SERVING FLORIDA SINCE 1990

Top Rated Local® Pest Control Specialist

KNOW YOUR SPIDERS

In South Florida we have a plethora of spider species living amongst us. Its good to know what kind of spider you’re dealing with, and if its venomous or not. Let’s take a look over some spiders that you may come in contact with.

  • Black Widow: Most recognized by the red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. Although fatalities are rare, the black widow’s venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s and can cause muscle aches and nausea, as well as make breathing difficult. You can find them active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive in lower temperatures with the right conditions. They spin irregular webs, which they build at night near ground level.  
Black Widow Spider
Black Widow Spider

  • Brown Recluse: Identifiable by the dark brown violin shape on its back. This species is well known for its secretive behaviors, as it prefers to take residence in warm, dry and dark environments, such as woodpiles, basements and closets. They will bite, usually unintentionally when it feels trapped or threatened. Their bites can take three or more hours to develop and about three weeks to heal, so it is important to keep an eye on the individual which was bitten.  The venom can cause severe allergic reactions.
Brown Recluse
Brown Recluse

  • Daddy Long Legs: One of the most common spiders found in buildings and cellars. They’re known for their long legs and are very fragile and delicate, usually brown or gray in color. Although they are venomous, they’re not known to be harmful to humans. Their fangs are short and do not have enough muscle to penetrate human skin.
Daddy Long Legs
Daddy Long Legs
  • House Spider: Common house spider gets its name from the fact that it is usually the spider most often encountered indoors. It is a nuisance pest, more because of the webs than the spider itself. Not known for biting but may do so in threatening situations. While house spider bites are typically not medically threatening, is it important to seek medical attention in the event of severe swelling, lesions or headaches. They have a difficult time surviving in modern homes due to low humidity and fewer insects for food. More likely to be found in structures like garages, sheds, barns and warehouses. Outside they can be found under eaves, especially near light sources that attract prey.
House Spider
House Spider

  • Wolf Spider: Relatively large in size and menacing in appearance. Given their name because they stalk and hunt their prey like wolves do. They’re fast-moving ground hunters, so you won’t find them spinning webs. They are adaptable to various habitats and can be found virtually anywhere there are insects for them to eat. Sometimes you can find them burrowed in the ground. In colder weather, they seek warmer habitats and sometimes enter homes, where they are found in windows, doors, garages and basements. Although non-aggressive a wolf spider will bite when threatened. Their bite is venomous but not lethal.
Wolf Spider Florida
Wolf Spider Florida
1-800-401-5914