Poisonous Spiders In Florida: Learn How To Identify And Avoid Them

Florida is home to mainly two varieties of poisonous spiders: the black widow and brown recluse.

The brown recluse spider and the black widow spider have been considered the two most venomous spiders of their species in the United States and south Florida. They are not hostile, but if you come into contact with one and get bitten, their venom is strong enough to cause severe cases of health problems in humans.

After reading about venomous spider species in Florida, also check out how long do spiders live and is a spider an animal.

What are Florida's most dangerous spiders?

Although no recluse spider species are indigenous to Florida, three species of widow spiders have been discovered and have formed communities in a variety of places.

Both varieties of spiders are commonly found in places with shade or under small objects where they can't be easily spotted. To avoid getting bitten by a concealed spider, it is advised that if you engage in tasks where you cannot see where your hands are being placed such as lifting boards or firewood, or even reaching into storage boxes, wear gloves. Clothing should also be examined before wearing, especially if it has been ignored for a long time, as a spider may have taken up home within it.

Are Florida house spiders dangerous?

In Florida, the most harmful spiders fall into one of two categories: widow spiders and recluse spiders. These are the only two spider species discovered in Florida that have venom strong enough to harm and are considered dangerous to humans.

You can reduce your risk of being bitten by being aware of the types of places where both species of spiders may be located, as well as adopting proper precautions, such as wearing gloves when reaching into recesses and places where you can't see spiders.

Poisonous spiders such as black widows and brown recluse spiders are most likely to be discovered outside of your home.

Wolf Spiders In Florida

Wolf spiders love to dwell in ivy or under stones and are usually found outside. Wolf spiders can be spotted crawling on walls both inside and outside of homes in southwest Florida.

When threatened, this variety of spider attacks, although the bite does not contain harmful venom.

Instead of weaving webs to catch their food, they rely on their speed to pursue small insects like cockroaches. Wolf spiders have a similar appearance to the far more dangerous brown recluse spider and, because of their brown appearance, people commonly confuse them with one another.

If they feel threatened, wolf spiders can act aggressively and bite, even if you unintentionally get them on your skin.

Common Spiders In Florida

Some of the common spiders in Florida are as follows:

Wolf spider: Wolf spiders love to live in ivy or under stones and are usually found outside. Wolf spiders can be found scurrying on walls both inside and outside of homes in southwest Florida.

Black widow: Black widow spiders may be identified by the red, hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomen.

Daddy long legs: Daddy long legs is the most prevalent spider in southwest Florida and is distinguished by its elongated legs.

Brown recluse: Brown recluse spiders are dark brown and are known as violin spiders. They have marks on the rear of their bodies, and their hue ranges from tan to dark brown.

Spiny orb weaver: Spiny orb weaver spiders are commonly found among citrus trees and plants that may be found all over southwest Florida.

How do you identify poisonous spiders in Florida?

Here are some distinguishing traits to look for to determine whether the spider you see is one of the toxic five.

Brown recluse: Bodies of brown recluse spiders are violin-shaped. Lower body color can range from dark brown to tan to yellow to green.

Southern black widow: Southern black widow spiders are the most dangerous of the four black widow species found in Florida. A solid red hourglass on the abdomen of the all-black body distinguishes the southern black widow spider.

Northern black widow: The northern black widow has an all-black body and legs with bright red patterns on the back. The poison produced by a bite from black widows has an immediate effect on the central nervous system.

Red widow: The red widow spider is distinguished by long red legs, a red thorax, and a red head. A red widow bite is comparable to that of black widow spiders, and you should treat it as such.

Brown widow: The abdomen of brown widow spiders is entirely brown with an orange hourglass-shaped mark. Brown widow spider bites are less harmful than black and red widow bites.

Symptoms Of A Widow Spider Bite

A widow spider bite usually creates an acute and pin prick-like sensation that is followed by a dull, often numbing discomfort in the area around the bite. Cramping discomfort and muscle stiffness develop in the belly, back, shoulders, and chest which can be considered severe.

Vomiting, nausea, sweating, anxiety, restlessness, a headache, drooping and swelling of the eyelids, severe breathing issues, a rash, itching, increased saliva production, and weakness are some known symptoms which may occur.

Some people who are known to get bitten by these snakes are just mildly impacted, while others may have a severe reaction. You may experience significant burning, mild pain, swelling, as well as redness at the spot right away. There may even be two fang marks visible.

Symptoms Of A Recluse Spider Bite

A spider bite usually looks like any other bug bite: a red, swollen, itchy, or painful lump on your skin that may or may not be seen. Spider bites that aren't harmful normally don't cause any other symptoms.

Many skin sores appear to be the same yet are caused by different things, such as a bacterial infection. Some spider bites, such as those from widow spiders and recluse spiders, can result in significant symptoms.

A recluse spider bite can cause the following signs and symptoms. In the first eight hours following the bite, the discomfort gets worse. Fever, chills, and bodily pains are all symptoms. Brown recluse bites cause the flesh around the bite to rot and can turn into ulcers. The skin turns purple or dark blue.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for poisonous spiders in Florida then why not take a look at do all spiders have eight legs or recluse spider facts.