Spider Facts
- Spiders aren't insects. They're arachnids.
- Only 2 species of spiders are harmful to humans.
- Sanitation is the best control and preventative measure.
Spiders
 | Brown Recluse Loxosceles reclusa (Gertsch)The brown recluse spider is one of several poisonous spiders in the United States whose bite can cause a severe reaction. It is one of several similar looking fiddle back or violin spiders, medium in size (¼" to ½" long). It is yellowish-tan to brown in color with long, delicate legs. While the legs are covered with very minute brown hairs, they appear bare to the naked eye. Each foot has two claws. The cephalothorax is somewhat flattened above and bares six eyes (most other spiders have eight), arranged in a semi-circle pattern in the front. A dark fiddle-shaped marking begins right behind the eyes and extends almost the entire length of the cephalothorax. Positive identification of this species requires the expertise of a spider expert (arachnologist). The spider can be found outdoors in sheltered corners among debris, under loose bark and stones, in wood piles, on docks and in boats. It is usually found indoors, especially in bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, garages, basements and cellars. It sometimes takes shelter under furniture and carpets, in bedding, folded towels and in the legs and arms of stored clothing. The brown recluse is not aggressive, but usually bites when it is disturbed or is being crushed. The bite is not felt and pain develops later. The reaction from the bite ranges from relatively mild to severe. Some bites can result in a large gangrenous area which sloughs, leaving a sunken, ulcerating sore up to 6" across that heals slowly. If you know you have been bitten by a brown recluse, see a doctor immediately for treatment. |
 | Black Widow Latrodectus spp.The female black widow spider is about ½" long, glossy black, with a nearly globe-like abdomen. The abdomen has two triangular red spots on its underside that are arranged in such a way that the spots look like an hourglass. The males are much smaller than the females, measuring about half their size. Black widow spiders are very shy and like to build their webs in dry, protected locations where their prey is likely to travel. They are commonly found in wood piles, barns or sheds, beneath benches, in crawl spaces, under rocks and similar protected locations. Black widows have poison glands and will bite if handled roughly or disturbed. They usually avoid contact with humans, if possible. There have been deaths due to black widow spider bites, but in most cases their bite is no worse than a wasp sting. |