They are a rarity here in the Northeast, but a black widow spider has been found in Rhode Island.

The idea of this is going to have me second guessing every spider I see (yes, I'm a baby about spiders) and double checking all my shoes before I put my feet in them!

It has been reported that a black widow spider was captured in Rhode Island. The venomous spider was found in a bait shop on the border of Johnston and Smithfield and was about the size of a dime.

Small, but scary! And according to Tony DeJesus of Big Blue Bug Solutions in Providence, who spoke with NBC 10 about the discovery, it is just "the third time [he's] had one brought to [him]" in 38 years.

So clearly black widow spider findings are rare, but not completely unheard of. (Which should give others who are equally spooked by spiders some piece of mind!)

Experts say black widows typically live life unnoticed and hide in dark, wooded areas. You'll know you've come across a black widow if you see the spider hanging upside down and notice their distinctive red marking. Avoid the bite of course, it's venom can give the victim severe stomach pain.

So if you happen to live in a wooded area, here's some tips to keep the spiders out of your house.

1. Make sure your shrubbery is clear

2. clear away any webbing you find with a broom

3. change your outdoor lights to yellow bulbs

Here's more on the spider that was found...

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