Spiders commonly found in Charlotte

North Carolina is home to dozens of species of spiders. While most species of spiders are relatively harmless, two poisonous species are common in the Tar Heel state, the black widow and the brown recluse spider.

Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider may cause severe neurological problems and under extreme circumstances, even death. Female black widow spiders will, on occasion, even kill and eat the male after mating. Theyre larger than the male, by about half, and have a reddish hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. A bite from a black widow spider contains 15 times more venom than a prairie rattlesnake.

Female black widow spiders will hang upside down from their web to keep an eye on their egg sac. These spiders are quick and will attack anyone that comes near their egg sac. After a bite from the black widow, the following may happen:

• muscle aches
• redness
• burning
• swelling at the bite site
• abdominal pain

If any of these symptoms arise, head to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are very small, often smaller than a quarter and have six eyes and a violin shape. In some areas of North Carolina, brown recluse spiders are referred to as fiddle-back spiders. Brown recluse spiders like to hide in cool, dry places such as cardboard boxes.

Brown recluse spiders are often found in the flaps of cardboard boxes. Storing items in cardboard boxes in North Carolina pretty much guarantees you will have a brown recluse clan moving into your home soon. Brown recluse spiders are timid and often dont bite humans unless they are pressed against the skin.

The bite of a brown recluse spider can result in redness and necrosis of the tissue around the bite site. In extreme cases, individuals may end up losing a limb or finger from a brown recluse spider.

Others worth mentioning

Another common spider found here in North Carolina is the golden orb weaver spider. This spider is harmless and will keep to itself enjoying the bugs found in your yard. Grass spiders are common all over the U.S. and spin dense, sheet like webs.

While most spiders are harmless, they can be a nuisance when they make their way into our homes. And while spiders generally prefer living outdoors, once they find a way into our homes, they are hard to get rid of.

In some cases, a separate pest problem may be attracting spiders into your home. A professional pest control company can examine the exterior and interior of your Charlotte area home to check for a spider infestation. Contact Truly Nolen Charlotte at 704-910-2936 for a free pest inspection and keep your home pest-free.