Watch Out for These Poisonous Spiders in Pennsylvania

As a Pennsylvanian you’ve probably encountered your fair share of spiders around your home and yard. Many are harmless but some species you’ll want to steer clear of. Though spider bites are uncommon, it’s good to know how to identify and avoid Pennsylvania’s poisonous spiders.

After researching multiple sources, I’ve put together this guide to the most venomous spiders in Pennsylvania, how to recognize them, where they live, symptoms of bites, and tips for keeping them out of your home

4 Main Poisonous Spiders in Pennsylvania

While most of Pennsylvania’s spiders pose no harm, there are 4 notable venomous species to watch for:

1. Black Widow Spider

The most notorious venomous spider in PA is the black widow. We have two species – the northern black widow and the southern black widow.

The northern black widow is glossy black with red markings on the abdomen that look like an hourglass. The hourglass shape may be broken into two parts.

The southern black widow is very similar but usually has a single, prominent hourglass shape on its underside.

Only the adult female widow spiders have potent venom. Their neurotoxic bites can cause muscle spasms, abdominal pain, nausea, and profuse sweating. Seek medical attention if bitten.

2. Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse has a violin-shaped marking on its head region and a uniform brown color. It prefers warm, dry, undisturbed areas like attics, garages, and woodpiles.

This spider’s venom contains enzymes that break down skin tissue, leading to pain, itching, blisters, and open sores at the bite site. Medical care is recommended.

3. Broad-faced Sac Spider

This spider is black with bright red legs. It builds silken sac retreats and hides in dark corners of homes.

Though uncommon, its bites produce intense stinging pain. They can also trigger severe skin infections if left untreated.

4. Mediterranean Recluse Spider

Despite its name, the Mediterranean recluse is found in the US, especially in Pa. It has a violin-shaped marking like the brown recluse but is differentiated by its less obvious marking.

This spider’s venom can produce painful skin lesions, though fatalities are rare. See a doctor if bitten.

How to Identify Poisonous Spiders

Look for key identification features:

• Markings like red hourglasses or violin shapes

• Habitats – widows live outside but may enter buildings, recluses prefer undisturbed indoor areas

• Uniform brown coloration on some species

• Bright red legs on broad-faced sac spiders

If you spot any spiders with these traits, steer clear and call an exterminator if they are inside your home.

What To Do if Bitten by a Poisonous Spider

Though rare, spider bites do occur. Here’s how to respond:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water. Apply an ice pack to relieve swelling.

• Keep the bitten area elevated if possible to slow venom spread.

• Use an OTC anti-itch cream for pain relief if needed.

• Seek medical attention promptly if you experience severe pain, nausea, fever, or skin lesions/blisters at the bite site.

• Bring the dead spider with you if you can safely capture and kill it for identification purposes.

• Monitor symptoms closely as venom effects may escalate rapidly in some cases.

Tips to Keep Venomous Spiders Away from Your Home

Here are some tips to make your home and yard less spider-friendly:

• Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Install weather stripping and cover vents with mesh screens.

• Remove clutter like piles of debris, rocks, and firewood around the foundation.

• Prune back trees and bushes near the house.

• Turn off outdoor lights at night or use yellow bulbs to deter insects that attract spiders.

• Vacuum and dust regularly to remove webs inside.

• Inspect and shake out items that have been in storage before bringing them indoors.

• Use insecticide sprays and granules around the perimeter of your home.

When to Call a Pest Control Expert

Contact a pest control professional if:

• You spot black widows, brown recluses, or other venomous spiders in or around your home repeatedly.

• You’ve been bitten by a spider and aren’t sure if it’s poisonous.

• You have small children or pets at high risk if exposed to venomous spiders.

• DIY prevention methods fail to eliminate spider issues.

Professionals have the tools and expertise to inspect your entire property, locate spider hotspots outdoors, treat nests, and recommend customized solutions to keep spiders away for good.

Stay Vigilant against Venomous Spiders in PA