Poisonous Spiders—What You Need To Know

by Daniel Lamb | July 24, 2020 | Blog

Poisonous Spiders of the U.S.—What You Need To Know

Most of the spiders that you find in your home are not poisonous, but it is important to educate yourself about those spiders that can deliver a lethal bite in case you happen to come across one in your home.

There are only two poisonous spiders in the United States: the brown recluse and the black widow. There are other species of spider in the U.S. that may deliver a painful bite, but are not considered lethal. These species of spider include the hobo spider, the black house spider, the wolf spider and the mouse spider. While these spiders are not deadly, if you think you have been bitten by any spider, call your doctor immediately. If you have an allergy to spiders and think you have been bitten by any of the above spiders, go to an emergency room. Many people with allergies can have a serious reaction to any spider bite. 

For the most part, these poisonous spiders reside outside and the people most at risk of coming across these spiders are outdoor workers. Occasionally, these spiders will make their way indoors. These spiders are not aggressive in the sense that they will seek you out to bite you, but will attack if they feel trapped or are accidentally touched. 

The Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spider can be found all over the U.S., but are most common in the midwestern and Southern states. Sometimes called the violin spider, brown recluses are whitish to dark gray to brown in color with a dark fiddle-shaped marking on their heads. Unlike most other spiders who have eight eyes, the brown recluse has six eyes that are equal in size. Brown recluses prefer to live in dry, sheltered places like underneath logs or piles of rocks. If you come across one in your home, it’s likely that you will find them in closets, shoes, attics or any similarly dark, protected area. Most brown recluse spider bites aren’t immediately painful, but you can develop severe necrotic lesions and can become quite serious. Often, a small, white blister will develop at the site of the bite. If you notice this blister or any skin tissue issues developing, seek professional care as soon as possible.

The Black Widow

Three different species of black widow live in the United States: the Southern black widow, the Western black widow and the Northern black widow. All three of these species are poisonous. The black widow is the most aggressive of the three species and several hundred people have died in the United States due to black widow bites. If you think you have been bitten by a black widow spider, go straight to the emergency room and let them know your situation, including explicitly letting them know you believe you have been bitten by a black widow spider. 

Call Pest Control Experts

If you think you have seen poisonous spiders in your home, don’t sit around worrying about the possibility of poisonous spider bites. Call a knowledgeable professional who knows where poisonous spiders may hang out in your home and can identify what spiders may be lingering in your closets and attic. Pest Control Experts will give you a free quote and schedule an inspection right away.