Why You Don’t Need to Fear This Venomous Michigan Spider

Now that spring is in full swing, all the creatures and critters have emerged, and things feel right in the world. Few things warm my wretched heart more than watching little bunnies chase each other on the lawn.

Very wholesome.

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However, plenty of things return in the spring that you won't hear anyone celebrating. I'm talking about mosquitoes, ticks, and spiders. Yes, obviously, spiders are still around during the winter, but many enter a state of reduced activity similar to hibernation, but different. So when it gets warmer out, they become far more active, and Michigan's most dangerous spider is again on the prowl. However, as menacing as this spider can be, it isn't one you need to fear.

What Is Michigan's Most Dangerous Spider?

One of the most iconic spiders in America is the Black Widow, mainly because of its black body and recognizable red hourglass-shaped marking on its back. This spider is indeed very venomous, with its venom 15 times more toxic than that of a rattlesnake. Black Widows tend to be found in West Michigan, usually in wooded areas like old stumps, hollow logs, piles of brush, and the corners of sheds and crawl spaces.

READ MORE: Michigan’s Only Venomous Snake Is Rare and Shy |

I hear you saying, "You said the Black Widow is kind, but now you're saying its venom is very dangerous. That doesn't make sense!" That's a valid response. However, there's a secret: Black Widows are scaredy cats. 

Black Widow Spiders Are Timid

Like most things in nature, the general rule of thumb is that if you leave it alone, it'll leave you alone. This also applies to the Black Widow. According to Michigan State University, Black Widow spiders are "very timid and prefer fleeing when disturbed." Many people who fear spiders also have a natural inclination to flee. Attempting to attack it will only cause more trouble

Thankfully, a bite from this spider is an unpleasant experience but not deadly. If you get a black widow spider on you, the best way to get it off is to lightly puff air at it to mimic a flying insect/animal, subtly encouraging it to get off you on its own.