Why You Might Want To Leave Oklahoma’s Black Widows Alone

As Oklahoma settles into another summer of grilling, backyard projects, pool days, mowing the lawn, and spending as much time outside as possible, here's one reminder that'll probably sound completely backwards.

You might actually want to let that black widow spider live.

I know... that's not exactly advice you hear every day.

As creepy as they look, black widows actually do something most Oklahomans can appreciate. They hunt and kill the other venomous spider that's common across the Sooner State, the brown recluse, or as most of us call them, fiddlebacks.

Depending on where you live, both species are found all over Oklahoma. Some places have more than others, but neither is exactly uncommon.

Brown recluse spiders don't really do us any favors.

brown spider on white surface

You can search the internet all day looking for a good reason to leave a fiddleback alone, but you won't find much. The world seems pretty united on this one.

They aren't keeping your house free of bugs. They only eat what they need when they need a meal. But they have adapted very well to being indoors. They're doing what the spiders in Arachnophobia did to that barn. Making baby spiders. And unfortunately, they usually make their homes in places we tend to put our hands.

A bite isn't the death sentence most people envision, but they can get a little nasty. Most of the time you'll want to see the doctor, and even they'll tell you that it takes weeks to heal the wound. That's if you have a bad reaction. Truthfully, some people barely react at all. Either way, they're not friendly spiders.

Black widows, surprisingly, are a different story.

A couple of black bugs sitting on top of a green plant

Don't get me wrong. They're venomous too, and you definitely don't want one setting up shop where your kids, pets, or bare feet are likely to find it.

But outside?

They're actually a good spidey to have around.

They spend their days catching flies, mosquitoes, beetles, moths, and anything else that crawls into their web, including other spiders like fiddlebacks.

Nature, Balanced

So, should you just let black widows move in?

Uhh, no. Never.

If you find one inside the house, the garage, under the toys, by all means, get rid of it. But if it's outside in the landscaping or garden, and it isn't bothering anybody, leave it be.

Just like every other venomous predator in Oklahoma, they're not looking to ruin your day. They're just living their tiny little lives.

Have fun, good luck, don't die.