Black Widow Spiders 2015

When the Incident Management Team on the Kettle Complex in northeast Washington moved base camp, they encountered an unexpected hazard. The new site was prepared using a dozer to level the ground. Bark chips were brought in to calm the dust and prevent mud holes if it rained. They soon discovered that this new location was already occupied—by a resident population of black widow spiders. These spiders were living underground in old rodent burrows. When the ground was disturbed, they came up to the surface. Over the next several days, these black widow spiders were found in yurts—especially near the roof seams—and were also hiding near and behind large objects, such as monitors or stacked tables. Every day, people were going to the Medical Unit with bites that they suspected were from black widows.

The only confirmed black widow bite, however, occurred when the person put on a jacket. Even though this person did not have an adverse reaction, they were transported to the local medical clinic as a precaution. The wound was cleaned and the person returned to work.

RLS, Non Fire, Animals or Insects