From mild winters to great food, there are many perks to living in the Carolinas. The spider population is not one of them. Unfortunately, North and South Carolina are home to several venomous spiders that can cause major health problems if they bite you, your family, or your pets. Learn how to recognize some of the most notorious spiders, what their bite symptoms look like, and how spider control for your home can protect you.
4 Spiders That Will Make You Want To Call Pest Control
While not all spiders in the Carolinas are venomous, several are, and they can make your life miserable.
Black Widows
Quite possibly the most infamous of spiders, the black widow (Latrodectus mactans) has a characteristic red hourglass shape on its abdomen. However, this red mark is only on the females. The rest of the body is large, shiny, and black. Young spiders, and males of the species, may have yellow markings or more brown-colored bodies. Like many spiders, black widows do not like to be out in the open, so you’ll most
likely find them where they can seek shelter: woodpiles, attics, basements, garages, sheds, etc. Basically, anywhere that is dark, dank, and not frequently disturbed. Black widows are considered the most dangerous spider on the continent. Their venom is a neurotoxin, which affects the nervous system. Young children, seniors, and immuno-compromised people are most susceptible to the toxin. If you or your family member have been bitten, you should get medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Black Widow Bite
- Swelling, pain, and redness around the affected area
- A blue-red spot surrounded by a white area
- Headache
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps and spasms near the bite. These can spread and get worse over the next 6 -12 hours.
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Shock
- Raised blood pressure
Yellow Sacs
Yellow sac spiders are small with either yellow or cream-colored bodies. They also have brown coloring around their heads. With fall on its way, now’s the time when they will seek shelter indoors, where it’s warmer. They love to lurk in areas where they can hide easily, like in closets, wardrobes, or under beds. Interestingly, yellow sacs cause more spider bites than any other spider in North America.
You may find them in your closet, on your bed, or in a dresser. Their venom is not as dangerous as that of the black widow, but they are still serious enough that you should seek medical attention.
Symptoms of Yellow Sac Bite
- The appearance of a rash
- Fever
- Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
- Muscle cramping
- Nausea
- Ulceration around the bite site
Brown Recluse
While not as commonly found as they are in other parts of the country, they have a presence in North Carolina. Their bodies are brown with a violin-shaped mark on their back. They have three pairs of eyes and are roughly half an inch in length. They frequently are found in the same dark, dank places that a black widow is: woodpiles, attics, crawlspaces, etc. When in our homes, they like to hide in things like shoes, organization bins, anything that doesn’t get moved frequently. Unsurprisingly, you’re most likely to get bitten by a brown recluse on your hands or feet. Checking your shoes for spiders is not something you’re likely to think about, and so you might get bit just going about your everyday routine. Brown recluse bites are extremely dangerous. DO NOT wait to seek medical treatment if you suspect you’ve been bitten. Unlike other spider bites, brown recluse bites can actually cause the tissue near the bite to die!
Symptoms of Brown Recluse Bite
- Joint pain
- Decaying tissue at the bite site.
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Fever and chills
- Seizures
- Coma
Note: seizures and comas are rare but can happen if the bite is not treated. Decaying tissue is incredibly dangerous. We cannot emphasize this enough: if you have been bitten, get to a doctor immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry. And once you’ve addressed your medical issues, get professional spider control!
False Widow Spiders
The name of this spider comes from frequently being mistaken for black widows. Like black widows, they have shiny black bodies, round abdomens, and thin legs. However, none of these spiders – male or female – will have the red hourglass shape. The most likely place you’ll catch a false widow spider in your home is in basements, specifically areas of your basement that don’t get much use. They are shy and will avoid contact with humans if at all possible. That being said, they are on this list for a reason, and that’s because their bites are painful and can cause side effects.
Symptoms of False Widow Bite
- Pain
- Swelling at the bite site
- Fever
- Chills
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle ache
Get Indoor Pest Control In The Carolinas
For over 20 years, the experts at Cramer Pest Control have protected thousands of homeowners across North and South Carolina from harmful spiders. Our indoor pest control solutions will exterminate any spiders currently inside, plus we’ll assess your property and make suggestions on 
how to deter future spiders. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, give us a call today! Call (704) 763-0204 for North Carolina or (803) 802-7540 for service in South Carolina. You can also leave us a message online here.
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