Pest Control Basics: Florida Spiders to Avoid

Florida residents are usually on the lookout for snakes and alligators. These reptiles should undoubtedly be feared, but this doesn’t mean they’re the only looming danger.

Florida residents are usually on the lookout for snakes and alligators. These reptiles should undoubtedly be feared, but this doesn’t mean they’re the only looming danger.

Although significantly smaller, spiders can be equally, if not more, dangerous. For example, some spiders found in Florida are the most venomous in the U.S.

Please keep reading to learn which spiders you should avoid in Florida.

Southern black widow

A southern black widow is one of Florida’s most common venomous spiders.

Female spiders of this kind are recognizable by a shiny black back and a red hourglass mark. These spiders are the largest among the widows. In contrast, the male spiders are significantly smaller and brown.

Southern black widows are highly poisonous and can be found all over Florida. Although they don’t prey on humans, they will bite if someone startles them.

They tend to make large webs in sheds and garages and under old grills and lawn chairs in the backyard. Therefore, household members should be highly cautious when coming into contact with areas that have been undisturbed for some time.

Northern black widow

A northern black widow looks almost identical to a southern black widow. The only difference is the red marking on their back. Instead of an hourglass, northern widows have two red triangles and a series of red dots.

These spiders prefer building their webs close to the ground at the forest’s edge. However, you can also find them in residential areas. These widows typically inhabit clothes that haven’t been worn for a while. So pay special attention when pulling out that pair of old boots from the back of the closet.

Red widow

A red widow has a shiny black abdomen, large red markings, and a reddish-orange head. The head makes it easy to differentiate from a black widow. Also, the red markings resemble red spots with a yellow border, which isn’t typical for any black widows.

Red widows usually construct their webs on palm trees, most commonly in southeast and central Florida.

Brown widow

A brown widow is usually about the same size as a black widow. However, these spiders differ in color - a brown widow is brown. In addition, some species can vary in color, from light grey to black.

These spiders also have an hourglass marking on their backs, typically golden or yellow.

Brown widows tend to make their webs on buildings in well-lit spaces. In Florida, they’re typically found along the coast south of Daytona Beach.

Brown recluse

A brown recluse isn’t native to Florida. In addition, they prefer to stay out of sight and only bite if startled.

Still, people should be wary of them as they’re one of the most venomous species, with a bite capable of leaving a huge scar. These spiders tend to hide inside the arms and legs of garments left hanging for some time.

They have a distinct appearance with a dark violin-shaped mark on the head. These spiders are light brown and smaller than black widows.

Avoid getting bitten by a venomous spider

Homeowners should always be aware of their surroundings and be careful when handling old clothes and equipment. Furthermore, spider control and extermination treatment services can ensure that household members have peace of mind when outside.

Homeowners should immediately contact a pest control expert if there are any signs of a spider infestation.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!