North Carolina is home to a variety of spider species including the tan jumping spider and the venomous black widow spider. Thankfully, our professionals at Nationwide Pest Control are here to teach you which spiders to watch out for and how we can help.
Common House Spiders in North Carolina
North Carolina spiders are in abundance. Many, like the green lynx spider or the giant lichen orb weaver, are harmless to humans and spend their time outdoors. However, you may have a few uninvited guests in your home, such as the common house spider.
Common house spiders in North Carolina include orb weaver spiders, wolf spiders (often confused with the American nursery web spider), and yellow sac spiders. Most don’t require any concern, but a bite from a yellow sac spider or wolf spider may cause itchiness, swelling, or even necrosis.
Venomous Spiders in North Carolina
Most common spiders in North Carolina are not harmful to humans, however, the brown recluse spider and black widow spider could send you to the emergency room if not careful. Two other noteworthy venomous spiders in North Carolina are the false black widow and the yellow sac spider.
The Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider is the second most venomous spider in North Carolina with a bite that can cause a myriad of problems such as skin necrosis.
Identifying features:
- Size: Nickel-Quarter
- Color: a unified coloring varying from a cream color to light brown
- Main Identifying Mark: A dark violin-shaped mark on the back, 3 pairs of eyes evenly spaced, and tiny hairs covering the body.
The Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider is a large spider packed with venom. They get their name from the female spiders who eat their mate after breeding. Only the female black widow spider is venomous.
Identifying features:
- Size: A body length of around 1.3 inches long
- Color: Dark brown-black for adults.
- Main Identifying Mark: A red hourglass shape on the underside of their robust abdomen.
Symptoms of a Venomous Spider Bite
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect being bitten by a spider, seek medical attention immediately.
- Blue red spot surrounded by a white area
- Abdominal paralysis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Worsening muscle cramps and spasms near bite mark
- Tissue decay
- Lethargy
- Rash and fever
How to Prevent a Brown Recluse Bite
Brown Recluse spiders only bite humans when threatened.
- Exercise caution when handling items such as storage boxes in cool dry spaces
- Shake out your shoes before putting them on
- Avoid leaving clothes on the floor
- Use gloves when working with wood outdoors
How to Prevent a Black Widow Bite
The black widow spider is often found in dark or dimly lit spaces.
- Exercise caution and wear protective gloves when reaching into dark corners in a closet, and areas with an opening to the outdoors such as garage doors
- Keep an eye out for messy or irregularly shaped webs in dimly lit spaces in your home
- Keep storage areas clean
- Avoid handling woodpiles or overturned branches
Protect Your Home From Spider Infestations
Nationwide Pest Control is here to keep you and your home safe from spider bites, infestations, and other pests. Contact us today to set up an appointment with an expert from our large referral network. We are here to help you!
For quality service, call Nationwide Pest Control at (866) 584-9183 to learn more.
