Those living in the Triad are unlikely to get through a week without seeing at least one spider. North Carolina has hundreds of species of spiders, and they often like being near us, because we bring items to hide under (or in) and insects that are attracted to the lights in our homes and the food in our kitchens. 

While we’d prefer that the spiders stayed outside, it’s actually not a big deal if you have some inside as well. In fact, a reasonable number of spiders in your house is a good way to keep other bugs at bay. 

Two exceptions:

But we all knew it wasn’t going to be that simple. There are actually two spiders in North Carolina which you should do your best to avoid. Thankfully, with a little bit of knowledge, you can learn how to identify them and keep away from them. 

Black widows: The first of the two dangerous spiders is the black widow. You can identify an adult female black widow because they are a solid black color with a red hourglass symbol on the top of their abdomen. A bite from a black widow can cause neurological symptoms. Someone who is suffering from a black widow bite will often sweat, feel nauseated, have swollen lymph nodes and experience tremors. None of this is fatal in most people, and doctors can treat the bite and its symptoms, usually within a day or two. 

To avoid black widows, be careful around places they might like to hide. Black widows like dark, quiet places, so under an old log, in a flower pot that has been neglected for months or even in a pair of work boots in the garage are all potential spots you may encounter them. 

Brown recluses: This spider is not quite as easily identified, but the eyes being in three pairs and a violin-shaped pattern on the top of the head (with the neck of the instrument pointing towards the abdomen) are two clues. Because many other brown spiders look similarly, do not immediately get nervous when you see a suspect. Unlike black widows, brown recluses are very rare in the state. 

The bites, though, can be extremely painful. Necrosis, which means death of your skin, occurs at the site of the bite, and a necrotic wound can grow until surgery is required to stop more skin from dying at the site. While this is scary and can cause pain and infections where the bite occurred, your body will not be affected more widely, like with the black widow bites attacking the nervous system.

But, overall, don’t worry too much about spiders

Black widows and brown recluses may seem scary, but incidents requiring serious medical attention from these spiders is fairly rare. Most people are treated by a physician and recover quickly. 

Other spiders, like jumping spider species (among the most common in our state) are totally harmless. Virtually every spider species has venom, but only a few have enough to do more than kill a fly, which is mostly what they need it for. Some, like wolf spiders, can have painful bites, but it’s mostly because of their size, and the bites just cause stinging and swelling like an insect bite.

If you have concerns about spiders in your home or on your property, though, you can always call Critter Control of the Triad at 336-370-0445.