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Identification of The Two Most Venomous Spiders found in the U.S

“Oh my God, a spider, kill it! KILL IT NOW!”

Sounds familiar?

With the presence of over 3,000 spider species in the United States alone, at the first sight of a spider roaming your house, these types of outbursts are quite common. As an act of self-defense, we immediately grab a newspaper or the next available weapon, and without even pausing to understand the spider may be harmless, we smash it to death. R.I.P

Spiders are indeed a nuisance, but sadly, many harmless eight-legged critters die because of our fear. In actuality, only a few spiders are a threat.

But how do we know if the spider is harmful or harmless?

The answer is simple.  Scroll down to learn about the two most dangerous spiders to protect yourself and your house from them.

This blog lists out the top two venomous spiders from a plethora of available species.

• The black widow
• The brown recluse spider

Let’s dive in!

The Black Widow (Latrodectus Hesperus)

The most notorious species of spider with an ominous appearance is the black widow. They are named so because it is believed that female spiders devour the males after mating. Hence, they are quite feared. Black widow spiders are found across the globe, with five major species established in the United States. They are common in the southern and western states.

They are well known for their red hourglass shape on their abdomen. They are mostly black. The young ones are orange and white and turn black as they mature, while some female spiders are brownish-black.

It is reported that the venom of a black widow is 15 times more powerful and deadly than the venom of a rattlesnake. They don’t bite on purpose but in defense. A black widow bite demands immediate medical treatment as it can cause nausea, muscle aches. In some cases, it becomes difficult to breathe.

Black widow spiders spin messy and irregular webs near ground level. So, if you notice such webs in and around your home, call a spider exterminator.

The Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa)

Brown recluse spiders are non-aggressive yet venomous spiders who are also loners. Hence, they are named so. They are nocturnal and are known for their secretive behavior. They often hide in isolated areas and avoid humans.

They are also known as “fiddle-back spider” or “the violin spiders”, owing to the violin-shaped patch at the back of their head. Moreover, they are mono-colored with no spines and just six eyes.

They are mainly found in the Midwest and Southeast of the United States. They prefer to live outdoors or occasionally sneak indoors to hide in hard-to-reach and undisturbed places.

The brown recluse will only bite humans when they feel threatened. However, one bite can inject their deadly venom causing acute pain, severe allergic reactions along with blisters and open ulcers. Those bitten should seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention Tips

• Don’t keep clothes and shoes on the floor giving easy access to spiders.
• Seal up all the cracks and crevices around your home.
• Clean your home and remove the webs in and around the home.
• Check your clothes for spiders before wearing/washing.
• Keep your basement, garage, and attic clean and clutter-free.
• If a spider bites you, don’t treat the wound yourself. Seek medical attention.

Final Words

This blog gives in-depth information about the two most venomous spiders found in the united states. Although the above-mentioned tips can keep your home spider-free and reduce the risk of a spider invasion, if you encounter any spider similar to a black widow or brown recluse, stay alert and call a spider exterminator. If you suspect a spider infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional immediately. They will inspect and treat the pest problem with utmost care.