If finding a spider makes you cringe, you’re not alone. While many spiders are harmless, several are venomous and pose a danger, especially if they bite you. Join the pest experts at Stomp Pest Control in North Carolina (NC) as they explain the difference between venomous and poisonous spiders and share four NC venomous spiders you should be wary of.
North Carolina is home to a diverse array of spider species, but only a handful are considered medically significant to humans This article provides an overview of the venomous spiders in North Carolina that you need to watch out for
Overview of Venomous Spiders in NC
There are around 4 main species of venomous spiders found in North Carolina that can pose a danger to humans through their bites. These include:
- Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)
- Brown Widow Spider (Latrodectus geometricus)
- Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
- Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium inclusum)
While the venom of these spiders can be toxic, in most cases bites do not result in severe effects or death in humans. However, it is still important to practice caution around these species and seek medical attention if bitten.
Out of over 400 spider species documented in the state, the 4 mentioned above are generally considered the most venomous Other spiders like wolf spiders and orb weavers may bite if provoked, but their venom is not medically significant
Below we will take a closer look at each of the main venomous spiders in North Carolina, outlining their key identifying features, habitat and behaviors, bite symptoms, and prevention tips.
Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider is perhaps the most infamous venomous spider in North Carolina and across North America. Two species are found in the state – the southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) and the northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus).
Identification
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Females are shiny black in color with a prominent red hourglass marking on the underside of their bulbous abdomen. They range from 0.39-0.59 inches (10-15 mm) in body length.
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Males are smaller (0.2-0.3 inches or 5-8 mm), duller in color, and lack an hourglass. They may be black, brown, or gray.
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Egg sacs are spherical and covered in yellow silk.
Habitat & Behavior
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Black widows make messy, tangled webs in undisturbed, dry, dark places such as woodpiles, sheds, crawl spaces, hollow logs, and outdoor furniture or debris.
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They are nocturnal and remain hidden during the day.
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Though shy and non-aggressive, females will bite if accidentally disturbed or trapped against bare skin.
Bite Symptoms
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Instant painful pinprick or stabbing sensation.
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Development of two fang puncture marks.
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Pain and stiffness spreading from bite site.
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Abdominal muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
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Profuse sweating around bite area.
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Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
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Rarely, severe muscle spasms, seizures, loss of muscle tone, respiratory distress.
Prevention Tips
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Carefully inspect or shake out items left in dark, undisturbed areas before touching them.
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Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants when cleaning debris or reaching into tight spaces.
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Manage clutter and remove spider habitats around the home.
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Use caution around rock walls and piles of dead wood or vegetation.
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Seek medical help immediately if bitten.
Brown Widow Spider
The brown widow is an introduced species that has become established in North Carolina and shares some similarities with the black widow.
Identification
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Females are light brown with darker brown, gray, and black mottling on the legs and abdomen. They reach 0.4-0.55 inches (10-14 mm).
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An orange or yellow hourglass marking is present on the underside of the abdomen, usually with a more broken rather than solid shape compared to black widows.
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Males are smaller (3-6 mm) with light and dark brown banding on legs and a faint pattern on the abdomen.
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Egg sacs are tan, spherical, and have pointy spiky protrusions.
Habitat & Behavior
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Brown widows are often found around buildings and human structures like patio furniture, fences, utility boxes, and playground equipment.
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They construct messy webs in crevices, holes, or other sheltered spots, often near a light source that attracts prey.
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Bites can occur when spiders are accidentally trapped against skin in clothing, towels, or bedsheets.
Bite Symptoms
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Instant painful stinging or pinprick sensation.
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Mild swelling and redness around fang marks.
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Painful muscle cramps, most severe in abdomen and legs.
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Nausea, vomiting, and sweating may occur.
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Usually less severe than black widow envenomation.
Prevention Tips
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Seal crevices and openings around the home to deter brown widows.
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Carefully inspect towels, clothing, and bedding before use.
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Wear gloves when cleaning around infested areas.
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Shake out shoes and gear stored in garages or sheds before using.
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Seek medical attention if bitten to address pain and muscle spasms.
Brown Recluse Spider
The shy, reclusive brown recluse spider is perhaps the most dangerous spider found in North Carolina due to its necrotic venom. But despite their reputation, bites are rare.
Identification
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Light tan to dark brown in color, usually 0.24-0.48 inches (6-12 mm) in body length.
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Distinctive dark brown violin-shaped marking on the top side of the cephalothorax (body section).
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Six eyes arranged in three pairs rather than eight eyes of most spiders.
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Long, thin legs lacking prominent banding or stripes.
Habitat & Behavior
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Found in dark, dry, sheltered spots like attics, crawlspaces, cellars, closets, debris piles, barns, tree hollows, loose bark, etc.
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Build irregular webs at night to capture prey but remain hidden during the day.
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Only bite if accidentally disturbed or pressed against skin.
