Helpful Black Widow Spider Facts for Brooklynites

Across the country the mild winter plus the hot, humid summer has resulted in an explosion of black widow spiders.

Now exterminators are saying we should "just be aware" that black widow spiders have invaded New York City. With that in mind, here are a few helpful black widow facts for Brooklynites:

- The toxin of a black widow bite is about 15 times more venomous than that of a rattlesnake. Children and the elderly are more seriously affected, up to and including death.

- If you see the red markings on their bellies you're too close.

- Anti-venom may be necessary. Call 9-1-1 and tell them in advance so they can rustle some up. (Warning, some people react to the anti-venom.)

- If you see a large white egg, a black widow spider is likely nearby.

- All that scrap wood you picked up off the street and dragged home? That's how you got black widow spiders.

- A guy known as "The Bug Man" in Pennsylvania says you can spray them with hairspray to stop them in their tracks.

- If you're bitten 19 times you will probably die.

Photo courtesy of docsontheweb.com

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