Are there Any Venomous Spiders in Erie, PA? Black Widow, Brown Recluse & Wolf Spider Species

Spiders are notoriously the insect that gets feared the most. Their agility, multiple eyes, long legs, and their potentially venomous bites haven given people the heebie-jeebies for centuries. Where there are some spiders that are actually beneficial to keep around, to control the population of other insect species, some spiders can cause harm. Despite the benefits of having a few spiders around, no one wants an infestation. We at Stewart Termite & Pest Control, would like to relate some information concerning the spiders in Pennsylvania.

Venomous Black Widow Spiders are Native to Pennsylvania

Black widows are most commonly known as a harmful spider. Found nearly everywhere in the U.S., they are native in Pennsylvania. Black widow females are very distinct. They are black, with a red hourglass shape on their body. Males do not have the red hourglass shape, but are black. Males also do not have the hazardous venom, and are not poisonous to humans, but who wants to get close enough to make sure the red hourglass is not present? A black widow’s silk, used to construct webs, is the strongest in the world according to experts. They do not create, beautiful and elegant webs, instead they look like chaos and resemble a cobweb. Desiring to snare beetles, flies, moths, grasshoppers and other spiders for their meals. But what goes around comes around, praying mantis prefer the black widow for their food, as well as birds. The black widow produces neurotoxins that demolishes the nervous system of a small bug. If a black widow bites a person, the initial contact area will swell, and you can experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, abdominal cramps, copious sweating, muscle pain and spasms, and fevers. If you suspect you have gotten bitten by a black widow, seek out medical treatment.

Can a Brown Recluse Spider Kill You?

Brown recluse spiders are more populated in the Midwest and agricultural states, but are still spotted residing in Pennsylvania. Brown recluse spiders are rarely encountered here, but they may be transported in boxes and similar items from places where the spiders normally occur. They range in a few degrees of brown, from a creamy tan to coffee brown, and have violin-shaped marking crowning their head. Brown recluse spiders are not aggressive towards humans, but will bite if it is frightened or feels threatened. They prefer to dwell in dark, undisturbed areas in the garage, and closets, but will also seek seclusion in clothing, bedding, or shoes that have been left unattended for a time. After the bite, a red, purple or blue rash will appear with a white ring. Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include nausea and vomiting, headache, joint pain and stiffness, and a red rash.

Are Wolf Spiders Aggressive?

Are frequently mistaken for tarantulas with their similar builds and stature. The wolf spider has a thick coat of hair, and is brown. Wolf spider females will attach her egg sacs on her, and carry them around everywhere she goes. Once the little critters hatch, they continue to live on their mother’s back for a few weeks, consuming the left over egg components. If one of her little ones fall off, she will simply stop and wait for them to climb back on. Getting bit by on these spiders is particularly uncomfortable. Around the punctured area, red, itchy swelling occurs, along with pain. Generally, over the course of 3 days, the pain will dissipate until it is gone. If the pain persists, and the bite mare become black, seek out medical attention immediately.

Spider Control

With all the spiders roaming Pennsylvania, you will more likely cross paths with a docile spider. If you have discovered any venomous spiders, or have found you are infested, call the professionals at Stewart Termite & Pest Control. With our exports, infestations can be efficiently removed, and with continued pest control maintenance visits, future spider and pest problems are significantly minimized. Call us today for your appointment!