With Christmas behind us and 2019 officially underway, it’s time to pack up the decorations and settle into the coziness of winter evenings indoors. As long nights and cold weather take hold in Texas, it might be tempting to think pests are no longer a concern. While it’s true that many bugs go dormant during this time (making it an ideal moment to protect your trees and shrubs from pests that will resurface in the warmer months—check out our May blog for tips), some remain active and can disrupt even the calmest winter nights.

One of the most common culprits during winter is spiders. Texas is home to over 900 spider species, so it’s no surprise they’re a pest you’re likely to encounter. While some are mostly a nuisance, weaving webs in unused corners of the house, others pose serious risks with potentially harmful bites. As you climb into attics, crawlspaces, or closets to put away holiday decorations, it’s essential to stay mindful of the hidden dangers’ spiders may present. Taking precautions can help ensure your new year doesn’t begin with an unwanted visit to the doctor.

The three spiders that draw the most concern in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are the brown recluse, the black widow, and the wolf spider. To protect yourself from these stealthy invaders, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with their characteristics. Understanding how to recognize these spiders can help you avoid a bite before it happens.

Quick Facts About Brown Recluse Spiders:

• Size: With thin legs, they cover an area about the size of a quarter to a half-dollar.
• Appearance: Golden-brown in color, they feature a distinctive dark violin-shaped marking on their back between the eyes and abdomen.
• Habitat: Found in warm, dry areas in and around buildings, especially in spots that are rarely disturbed.
• Active Times: Primarily active at night, with increased activity in the spring.
  Dangers: Their venom can cause tissue decay and necrosis around the bite area.
• How to Avoid: Always shake out shoes before wearing them and use gloves when working in areas with cobwebs or limited visibility.
• If You See One: Avoid disturbing it; they typically bite only when trapped, threatened, or provoked.
• If Bitten: Seek medical attention immediately.

Black widow spiders are another dangerous species to watch for. Recognized by their glossy black bodies and the iconic red hourglass marking on their underside, these spiders often hide in dark, sheltered areas like garages, basements, or woodpiles. Their venom is highly toxic and can cause severe muscle pain, cramping, and other systemic symptoms, especially in children and older adults. While they’re not aggressive, black widows will bite if they feel cornered, so caution is key when working in places where they might be lurking.

Quick Facts About Black Widow Spiders:

• Size: Females measure about 3/8″ in body length, while males are smaller at approximately 3/16″.
• Appearance: Female black widows are shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass pattern on the underside of their abdomen. Males, on the other hand, are brown and less noticeable.
• Habitat: They favor sheltered outdoor areas like portable toilets and unused sheds but can also be found indoors in warm, dry locations.
• Dangers: The venom of female black widows causes intense pain, usually felt in the abdomen and back within hours of a bite. Symptoms can persist for up to 48 hours. Male spiders are not harmful to humans.
• How to Avoid: Shake out shoes and gloves stored in dark or unused areas before wearing them, and always use gloves when handling wood piles, mulch, or similar materials.
• If You See One: Avoid disturbing it; black widows typically bite only when they feel threatened, trapped, or provoked.
• If Bitten: Seek medical attention immediately, especially for children, the elderly, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Wolf spiders, unlike the other two, are not venomous to humans but can still deliver a painful bite. These spiders are larger and often mistaken for tarantulas due to their hairy appearance and size. They prefer outdoor environments like gardens, yards, and woodpiles but occasionally wander indoors seeking shelter. Known for their speed and hunting skills, wolf spiders don’t spin webs but instead actively stalk their prey. While their bites are not medically significant, encountering one can still be an unsettling experience. To avoid wolf spiders, keep outdoor areas tidy and seal any cracks or gaps that might allow them to enter your home.

Quick Facts About Wolf Spiders:

• Size: These spiders range in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in length.
• Appearance: They are hairy and come in shades of orange-brown to gray and black, often with a mottled, camouflage-like pattern. In addition to their eight legs, they have two small, arm-like appendages at the front of their bodies.
• Habitat: Typically found outdoors in open, grassy areas, wolf spiders may also wander indoors, often near doors, windows, and garages, or anywhere they can hunt insects.
• Dangers: While their bites aren’t inherently dangerous, they can cause pain similar to a bee sting. There’s also a potential for an allergic reaction, as with any spider bite.
• If You See One: Do not squish it! Female wolf spiders carry their eggs on their backs, and squishing them could release hundreds of spiderlings into your home. Avoid disturbing them, as they usually bite only when they feel trapped or threatened.

Tips for Spider Prevention:

• Eliminate Their Food Source: Reduce the number of insects inside and around your home.
• Dim/reduce bright outdoor lights:  It can attract insects.
• Consider a regular pest control plan: It helps manage insect populations.
• Maintain Landscaping: Trim weeds, grass, and shrubs near buildings to minimize spider-friendly environments.
• Seal Entry Points: Use caulk or other sealants to close cracks, gaps, and openings where spiders might enter.
• Remove Webs and Egg Sacs: Regularly check for and remove any spider webs or egg sacs you find.
• Declutter Your Space: Minimize clutter, especially in undisturbed areas, to reduce potential spider hiding spots.
• Use Glue Boards: Place glue traps in strategic areas to capture spiders, particularly wolf spiders.
• Keep It Clean: Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting can help discourage spiders from settling in your home.

As you pack away the holiday decorations and dive into your New Year’s resolutions, consider making regular pest control a priority. It’s a simple step that can help protect your home and keep lurking spiders at bay all year long.

Additional References:

“Spiders and Their Kin” – Texas Parks & Wildlife
“Venomous Spiders in Texas: Which Two Species to Look Out For” – Jenny Webster Jurica, Texas Hill Country
“This Bites: Venomous Texas Spiders” – Texas Health and Human Services
“Wolf Spiders and Their Bite” – Lisa Jo Lupo – The Spruce

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