid heartbeat
Symptoms can worsen over several hours.
7. Seek medical help immediately if symptoms escalate
Go to the ER or urgent care if: • Pain becomes severe
• Muscle cramps spread
• Breathing becomes difficult
• The bite is on a child, elderly person, or pregnant woman
Doctors may provide muscle relaxants, pain control, or antivenom in rare severe cases.
8. Do NOT do these things
✖ Do not cut the bite
✖ Do not suck out venom
✖ Do not use heat
✖ Do not apply tourniquets
✖ Do not rely on home remedies or alcohol
9. If possible, identify the spider
Only if it’s safe, note its appearance (shiny black body, red hourglass). Do not try to catch it.
Recovery
Most people recover fully within a few days to a week with proper care.
Bottom line:
Black widow bites are rarely fatal, but they should always be taken seriously. When in doubt, get medical help—early treatment matters.
Stay safe 🖤
