Spider Control

Inside your home or property live many different types of spiders and insects. While spiders are beneficial to have in residential areas, these eight-legged arachnids can also be nuisances. North Carolina also has two venomous species — the brown recluse and the black widow.

Many spider complaints surround their large webs and intimidating appearance. While most spiders are not venomous, many species do in fact bite. Having some spiders around can be beneficial though as it reduces insect populations.

How to Eliminate Spiders in Your Home

Critter Control’s trained Eco-Wise Pest Control professional has your health in mind. We have conducted extensive research on the most effective spider management programs to ensure they can be safely removed and will not return to your home. Whether you come upon a black widow, brown recluse, wolf spider or any other species, Eco-Wise can help you by using our environmentally-friendly pest control products and services.

For environmentally-safe spider control methods, call the experts at Critter Control’s Eco-Wise Pest Control. Contact our offices today at (919) 382-0651 for more information.

We remove and exterminate spiders in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Morrisville and throughout the greater Triangle region of North Carolina.

Disease Risks at a Glance

Spiders do not pose a risk of spreading disease.

What Poisonous Spiders Live in North Carolina?

North Carolina has well over 1,000 spider species, many of these living right here in the Research Triangle area. After hearing this, many people immediately ask, “Are any of them poisonous?”

First, not to get too technical, but poisons are toxins that are ingested while venoms are injected by biting animals like spiders and snakes. Raleigh Durham does, in fact, have venomous spiders though. The vast majority of spiders have venom, but they are not dangerous because it is either in too small or diluted a dose, or they do not have a means of injecting it into humans.

The two spiders to fear in the Triangle

But two spiders present in this area do have strong venom that can be injected into people. The black widow and the brown recluse have very different appearances and habits. However, both are potentially dangerous.

The Black Widow

Black widows are found throughout North Carolina, including the Raleigh Durham area. They can be identified by their dark black color and the red hourglass-shaped marking on the female’s abdomen. The males are smaller, do not have the red marking and are not a danger.

Female black widows prefer dark, cool places where they can set up a web. They’ll hang an egg sack at the top of the web where they can guard it and may attack anything that disturbs them, their web or especially the egg sack. The bites will cause sharp pains and neurological problems. These neurological symptoms can go system-wide and cause larger medical issues, so immediate medical care should be sought.

The Brown Recluse

Brown recluse spiders are smaller and lighter in color. They are only about the size of a penny, though some get as large as a quarter. Unlike black widows, it is the male spiders that are larger and more dangerous. Here in North Carolina, many refer to the brown recluse as a “fiddle back spider.” This is because of the violin-shaped marking on the top of the spider’s head.

They are true to the “recluse” name and will avoid contact with people, generally not being aggressive. When cornered or surprised, this is when they pose a problem. Their bites cause flesh to die in what’s called “necrosis.” If not treated, this necrosis can spread and make amputation of fingers or even limbs necessary. Because of this, brown recluse bites should be treated immediately.

While there are many hundreds of spiders in North Carolina and most are not harmful, it is wise not to take any chances with these two particular species. If you spot a black widow or brown recluse, your best move is to call an expert pest control company. Critter Control of the Triangle is experienced in identifying dangerous species and eliminating threats associated with them. Give us a call at (919) 382-0651 if you believe one of these dangerous spiders is nearby and you live in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Morrisville, Garner, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton and the surrounding areas.