The venom of the black widow spider contains toxins that affect a person's nervous system. These are known as neurotoxins. The black widow is said to be the most venomous spider in North America. However, a very small amount of venom is usually injected when a person is bitten, so the bite rarely results in death.
The venom of the black widow travels through a person's bloodstream and then begins to affect the nervous system. This causes different levels of pain in different people. Some victims describe very intense pain following a bite.
Unlike the brown recluse, which is another very dangerous spider, the venom of a black widow does not result in extensive tissue damage at the bite location.
One person's sensitivity to a black widow bite can be different from another's. Black widow bites are rarely fatal if they are treated promptly. Bites are more threatening to the very young and very old, as well as those with high blood pressure or poor physical health.
There is an anti-venom used for black widow bites. If you are bitten, immediately seek medical attention and take the spider along for identification, if possible.