Poisonous Black Widow Spiders Invade Bayanaul Again

Jerusalem, 15 May, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- (Kazinform) – Scientists at Bayanaul National Park in northeastern Kazakhstan reported that they had discovered black widow spider egg clutches on rocky areas of the lake’s northeastern shore, indicating a high probability that the dangerous insects will reappear during the summer season.

“In March, we conducted a survey of the areas where black widow activity was observed last year. As a result, it turned out that their egg-laying sites had been preserved among the stones,” Murat Zhasulan, a researcher at the Department of Science and Monitoring of the National Park.

“The spiders themselves take refuge in rock crevices during the cold season, and come to the surface with the onset of warm weather. Since the territory is a specially protected natural zone, the use of chemicals within the park is prohibited. We manually collect eggs, place them in special containers and destroy them with fire. Last year, such activities were carried out on an area of ​​about 30 hectares. In the coming weeks, our specialists will again begin to destroy egg-laying sites. In addition, we sent an official notification to the Akimat of the Toraigyr rural district so that they can process lands that are not within the boundaries of the National Park,” Zhasulan explained.

This is the third year in a row that black widow spiders have been recorded in the national park. In 2023, park staff collected and destroyed 1,593 egg clutches and 356 female black widow spiders, and last year – 523 clutches and 124 females.

Akim of Bayanaul district Ardak Ksentayev noted that chemical treatment against spiders will be carried out this year in areas belonging to Toraigyr rural district and not related to the park territory.

“For these purposes, 1.8 million tenge ($35,000) have been allocated from the local budget, the contractor has already been selected. Last year, in August, due to the invasion of black widows, we were forced to declare a state of natural emergency. This year, we began preparations in advance. The contractor will begin processing in the near future. It is planned to carry out the work in two stages. Last year, 150 hectares were processed, this year the scale will be no less. The effectiveness of the processing has been confirmed in practice. This problem is under constant control in the current season,” emphasized Ardak Ksentayev.

National Park staff urge vacationers planning trips to Lake Toraigyr to exercise special caution, as the black widow spider poses a serious threat to health. Doctors warn: if bitten by a black widow spider, seek medical help immediately. Before its arrival, the bite site can be cauterized for 2-3 minutes – this helps reduce the toxic effect of the poison.

Last summer a mass invasion of black widow spiders was recorded on popular tourist routes in Bayanaul. In August, in connection with this situation, a state of natural emergency was declared in the region. And in September, measures were started to chemically treat the contaminated areas.