What poisonous spiders are present in Florida?

Arachnophobia is certainly a common fear among people, but is it really something we should worry about if you live in Florida? The truth is that there are very few types of spiders that are poisonous in our state, so aside from potential allergic reactions and a little pain, most spiders are harmless. However, there are three primary types of poisonous spiders to look out for, so let’s take a look at those and then go over some effective ways to prevent these arachnids from entering your home.

Types of Poisonous Spiders in Florida

Brown Recluse

Many people are afraid of the brown recluse spider because they think that a bite will automatically lead to rotting flesh. While this is rare, it’s a possibility which is exactly why you should stay away from them. The scary part is that not only do they look like other spiders aside from a violin-shaped marking, but a recluse spider bite is painless so you may not even realize you were bitten until you begin developing symptoms.

These symptoms can include lesions, nausea, fever, and wounds that heal more slowly than normal. Necrosis – the flesh rotting that you’ve heard of – will set in quickly if it’s going to happen, so make sure that you get to the hospital right away once you notice that a wound is worsening.

Black Widow Spiders

Of all widow spiders found in Florida, the most well known of these, by far, is the black widow. This particular widow spider is also the most poisonous spider in the state. Although there hasn’t been a black widow spider death in decades and only very small children are in danger of that, you certainly don’t want to be bitten by one. Some people only have minor symptoms, but most go through extreme pain, tremors, sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, and other ill effects as the venom attacks the nervous system.

The other two types of widow spiders are the red and brown variations. Although you may come across a brown widow spider, the red species is so rare that you’ll probably never see one in your lifetime. Although both are extremely poisonous as well, the black widow spider is the only one that most people will need to concern themselves with. Luckily, the black widow is one of the most easily recognized spiders because they have a big, bulbous, black body with a red, yellow, or orange hourglass shape on their underbelly.

Yellow Sac Spiders

The final poisonous spider on our list is the black-footed yellow sac spider. These arachnids are a pale, yellowish beige color and often has an orangish brown stripe on its abdomen. Although these spiders are poisonous and their bites can be painful, they typically don’t cause more than itching and swelling, both of which will be gone within a week or so.

Preventing Spiders on Your Property

Even though poisonous spiders don’t typically bite unless provoked, you should try to keep them out of your Florida home.

Here are a few ways to prevent a spider infestation:

Keep Vegetation Away the Exterior

You may not realize it, but at any given time, there are perhaps hundreds or thousands of spiders outside in the grass, bushes, and other vegetation. The closer this vegetation is to the exterior of your home, the more likely these arachnids will find their way inside. Whenever possible, keep vegetation either several feet away from your walls or at least keep it regularly trimmed.

Use a Spider Catcher to Remove Them

Spiders are often beneficial because they eat a lot of harmful insects. If you come across any of the poisonous spiders listed above or if you have an infestation of any type, it’s probably best to get them exterminated. However, if you have the occasional spider and you want to take them outside safely and without touching them, you can pick up a device called a spider catcher that gently vacuums them up and allows you to take them outside.

Repel Them with Natural Remedies

Just like insects, there are natural repellents that will help keep spiders at bay. One of the most popular mixtures is peppermint oil and water, which you can put into a spray bottle and squirt around your home. If you don’t have any peppermint oil, this will also work with vinegar. If you’d rather not spray anything, just pick up some cinnamon incense, wax, or other similar product.

Clean Your Home on a Regular Basis

Spiders don’t typically hunt out in the open. Instead, they look for places to hide while they search for prey. This is especially true for black widows and their multicolored kin, which you’ll often find in dark, dank places.

Keeping your home free of clutter and debris will greatly reduce the chances that they’ll set up shop. Just remember that if you haven’t cleaned a garage or similar area in a while, you should wear protective gloves just in case you come into contact with a poisonous species.

Plant Eucalyptus, Mint, or Lavender

These days, it’s always best to utilize organic pest control methods because it’s not just safer for the environment, but it’s typically a lot more humane. One of these methods includes planting a eucalyptus tree outside, the smell of which does a decent job of repelling spiders. If you don’t have enough room, you can place a few mint or lavender plants outside in various areas next to the walls and windows.

Contact ProHealth Pest Control for Help with Poisonous Spiders

Poisonous spiders can be hazards to adults, children, and pets, so it’s always best to call the professionals at ProHealth Pest Control. If you have any questions about the types of spiders in Florida or would like to set up an appointment for residential or commercial pest control, reach out by calling (727) 308-3470 today to schedule a free consultation for spider control, bed bud treatment, and termite inspections.