Venomous Spiders in Alabama

Spiders can be a frightening sight for many people, but in Alabama, some species can be more than just a nuisance. Venomous spiders are a real concern for homeowners and businesses alike, as they can pose a serious threat to human health and safety. In fact, Alabama is home to a number of venomous spider species, including the brown recluse and the black widow. At Bama Pest, we understand the importance of protecting your property from spiders. That’s why we offer a range of effective spider control solutions to help keep your space safe and spider-free.

What are Widow Spiders?

Widow spiders are the most venomous spiders in Alabama. They are a group of spiders belonging to the genus Latrodectus. These include several species of venomous spiders known for their distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. 

Types of Widow Spiders

The two most common types of widow spiders found in the United States are the black widow and the brown widow. The black widow is perhaps the more well-known of the two and is found throughout much of the country, including the southeastern United States. While both species are venomous, black widow bites are generally considered more dangerous than those of brown widows.

How to Identify Widow Spiders

Black widow spiders are shiny black in color with a distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. Brown widow spiders, on the other hand, are tan or light brown in color with an orange hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen

Where are Window Spiders Found?

Widow spiders, including black widows and brown widows, are found throughout Alabama, particularly in the southern and central parts of the state. Black widows are more commonly found in the coastal and southern regions of Alabama, while brown widows are more commonly found in the central and northern parts of the state. These spiders tend to prefer warm, dry environments and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas.

They often seek out dark, sheltered areas, such as:

• Sheds
• Garages 
• Barns
• Crawl spaces
• Basements
• Attics

If you suspect that you have widow spiders in or around your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional for assistance in identifying and treating the infestation.

What are Recluse Spiders?

Recluse spiders are another type of venomous spider found in Alabama and other parts of the South. Their bites can be dangerous and may cause a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and tissue damage. If you suspect that you have recluse spiders in or around your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional for assistance in identifying and treating the infestation.

Types of Recluse Spiders

In addition to the classic brown recluse, there are also dark recluse spiders, which are darker in color, and Mediterranean recluse spiders, which are lighter in color and have a different distribution. However, the only type of recluse spider found in the United States is the brown recluse. 

How to Identify Recluse Spiders

Identifying recluse spiders is fairly easy. They are typically light to dark brown in color and have a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their back. Another way to identify recluse spiders is that they have three pairs of eyes rather than the four pairs that are typical of most spiders. They also have long, thin legs that are often covered in fine hairs.

It is important to note that there are many different species of spiders that may look similar to recluse spiders, so if you are not sure if you have identified a recluse spider, it is best to consult a pest control professional for confirmation.

Where are Recluse Spiders Found?

Recluse spiders are typically found in quiet, undisturbed areas of the home, such as:

• Attics
• Basements
• Cracks and Crevices
• Piles of Clutter
• Garages
• Barns

Recluse spiders get their name because they are generally shy and avoid contact with humans, so they may not be immediately visible. They are most active at night and may come out to hunt for insects or other prey. 

How to Identify a Spider Bite

Spider bites can be difficult to identify, as they can vary widely in appearance and severity depending on the species of spider, the location of the bite, and the individual’s reaction to the venom. However, some common signs and symptoms of a spider bite may include:

• Redness or swelling around the bite
• Itching or burning at the site of the bite
• Pain or tenderness at the site of the bite
• A raised, blister-like sore that may be filled with fluid
• A necrotic lesion that may appear as a dark spot or patch
• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Fever
• Chills

If you suspect that you have been bitten by a spider, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if you are experiencing any severe symptoms or if you are unsure of the identity of the spider that bit you.

How to Prevent Spiders

Widow spiders and recluse spiders are dangerous and potentially deadly pests that can infest your home and property in Alabama. If you are concerned about the presence of these spiders, it is important to take action to prevent them from nesting and reproducing. At Bama Pest Control we specialize in identifying, treating, and preventing spider infestations. Our experienced technicians use safe and effective methods to eliminate spiders from your home and yard and ensure that they do not return.