ALEXANDRIA, VA–Out of the 3,400 North American spiders, you can find 57 in Virginia. Out of these 57, four are poisonous.
Although even the thought of dangerous spiders can send shivers down your spine, most will only harm you if you provoke them. Spider bites usually only cause a minor reaction unless you get bitten by a poisonous spider.
If you live in Virginia, you’ll want to identify these four poisonous spiders, so you know what they look like if you come across them. We cover everything you need to know about these creepy insects and what to do if you have one in your home.
Black Widow Spider
The red hourglass shape on the back of the black widow spider distinguishes it from other spiders. This spider is a venomous creature that can cause serious health problems in humans. Although its bite is not usually fatal, it can be excruciating.
Despite their reputation, black widow spiders are shy and reclusive creatures. The black widow spider does not bite humans unless they feel threatened. If you leave them alone, they will usually leave you alone too!
Brown Widow Spider
This spider is most commonly found in the southern United States. Although these spiders aren’t native to Virginia, you can still see them here. The belly of this spider has an orange-colored hourglass mark on the bottom.
The brown widow is a dangerous spider because it is venomous. Humans can suffer severe pain, swelling, and even death from this spider’s venom. Like the black widow, these spiders are shy and don’t bite unless provoked.
Brown Recluse Spider
A brown recluse spider is usually found in the Midwestern and Southern United States. These spiders are brown and have a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their back. Brown recluse spiders are relatively small, with a body only about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch in length.
Like the other two spiders, they are not aggressive. Brown recluse spider bites can be painful and may cause severe skin and tissue damage.
Black Footed Yellow Sac Spider
These spiders are known for their black feet and their yellow coloring. You can find black-footed yellow sac spiders in Virginia and other Southern states.
These spiders aren’t known to bite humans often. If they do, the bites will itch and swell but go away after about a week.
Spider Pest Control
Getting rid of spiders can be a hassle, but there are some things you can do to minimize their presence in your home. Clean and declutter your home as much as possible. This will make it harder for spiders to find places to hide.
Seal any cracks or openings in your home that spiders could use to get in. You can also use traps or sprays to kill spiders or keep them from coming into your home in the first place.
Know How to Identify the Four Poisonous Spiders to Keep You Safe
Most spiders won’t bother you, but some can be more than just a nuisance. You may need professional spider removal if you have any of the four poisonous spiders in your Virginia home.
If you need to exterminate spiders from your home, Planet Friendly Pest Control can help! Contact us today to get the process started.
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