Spider Identification In Jacksonville, FL

What Do Spiders Look Like?

There are more than 40,000 species of spiders. Most spiders have eight eyes, although some have none, and some have as many as twelve! They all have fangs and venom glands that they use to catch their prey. Learn more about the most common types of spiders in Jacksonville.

Black Widow Spiders

Easily recognizable due to the hourglass shape females have on their abdomen, the black widow is one of the most feared spiders in the world. That’s because its venom is 15 times stronger than the venom of a rattlesnake! If a black widow bites you, you can expect nausea, muscle aches, and possible diaphragm paralysis, making it difficult to breathe. While most people do not experience long-term, severe damages or death due to a black widow bite, the bites can be fatal to small children, people who are already ill, or the elderly. Black widows tend to bite only in self-defense.

a black widow spider in its web in jacksonville florida

Brown Recluse Spiders

These range in color from white to dark brown or even black. They are medium-sized and tend to have dark markings on their cephalothorax that looks like a violin. Brown recluses are not indigenous to Florida, but you may require medical attention if a brown recluse spider bites you.

a brown recluse spider in a home in ponte vedra beach florida

Grass Spiders

Brown or gray in coloring, grass spiders have light and dark stripes close to their head. They build webs in the shape of a funnel so they can use it as a retreat. Grass spiders tend to construct webs in areas of tall grass or on the ground near window wells, foundations, steps, and low shrubs, but sometimes wandering males will find themselves indoors as they search for a mate. The bites of grass spiders are low risk to humans.

a grass spider outside of a home in jacksonville florida

Black And Yellow Garden Spiders

Also called golden orb-weaver, yellow garden orb-weaver, corn spider, and the writing spider, these spiders are easily identifiable by their large size and distinct appearance. They have beautiful yellow and black coloring on their abdomens with alternating bands of orange and black on their legs. If you disturb a female black and yellow garden spider in her web or otherwise threaten the spider, you may get bitten. Symptoms of garden spider bites include discomfort and mild swelling.

a black and yellow garden spider in a florida yard

When Are Spiders Most Active?

Most spiders are nocturnal hunters and are typically more visibly active in homes during late summer and fall.

What Attracts Spiders?

While spiders are not attracted to the light, the insects they eat are, so you will often see spiders near light sources. Having access to food is what draws spiders into your home, so if you have other pests and insects in your home, spiders will want to come in as well.

Are Spiders Dangerous?

Some spiders are more dangerous than others. For example, the black widow and brown recluse spiders have venom, which can cause severe side effects that require medical attention. Some spiders are aggressive, particularly when they're defending their eggs.

How Do I Get Rid Of Spiders?

Spiders tend to hide in piles of firewood or debris, as well as in attics, crawlspaces, and closets. Getting rid of spiders is tricky as you won't know where they're living in your home. Professional pest control will ensure you identify the type of spider and benefit from their experienced techniques for eliminating spiders and other pest infestations.