The venom of the black widow spider contains poisonous chemicals that make people sick. Black widows are found throughout the United States, mostly in the South and West. They are usually found in barns, sheds, stone walls, fences, woodpiles, porch furniture, and other outdoor structures.
Some types of grass hay, in dry weather conditions or on dry ground, will be much too dry when baled as small bales using the eight to 15 percent moisture (the traditional rule of thumb) as a guide. Some of this grass hay produces the best quality bales when baled at 24 to 30 percent moisture.
MOISTURE IS THE KEY. Moisture content of the hay at time of baling is the single biggest hay fire risk factor. Hay baled at less than 15% moisture has a minimal risk of fire (Table 1). As moisture content increases, the risk of dry matter losses and fire increase.