Spider Identification Guide for Species Found in Raleigh
Spiders are pests that are found in almost every home - and no one is ever happy to see them. Compared to many household pest species, spiders actually aren't so bad. They can control populations of other pests like ants and flies, plus they don't tend to cause any damage. Still, swatting down spider webs is a nuisance and there are some spiders found in Raleigh that can deliver a venomous bite. In this identification guide, we'll explore a few common local spider species and address how much you need to worry about them sharing your home.
Local Spider Species & What You Should Know About Them
The following spider species often spin their webs in homes and yards around Raleigh.
Black Widows
Size: The body of a black widow spider may range from 1/10 of an inch to about half an inch. Note that females are much larger than males. With their long spindly legs, black widows can measure up to 1.5" long.
Color & Markings: As their name suggests, black widows are predominantly black in color. However, distinctively, black widow spiders have red hourglass-shaped markings on the undersides of their abdomens.
Web Location: Black widow spiders prefer to build their webs near the ground. Around your home, webs may be found in the crawl space, the garage or a firewood pile.
Are They Dangerous?: The black widow is one of the most venomous spiders in the world but - contrary to what you may have seen on TV - they rarely bite and their venom isn't usually lethal. However, black widow bites can cause severe symptoms including debilitating pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention if bitten.
Brown Recluses
Size: A brown recluse spider's body will be anywhere from ⅛ to ½ inch long, with females being roughly twice the size of males. With their legs, brown recluse spiders can measure up to an inch long.
Color & Markings: Many people have trouble identifying brown recluses because, like many spiders found in Raleigh, they're brown. However, brown recluse spiders can be distinguished by the dark violin-shaped markings on their backs.
Web Location: Brown recluses commonly come inside of homes, spinning their webs in remote and dry places like basements, garages, closets, and storage boxes.
Are They Dangerous?: The brown recluse is often considered the most venomous spider in North America. If bitten by a brown recluse, you may experience severe pain, feverish conditions, and necrosis - the death of skin tissue. When you think you've been bitten by one of these spiders, consult a medical professional.
Common House Spiders
Size: Some of the smaller spiders found in Raleigh homes, house spiders have bodies that grow up to ¼ inch, with a legspan of up to an inch. As with most spiders, females grow larger than males.
Color & Markings: The colors of a common house spider may vary from yellow to brown to gray. These spiders will usually have darker markings throughout their bodies, including along their eight legs.
Web Location: Common house spiders will weave their webs anywhere they can, often (but not always) high off the ground. Look for house spider webs in the corners of ceilings and windowframes.
Are They Dangerous?: House spiders are non-venomous and usually only bite if they feel threatened. At worse, their bites cause mild pain and itchiness that will go away on its own.
Wolf Spiders
Size: Some of the largest spiders in Raleigh, wolf spiders can have bodies that are more than an inch long, with legs stretching to three inches. Females will typically be larger than males.
Color & Markings: Wolf spiders are usually brown in color, though the shade may vary by sub-species. Often, wolf spiders have lighter colored lines stretching through darker bodies.
Web Location: Unlike most spider species, wolf spiders don't build sticky webs to catch their prey, preferring to hunt with speed and aggression. Inside a home, wolf spiders often hide underneath furniture and shelving.
Are They Dangerous?: Wolf spiders are mildly venomous but, unlike some local species, their venom isn't dangerous to humans. A wolf spider bite will usually cause minor pain and swelling.
Professional Spider Control Solutions in Raleigh
If you're concerned about a spider infestation in your home, let our team help you get rid of the eight-legged pests. Connect with Sustainable Pest Systems today if you're in need of professional spider control services in the Raleigh area!