Two of the most venomous spiders in Texas are the black widow and brown recluse. A black widow’s venom is more potent than a rattlesnake’s venom but a rattler’s bite is worse due to the snake injecting more venom into its victim or prey than a black widow does.

Female black widows are shiny black with a red hourglass shape on their back, while the males are grey in color. Generally, 3/8” in size, the females will lay their egg sacs in a web during the summer and within 4 weeks the eggs will begin to hatch. After approximately 14 days the spiderlings become very cannibalistic eating on other insects such as; fire ants, beetles, scorpions, and grasshoppers.

Female black widows build their webs close to ground level and in undisturbed areas to catch their prey. Usually, in a garage, outhouse, tree stump, barn or wood pile.

Black widow spiders are, in most part, a non-aggressive spider except when it feels threatened or is hurt. That is when it will attack and bite, leaving the area red and within an hour, symptoms from the venom could occur. Most common symptoms that occur are: fever, chills, nausea, pain and stiffness. It’s important to seek medical attention if bitten by a black widow, especially for children.

Brown recluse spiders can vary in color but are mostly yellowish-brown and have a very distinctive violin shaped marking at the base of their neck area.

Mating occurs between April to July and females can attach up to 5 egg sacs onto a structure containing approximately 50 eggs per sac. Once hatched, the spiderlings can take a year to fully mature.

Like the black widow, brown recluse spiders create their webs close to the ground to catch their prey. They also prefer undisturbed habitats like logs and under rocks. Inside your home they like dark secluded areas.

Brown recluse spiders are also non-aggressive unless threatened or hurt. Their venom is harmful, even to humans. After being bit, you will experience a red circular area. Within a couple days the skin will become flaky and start shedding, leaving an open wound about the size of a quarter which could take months to heal. Symptoms that can occur are: itching, rash, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, shock and in some cases death. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a brown recluse.

Don’t get bitten by spiders or the competition. Call Safe Earth Pest Control to start protecting your family and home today. 214-321-2847