Black widow in your grapes? Here’s what you need to know

Linda Rayor is a professor of entomology at Cornell University, one of the science hosts of the Science Channel series “Monster Bug Wars,” and has tough Cornell’s spider biology class for over 19 years. In light of the recent discovery of several black widow spiders in grape containers throughout the U.S., Rayor offers some helpful hints in case one is found in your favorite fruit.

Rayor says:

“Black widows are unquestionably the most dangerous poisonous spider in the world and are commonly found near grapes. The supports between grapevines provide excellent support systems for webs and the grapes make great hiding places. “If you find a black widow, do not handle it. Approach it carefully and collect it in a sealed container or jar. While the black widow is more afraid of you than you are of it, they will bite in self-defense.

“50 percent of the time, spiders don’t actually inject venom when they bite. You know within 15 minutes whether you have actually been envenomated by a black widow. If you start experiencing severe pain, go to an emergency room where they can provide antivenom or palliative treatment. Bites can cause intense pain and shortness of breath, but are rarely lethal in healthy adults.”

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