Most people avoid spiders, but they still appear in our homes and workplaces. When living in Oklahoma, knowing which spiders are safe and which should be avoided is essential. Let’s look at some of the most common spiders in Oklahoma that everyone should be able to identify.
Common Spiders
Although spiders aren’t always pleasant to see in your personal space, most are harmless to humans. Here are some of the most common, non-threatening spiders you’re likely to see from time to time:
- American Grass Spider: This harmless spider isn’t specific to Oklahoma. In fact, you can find it in almost every state! It’s typically brown or black with stripes on its abdomen. By some standards, these are large spiders that grow to be about ¾ of an inch.
- Southern House Spider: Many people fear this spider since it can be confused with the brown recluse. One way to know that there’s nothing to fear is to see if the spider has a violin pattern on its back. If it doesn’t, it’s just a house spider!
- Orb Weaver: There are many different kinds of orb weavers, and they can appear intimidating due to their bulbous abdomens. While the orb part is unusual, these spiders prefer to hide during the day and make their webs at night. Chances are, you may never see one, and if you do, rest assured that it’s not a threat to humans.
- Rabid Wolf Spider: Are wolf spiders dangerous? The rabid part of the name would lead most people to believe they are dangerous, but it isn’t true. They can be aggressive but not harmful or fatal.
- Jumping Spiders: OK has multiple jumping spiders, and they are all non-threatening to humans. In fact, these little jumpers are exceptional pest control experts!
Poisonous Spiders in OK
Spiders are a part of everyday life, and most aren’t a threat to people. But are there Black Widows in OK or other poisonous spiders? Unfortunately, yes, and they include:
- Brown Recluse: If you spot a dark brown mark on the back of a brown spider that resembles a violin, you want to leave it alone and call an exterminator. This arachnid’s venom causes tissue damage in humans and needs immediate treatment.
Thankfully, these spiders don’t typically rest or nest around humans and are often found hiding in storage boxes or any place that hasn’t been frequented by humans. Also, they aren’t seen statewide, if at all in most areas.
- Southern Black Widow: The black widow’s name alone makes humans want to steer clear of black spiders. Yet the Southern Black Widow can be identified if there is a red hourglass shape on its back. Make sure to call a pest specialist if you see one and seek immediate medical care if you’ve been bitten.
While there are poisonous spiders in the state, it’s rare that anyone has been seriously harmed or killed by a spider bite. However, if you’re unsure, leave the spider alone and get a professional to safely identify and remove the arachnid.
Have a Spider-Free Life
When you want the peace of mind of a home with no spiders, Excellence Pest in Bartlesville, OK, is the premier choice! This family-owned, locally-owned and operated business can bring its expertise to give you a spider-free home. So give them a call today at 918-336-8468, or send them a message through their online form now!