One of the deadliest spiders in the world is returning to the south

Scientists and pest control experts are urging residents of , and other southwest states to stay vigilant as deadly black widow spiders return this summer.

Females of the species can strike with a , 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake bite, experts warn, used for defense and to paralyze prey.

The venom, known as latrotoxin, can induce severe muscle pain and spasms, heart issues, abdominal cramps, and can paralyze the diaphragm leading to serious trouble breathing — but it is mostly a threat to children, the elderly and the infirm.

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