What kind of spiders bite. Explore the 5 most common biting spiders in North America, including the Brown Recluse, Black Widow, Hobo Spider, Wolf Spider, and Yellow Sac Spider. Learn about their characteristics, bite symptoms, and how to identify them.

Exploring the 5 Most Common Biting Spiders in North America

With over 4,000 spider species found in North America, it’s important to understand which ones pose a potential threat to humans through their bites. Among the handful of spiders known to bite, there are five well-known species that can cause medical problems and are often found around homes. Familiarizing ourselves with the characteristics and behaviors of these spiders can help us stay safe and take appropriate actions when encountering them.

1. Brown Recluse Spider

The Brown Recluse spider is found throughout the United States and is easily identifiable by its distinctive dark brown violin-shaped mark on the back of its cephalothorax (the central portion behind the eyes). These spiders get their name from their reclusive nature and the color of their bodies. While they are not overly aggressive, their bites can be dangerous as the venom can slowly destroy human tissue. Symptoms of a Brown Recluse bite include itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, fever, and even tissue damage beneath the skin. It’s important to distinguish this spider from common house spiders, which are harmless.

2. Black Widow Spider

The Black Widow spider is widely regarded as the most poisonous spider in the U.S. It can be identified by its distinctive red or orange hourglass shape on the abdomen, which serves as a warning to predators. Black Widow spiders thrive in warm weather, but they can remain active year-round, becoming more visible in the spring when they mate. Despite their small size, their venom is about fifteen times stronger than that of a rattlesnake, posing a serious threat, especially to young children and the elderly. Symptoms of a Black Widow bite include swelling around the bite, chills, sweating, difficulty breathing, weakness, cramping, and nausea. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial if you suspect a Black Widow bite.

3. Hobo Spider

The Hobo Spider, also known as the Aggressive House Spider, is similar to the Brown Recluse in that its bite may seem harmless at first but can lead to complications if left untreated. These brown, small spiders (1/3 to 2/3 inches in length) prefer to stay on the ground and build funnel-shaped webs in small crevices, such as cracks in walls, sheds, or beneath woodpiles. Hobo Spiders are often quick to bite when they feel threatened, such as when they are squished or touched. Symptoms of a Hobo Spider bite can include blistering and leaking of the bite area, nausea, blurry vision, fatigue, and a persistent headache.

4. Wolf Spider

Wolf Spiders are larger than the other spiders on this list, reaching over an inch in length. They can be identified by their distinctive eye pattern: four smaller eyes in the front and four larger eyes in a square on top of their head. Female Wolf Spiders carry their egg sacs attached to their abdomens and then carry their spiderlings on their backs for a while. These spiders can be found in a variety of outdoor environments, such as under rocks, debris, in garden areas, or underground burrows. They also build funnel-shaped webs in low shrubs, piles of leaves, and outdoor furniture.

5. Yellow Sac Spider

The Yellow Sac Spider is a small, pale yellow or cream-colored spider that can be found both outdoors and indoors. They are known for their aggressive behavior and the potential for their bites to cause skin necrosis, or the death of tissue around the bite site. While their bites are generally not life-threatening, they can be painful and lead to complications if not properly treated. Symptoms of a Yellow Sac Spider bite may include redness, swelling, and possible tissue damage at the bite site.

Staying Safe and Seeking Professional Assistance

While spiders do not pose a significant danger to humans, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks posed by these five common biting spiders. If you encounter any of these spiders or suspect a bite, it’s best to avoid attempting to kill them yourself and instead seek professional pest control assistance. Proper identification and prompt medical attention can help prevent serious medical issues from these spider bites.