Out of the 50,000 spider species in the world, all of them have fangs and venom strong enough to kill the insects that they prey on. However, only a handful of all these spiders have fangs long enough to pierce the human skin and a venom that can cause harm. These species include the black widow, the banana spider, the wolf spider, the hobo spider and the brown recluse spider. Of these species, most are very timid, only biting in self-defence, and only a few of them are present in home infestations. Here is what you need to know about the species that are capable of dangerous bites:
The brown recluse
The name really says it all – these spiders are brown, and they are reclusive. They are fairly small, and they can be identified by a distinctive marking on their abdomen which resembles a violin. This spider is not aggressive, but its bite is very dangerous, to the point where it can land you in the hospital and even cause death in some rare cases.
The black widow
The black widow is the famous spider with a red hourglass on the abdomen. Black widows are also reclusive, and not very aggressive, with a dangerous bite, and like brown recluses, they will only bite in self-defense, usually when you press up against them. As such, most bites occur when the spider is hiding in shoes or clothes, and a person startles the spider when he or she gets dressed. The bite is painful, and dangerous enough to land you in the hospital.
The hobo spider
The hobo spider is not a native US species, and unlike the previous two species, it is only common in a handful of states such as Oregon, Utah and California. It is fairly small, with a brown body, grayish abdomen, and yellow markings. The bite of this spider is very painful, leading to ulcers and blisters. However, after a few days, the bite wound will start to heal.
The wolf spider
The wolf spider is a common US species that resembles a small tarantula. It does not use webs to capture its prey. Instead, it hunts the prey down, like a wolf. The bite of this spider does not usually require medical attention, but it is strong enough to cause pain, swelling, and redness. The wound area however, should be disinfected, because the spider may tear the skin with its large fangs.
If you notice any of these spiders in the home, do not hesitate to call us, and we will come over and remove them and their nests.
