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How to Catch a Black Widow

In most temperate areas, including North America and much of Europe, there is a small chance of a black widow spider coming inside. Outside, black widows are useful because they eat pests such as cockroaches, but inside they are a potential danger, especially to children. Although their bites are usually painful rather than deadly, it is unlikely you want the spider to stay. A painful spider bite is unpleasant, and black widow bites are occasionally fatal if untreated. For obvious reasons you should take care when catching and removing the spider.

Things You'll Need

Work gloves and long-sleeved top
Tumbler glass, aquarium net or plastic tub
Piece of cardboard
Newspaper or shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a long-sleeved top made of thick material such as denim and tough work gloves. This is a precaution in the unlikely event the spider crawls onto and tries to bite you. It also protects you if you accidentally touch the black widow spider or frighten it enough for it to behave defensively.
- 2
  Approach the spider without making sudden movements. Try not to let your shadow fall on it because spiders are sensitive to light changes as a way to detect potential predators. Don't switch on extra lights unless necessary. Because black widows are nocturnal, they may not be active in a brightly lit room. Switching on a light in a previously dim room could make the spider immediately take refuge behind or under furniture.
- 3
  Place the glass, tub or net quickly over the spider and slide the cardboard underneath.
- 4
  Place the lid on the plastic tub if you are catching the spider as a specimen. Take the arrangement outside and shake out the spider as far away from your house as possible if you are merely removing the spider. If you want to kill the spider, shake it onto bare ground and hit it with a newspaper or shovel.

Animals & Science