Spiders

Most Common Texas Spiders

Most spiders are not harmful to humans but there are three that are very common and more dangerous in the Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth areas. Those are the black widow, brown recluse, and wolf spider.

Black Widow

The black widow spider is one of the most dangerous next to the brown recluse. They’re very easy to identify by their black abdomen with a red or orange hourglass shape on the bottom. You can see a large black widow pictured above for an example. The black widow is considered to be the most venomous spider in North America and should be avoided at all costs. You will often find them in garages, underneath outdoor furniture, around planters, etc. outside. If you have black widows in or around your house, you should have an extermination performed as soon as possible.

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse (also called the violin spider) is another venomous spider in Texas. They prefer to hide in dark, dry areas which is why you’ll most often find them in attics, basements, cardboard boxes, and other similar environments indoors. Outside, they tend to live in garages, wood piles, and sheds. The brown recluse is identifiable by its long protruding legs which are one consistent color. If its legs have different colors or stripes, it’s not a brown recluse. They also have a darker marking on the head that resembles a violin, hence the name “violin spider”. They are poisonous so if you find them, you should have them exterminated asap.

Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders aren’t nearly as venomous as the black widow or the brown recluse but they are still poisonous and their bits can be painful. They resemble the appearance of a small tarantula and have hairy legs and bodies. They don’t spin webs to catch their prey but instead dig small holes and hunt down their prey.

Are Spiders Dangerous? 

Most spiders in Texas and North America in general are harmless to humans but can become quite a nuisance. Nobody likes having spiders in the house or around the house after all. That being said, the brown recluse and black widow are dangerous spiders. While their bites aren’t usually life threatening, they do require medical attention and children are most often the ones who stumble into their nests. If you have spiders, the best thing to do is get a pest control technician to take a look. By treating for common spiders, they can also help to prevent the occurrence of other more dangerous spiders.

Why Do I Have Spiders? 

Like all pests, spiders need a food source. So if you have another pest problem or live in an area with lots of pests outside, it’s very common for spiders to set up their webs around your home. They’re especially common around porch lights because the lights attract bugs at night. Once they’re on your porch and around your home, it’s a short distance indoors. They’ll often make their way into your home in search of food or when the weather becomes too hot or wet for them. 

Where Will I Find Them? 

Spiders are reclusive and like to set up in areas where there’s ample pests and they won’t be disturbed. You’ll find them around lights, under overhangs, around gardens, wood piles, garages, and sheds. Indoors, you’ll find them in basements and attics where it’s dark and out of the way. 

How To Get Rid Of Spiders

The best way to get rid of spiders is to contact a pest control company like Big Dave’s Termite & Pest. We have decades of experience in all areas of pest control including treating spiders. Our affordable general pest control programs can keep spiders, cockroaches, and all other common Texas insects out of your house all year for less money than you spend on a daily cup of coffee. Our services are guaranteed to work and if there is ever any issue, just call us and we’ll take care of it – at no additional cost to you. To learn more about our pest control options in the Houston, Dallas, and Forth Worth area, give us a call.