6 Poisonous Spiders in Tennessee You Should Never Ignore
Deadly spiders in Tennessee is a real thing. Although most spiders are harmless, some can get you into real trouble. When it comes to the most common poisonous spiders in Tenesse, the black widow, the brown recluse, and the false black widow are at the top.
These spiders are notorious for their poisonous bites, which can range from mild pain to severe illness. If you are a resident of Tennessee, it’s best to learn what they are and how to avoid them.
Are All Spiders Poisonous?
The majority of Tennessee spiders are harmless and even beneficial. They diet is based on insects, which makes them a natural pest control. Among the numerous spiders in Tennessee, very few have venom capable of harming human beings.
Two of them include the black widow and brown recluse. Their bites require treatment, but you should note that these spiders only bite if provoked.
Top 6 Poisonous Spiders in Tennessee
1. Southern Black Widow Spider
The southern black widow spider is among the top Tennessee poisonous spiders. It prefers dark, quiet places such as woodpiles, stones, and in outbuildings. It weaves sloppy webs and awaits insects to become entangled.
The female has a red hourglass marking on below its round belly and have shiny body. The male and younger spiders appear differently, with light colors and spots.
When female bites, it injects venom which may cayse inflict pain, cramps and nausea. They bite only if provoked, but their venom is poisonous, even more than of a rattlesnake bite.
2. Northern Black Widow Spider
The northern black widow is another spider with a painful bite. It looks like the southern type but has a broken red hourglass mark under its body. It’s smaller, and the males are about half the size of females.
Their venom is strong and can cause symptoms like muscle pain, sweating, and vomiting. This condition is called latrodectism. These spiders are not aggressive. Bites usually happen if the spider feels trapped.
While a few deaths have happened in the U.S. after getting bitten by Northern Black Widow Spider, they are extremely rare and mostly affect children or those with weaker immune systems.
3. Brown Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spider is one of the most feared brown spiders in Tennessee. It likes dark and secluded areas such as sheds, closets, cardboard boxes, and basements.
It can be light brown to dark gray with a violin-shaped spot on its back. It’s also famous for having six eyes instead of the normal eight. Its bite can be hazardous. The venom kills tissue surrounding the bite and may take weeks or months to heal.
The bite is not painful at first, but swelling and pain will later ensue. These spiders do not like human contact and will only bite them when provoked.
4. False Black Widow Spider
The false black widow spider appears identical to the real black widow but lacks the red hourglass spot. Its body is black and rounded, from brown to black in color with light markings.
It constructs webs near houses, garages, and sheds. The spider is very hard to notice from naked eye, but can be noticed from its web to detect its movement. Bites from this spider are painful but not fatal. Humans might get swelling, fever, or minor muscle pain.
The spiders are timid and only bite when pushed or touched. Though not as toxic as the black widow, it’s still among the common poisonous spiders in Tennessee.
5. Black-Footed Yellow Sac Spider
This spider gets its name from its color and black feet. It’s small and light yellow with a faint stripe down its back. It hides in leaves and shrubs during the day and comes out at night.
The black-footed yellow sac spider can bite if disturbed. Its venom is mild but may cause redness, itching, and a little swelling. The pain from the bite feels like a bee sting. These spiders are not dangerous, and their bites heal quickly.
They are part of the spiders in Tennessee that people often see outdoors.
6. Brown Widow Spider
Though less common, the brown widow spider is showing up more in Tennessee. It’s a cousin of the black widow and shares similar traits.
It has an orange or yellow hourglass on its belly and spiky egg sacs. It prefers to live in quiet places like under outdoor furniture or toys. Its venom is strong but delivered in small amounts, so the effects are often mild.
Some symptoms may include pain and mild cramps. It’s one of the Tennessee poisonous spiders you should avoid, but it’s less dangerous than others on this list.
Spiders in Tennessee That Are Not Harmful
American House Spider
This is one of the most common Tennessee spiders. It’s small and brown or yellow with dark marks. It can bite, but the bite is rare and not serious. They usually keep to themselves in corners and dark spaces.
Cellar Spider (Daddy Long Legs)
These spiders are known for their long legs and tiny bodies. They live in basements and dark corners. Though people think they are deadly, their mouths are too weak to bite humans.
Wolf Spider
This spider may look scary with its big body and fast movement. But it doesn’t spin webs or chase people. It hunts insects at night and stays away from people. Many people question whether wolf spider dangerous or not? The answer is they bite rarely and are not dangerous.
Zipper Spider (Yellow Garden Spider)
This spider is colorful with black and yellow stripes. It builds big webs with zigzag lines in gardens. It may bite if touched, but the bite is mild and goes away quickly.
FAQs
What should I do if I get bitten by a spider in Tennessee?
If you are bitten by a spider and feel pain, swelling, or fever, clean the area and visit a doctor. This is especially important if you suspect a Tennessee poisonous spider bite.
Are brown recluse spiders common in Tennessee homes?
Yes, they are one of the most common poisonous spiders in Tennessee. They like dark, quiet places like garages and sheds, so be careful when reaching into boxes or corners.
How can I tell if a spider is dangerous?
Look for signs like the red hourglass on a black widow or the violin mark on a brown recluse spider. If you’re not sure, it’s best to avoid touching the spider and call a pest expert if needed.
Call Professionals Before It Gets Worse
Seeing poisonous spiders in Tennessee around your home? Don’t take chances, just call our pest control professionals. We’ll handle the spiders, so you don’t have to.