Bite Symptoms
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Little pain at first, followed by itching or tingling.
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After a few hours, severe pain develops at bite site.
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A pale blister forms at the bite surrounded by a large, inflamed wound.
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Over several days the blistered area becomes necrotic (dead) and sinks, leaving an open sore.
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Healing is very slow, taking 6-8 weeks.
Prevention Tips
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Reduce clutter and cardboard around the home to eliminate harborage sites.
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Carefully inspect or shake out clothing, shoes, towels, or bedding before use.
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Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants when cleaning in undisturbed areas.
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Seal cracks around the home and repair screens.
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Have bite wounds assessed promptly to prevent severe necrosis.
Yellow Sac Spider
The yellow sac spider is a native species that can be found inside North Carolina homes but is not particularly aggressive.
Identification
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Pale yellow to yellowish-green in color, approximately 0.2-0.43 inches (5-11 mm) long.
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Abdomen variable from pale to greenish with faint chevron pattern.
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Long spinnerets (silk-spinning organs) at end of abdomen.
Habitat & Behavior
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Build silken retreats or sacs in dark corners of sheds, crawlspaces, leaf litter, or under rocks.
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Sometimes invade homes and construct webs in dark rooms, behind furniture, etc.
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Will bite if trapped against skin but rarely bite humans otherwise.
Bite Symptoms
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Instant sharp pain, sometimes minor swelling.
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Itchy red welt or lesion up to 7 inches across.
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Usually resolves after a week with proper wound care.
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Rarely causes major problems beyond local reaction.
Prevention Tips
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Eliminate hiding spots like piles of clothes, boxes, etc around the home.
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Check bedsheets and clothing before use.
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Seal cracks and install door sweeps to prevent entry.
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Clean webs and sacs if found inside promptly.
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Apply ice and antibacterial cream if bitten.
What to Do if Bitten by a Venomous Spider
If you suspect you have been bitten by one of the venomous spiders in North Carolina, you should:
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Wash the bite area gently with soap and water.
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Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to help reduce swelling and pain.
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Keep the bitten extremity elevated if possible.
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Monitor for any worrisome symptoms like severe pain, nausea, sweating, or swelling.
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Seek medical attention promptly for assessment and treatment. Be sure to note the time of the bite.
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For severe reactions, call 911 or the North Carolina Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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Bring the dead spider with you if possible for identification purposes. Do NOT squish or crush it.
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Follow up with your doctor as recommended for wound care instructions and monitoring.
With proper first aid and medical treatment if warranted, most spider bites can be managed effectively. But it is still important to take precautions around venomous spiders when spending time outdoors in North Carolina. Being able to identify species of concern is the first step toward prevention and bite treatment.
Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous Spider
A spider’s venom is what makes them extremely dangerous. A venomous spider will inject their prey (or a human) with a toxic substance. This is different from poison that someone has to come in contact with, through touch or ingestion, to have an adverse reaction. An easy trick to remember the difference is that poisonous is passive and venomous is active.
For a spider to be considered poisonous, it would have to cause medical harm when it is ingested or inhaled. So, unless you are eating spiders or inhaling them, a spider can not be poisonous to you. Perhaps this challenges what you previously thought! Now that you know the difference between the two, we’ll share four of the most common NC venomous spiders.
The Two Most Dangerous Spiders in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to two of the most dangerous spider species in the southeastern United States: the black widow and the brown recluse.
Its important to emphasize that both these spider species are typically non-aggressive and only bite when they feel threatened or cornered. Most people who are bitten by these spiders do not experience severe symptoms, but its advisable to exercise caution, especially in areas where these spiders are known to be present. If bitten and experiencing concerning symptoms, seeking medical care is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and wound management.
Homegrown | The Amazing Spiders of North Carolina
FAQ
Are there any poisonous spiders in North Carolina?
The two best-known poisonous spiders found here are the black widow spider and the brown recluse. The black widow spider (Figure 5), Lactrodectus mactans, is probably the most widely recognized of the dangerously poisonous spiders found in North Carolina.
How venomous is the Carolina wolf spider?
Wolf spiders are big, hairy and scary-looking, but they only bite when they feel the need to defend themselves. When they do bite, they’re typically harmless because their venom doesn’t pose a danger to humans. While you may experience some uncomfortable symptoms, they should go away within a few days.
What is the deadliest insect in North Carolina?
- Conenose Kissing Bug (Triatoma sanguisuga) on a leaf, dangerous insect Chagas disease.
- Close up of a Mosquito.
- Red ants are looking for food on green branches.
- Bald-faced Hornet eating.
- Periplaneta cockroach, known as red cockroach or American cockroach.
Which is more poisonous, black widow or brown recluse?
The black widow is the least harmful of these three arachnids, and the brown recluse the most dangerous. If bitten by a black widow, medical attention is not always necessary.