A resident of Corner Brook called the RNC Tuesday complaining that she had discovered a live Black Widow spider in her home.
The RNC called on the expertise of the Newfoundland Insectarium to assist in the case.
The family relocated for the night at their own choosing and a local pest controller is expected to go to the house today.
According to the National Geographic website, black widows are notorious spiders identified by the coloured, hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. Several species answer to the name, and they are found in temperate regions around the world. In humans, bites produce muscle aches, nausea, and a paralysis of the diaphragm that can make breathing difficult; however, contrary to popular belief, most people who are bitten suffer no serious damage. But bites can be fatal in some cases — usually to small children, the elderly, or the infirm. Fortunately, fatalities are fairly rare. The spiders are non-aggressive and bite only in self-defense, such as when someone accidentally sits on them.
