Last Updated: December 7th, 2022: If you’re a true Texan, you know that spiders in Texas can be a real threat! Active year-round, spiders make their way into homes just like yours every month of the year. With a number of poisonous species common to the Houston area, it’s important to be aware of the dangerous ones to keep an eye out for. As the experts in all things pest control, we’ll discuss the most common venomous spiders you’re likely to find in Texas and why they’re dangerous. Below you’ll find the most common venomous spiders in Texas, as well as how to identify them to help keep your family safe!
Common Poisonous Spiders In Texas
When it comes to spiders, there tends to be a lot of confusion. While many bites can be as mild as a bee sting, a bite from one of the numerous venomous spiders common to the Texas area can be extremely dangerous.
The Brown Recluse
Common to many southern and Midwestern states, the brown recluse spiders thrive in the Texas climate. While it tends to keep to itself and avoid human contact, it will attack if it feels provoked. What’s worse, if bitten by a brown recluse spider, you’ll start to suffer from severe nausea, chills, fever, and pain within 24 hours. The brown recluse likes to hide in dark areas inside homes, under houses, in debris piles, and within cellars. It can be distinguished by its six eyes that sit in three pairs in a violin pattern along its back. The brown recluse is often considered the most dangerous spider in Texas!
The Black Widow
Texas is also home to the southern, western and northern black widow spider, and they are some of the most commonly known venomous spiders. Like the brown recluse, these dangerous spiders also live in dark places like garages and cellars. A black widow spider is uniquely recognizable by the red hourglass marking on its stomach. If you get bit by a black widow spider, you may begin to lose consciousness, have trouble breathing, and suffer from chills. These spiders are no joke — considered to be the most venomous spider in North America, the black widow venom is reportedly 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake. Yikes!
The Tarantula
While many people see tarantulas as something that lives in an exhibit, they are all too real here in Texas! These large, nightmare-worthy furry beasts live under rocks and shaded areas in the day and hunt at night. They have exceptionally long fangs that can easily be used to pierce human skin. A bite from a tarantula will cause severe pain, but if you’re allergic, even a brush from the hair of the tarantula can cause a significant reaction.
The Jumping Spider
Unlike the tarantula, the jumping spider is active during the day. Common throughout Texas, the jumping spider is most likely to make its home in your garden where they have plenty of cover to spin their web and jump on their prey. A bite will deliver a localized poisonous reaction, but is much less dangerous than the other species on the list.
Danger of Poisonous Spiders in Your Home
At the end of the day, spiders love the cover and comfort of your home, and while they may not be a welcomed guest, they will happily make your home theirs. While most spiders will only bite their victims if they feel provoked, it’s important to remember that even the most subtle things we do can make them feel threatened. They often mistake our general movements or the disturbing of their webs as aggressive moves. If you notice any of these spiders in your home, do not attempt to kill it yourself. Let a professional handle this so you don’t risk dangerous spider bites!
Let EnviroCon Help
When dealing with the poisonous species above, or even common household spiders here in Texas, hiring an expert is the safest way to go. Here at EnviroCon, our experts know the Texas terrain and are trained to deal with any spider issue that comes your way. With decades of experience dealing with spiders in homes, we have access to the best products and tools to ensure spiders stay far away from your home. I hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you a bit about spiders in Texas, especially when it comes to the venemous spiders to look out for!