Black Widow Spider Bite

Bites and stings of medically important venomous arthropods

“…Early medical reports of human envenomation by black widows often involved outhouses, and bites often occurred on the genitalia or buttocks. 50–52 As indoor plumbing and the shift from rural to urban society increased, the incidences of bites shifted from these sensitive areas to the limbs. 53 , 54 Now, Latrodectus bites occur most frequently when the spider is trapped against human skin, either by reaching under objects where the spider is hiding or when putting on clothing, gloves, or shoes containing the spider.…”

Chemical Control of Spiders and Scorpions in Urban Areas

“…Some species are not found in synanthropic association [44]. In the past, many bites, predominantly on the buttocks and genitalia, occurred in outdoor toilets [55]. The decline in the use of outdoor privies and an increased public knowledge of the black widow has resulted in a decline in the number of bites by this species in the United States.…”

“…A reasonable degree of orderliness in the storage of equipment and disposal of rubbish would reduce the available sites for nests and webs. Outdoor privies were common sites for attacks by Latrodectus; most victims were men and the injury was centered on the external genitalia [55]. A periodic examination of the outdoor privies was recommended and it was suggested to paint the undersides of the seats with creosote, crude oil, or some other repellant.…”