How to Prevent Poisonous Spiders in North Carolina + Types in NC

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Large poisonous spider

There are fewer things more cringe-worthy in this world than spiders. Add poisonous ones to the mix and they’re not only cringe-worthy, but they’re extremely dangerous too! Here in North Carolina, we are home to two types of poisonous spiders that are common to the area. Today, we’ll discuss why these spiders are dangerous, the implications from their bites, and how to prevent them in your home altogether!

Types of Poisonous Spiders In North Carolina

There are a few types of venomous spiders in NC, with the most common of them all being the black widow and brown recluse. Take a look at all the common types of spiders in North Carolina!

 Black Widow Spiders In North Carolina

Black widow spiders are some of the most well-known venomous spiders in North Carolina. They are can be found throughout the state of North Carolina, with a higher prevalence in the Piedmont and Mountains. With two sub-species of black widows in NC, the Northern Black Widow and Southern Black Widow, they are not entirely uncommon. The North Black Widow Spiders like to be perched up high, so be careful when cleaning your gutters or changing a floodlight. Southern Black Widow Spiders like to be lower to the ground, often around woodpiles or brush.

Distinctly recognizable by their dark black body and hourglass-shaped red markings on their belly, the black widow poses a beautiful but very dangerous threat. Black widows hang their egg sacs high in their webs and will aggressively defend anything that they think may be trying to threaten it. Black widows strike quickly, leaving a painful sting. While their bites can be fatal, the most common symptoms resulting from a bite are severe neurological problems, which include stupor, restlessness, or shock. You can also experience muscle cramps, nausea, fever, and sweating.

Brown Recluse Spiders In North Carolina

The brown recluse is the second most common poisonous spider in NC. It is often found throughout NC with most of them being found in the Piedmont and towards the Mountains. They are often found lower to the ground near piles of wood or other brush and debris.

Much different from the black widow, a brown recluse has a small brown body with long legs. Typically between the size of a penny and a quarter, the brown recluse can be easily identified by the violin-shaped marking on its head and its six eyes. Brown recluses like to hide in cool, dry places, so they are likely to be found inside your home -- particularly in storage boxes that are rarely disturbed. Unlike the black widow, brown recluse spiders are very timid and usually only bite if pinned between you and something else. If you do get bit, their bite can cause severe damage to the surrounding tissue, causing some people to even lose fingers or limbs.
If you have already been bitten, you should consult a medical professional immediately.

Best Ways to Keep Poisonous Spiders Out of Your House

Whether the spiders are poisonous or not, you definitely don’t want them inside your home! With over 90 years of experience getting rid of spiders in the North Carolina Triad region, here are our top tips for keeping spiders out of your home:

  • Prep the Outside of Your Home: The best way to keep spiders away is to make sure that they don’t have a comfortable place to stay. Regular spider web removal and treatment of likely nesting or entry points is critical. Organize the exterior and stored articles in the garages. Avoid storing firewood or other items next to (or in front of) your home.
  • Eliminate Clutter: When finding a new home, spiders are looking for areas where they can hide out under clutter and be left alone. Be sure to eliminate clutter in corners, under beds, and throughout storage areas in your home like closets, attics, basements, and sheds.
  • Use a Repellent: Once you’ve cleaned your home and eliminated clutter, you can take spider protection a step further by using a repellent. This will emit a scent that deters spiders and helps keep them from stepping foot into your home.
  • Treat Woodpiles with Lime: Woodpiles are one of a spider’s favorite places when it comes to places to hide. If you’ve seen spiders living in your woodpile, dust the ground with lime and lay two 4x4s down as the base of your woodpile. This will help deter spiders from nesting there!
  • Wash with a Soap: Use a power washer and a soap mixture to wash down all windows and outdoor walls. This will help eliminate current spiders and deter future ones.
  • Get Professional Pest Control: Although these methods can help prevent major spider infestations, even with professional treatments, they still often find their way into your home. If you’ve spotted a brown recluse or a black widow spider in or around your home, contact Terminix Triad ASAP! These spiders are particularly dangerous for children and pets and should be dealt with by a professional.

We Can Help Prevent Poisonous Spiders In North Carolina

As a Winston-Salem pest control company, we have over 90 years of experience getting rid of and preventing spiders in homes just like yours. If you’re looking for professional assistance to prevent spider infestations, we offer pest control plans that offer protection against 19 species of pests in NC - including spiders. Spiders in North Carolina are a common household pest, but they don't have to be!

Learn more about our spider control services today!

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