Most spiders you’ll find indoors are harmless, potentially even helpful when it comes to eating insects, but there are a few venomous species to watch out for, such as the black widow, yellow sac, and hobo spider. You might be used to calling them poisonous spiders, but these two words aren’t interchangeable. Organisms that are dangerous to eat are considered poisonous, but transferring toxins through a bite or sting makes the pest venomous. Still, it’s important to know which ones to watch out for.
Most spider bites in Washington and Idaho don’t require medical attention. But if you’re concerned about spiders around your home, or if you think you’ve been bitten and aren’t sure of the culprit, here’s what you should know. If you’re experiencing serious symptoms after coming in contact with a spider, contact a medical professional immediately.
Are There Venomous Spiders in the Pacific Northwest?
Yes, there are spiders to be cautious of, but not as many as people fear. Of the dozens of spider species common to the region, only one, the black widow, is considered a medically significant threat to humans. Their venom can cause many serious symptoms such as pain and nausea, though it is unlikely to be fatal.
Other spiders may bite if provoked, but their venom is typically mild unless you have an allergy or sensitivity.
Common Venomous Spiders in Washington & Idaho
- Black Widow Spider: The most dangerous spider in the region. Easily identified by its shiny black body and the red hourglass marking on its back. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like crawlspaces, garages, and woodpiles. A black widow bite can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and other systemic symptoms, but fatalities are extremely rare. A black widow bite can be identified by two small red puncture marks, however they may not be visible if significant swelling has set in. Seek medical care immediately if you suspect a bite.
- Yellow Sac Spider: Pale yellow or cream-colored with long legs, these spiders are active hunters and may bite when trapped in clothing or bedding. Their bites can cause redness, swelling, and mild pain, sometimes mistaken for a more serious bite. At first, yellow sac spider bites appear as a small red bump, but the injury may turn into a sore or blister as it affects the skin.
- Hobo Spider: Once thought to be highly venomous, newer research from the CDC suggests the hobo spider’s bite is unlikely to be medically significant. Currently, their venom is not considered a threat to humans, and they’re not very aggressive. They are brown with a mottled pattern and often confused with other harmless house spiders. A hobo spider bite typically looks similar to a mosquito bite, but could swell or blister depending on a person’s sensitivity.
- False Black Widow (Steatoda species): These look similar to black widows but lack the red hourglass marking. Their bites are usually harmless and result in mild symptoms like irritation or localized pain.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Bitten
Not all spider bites are serious, but it’s best to play it safe, especially if you’re unsure of the severity.
Here’s a checklist that we recommend:
- Clean the bite area with soap and water to reduce the chance of infection.
- Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling and pain.
- Monitor for symptoms such as muscle cramps, fever, spreading redness, or increasing pain.
- Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or if you suspect a black widow bite.
- Try to capture a photo of the spider (safely, from a distance) for identification if you plan to visit a doctor.
- Call in a spider exterminator. Professional pest control is the most effective way to keep spiders out for good, don’t wait until an infestation has already spread through your home.
Professional Spider Control in Spokane WA & Coeur d’Alene ID
If you’ve noticed an increase in spiders, especially in garages, basements, or near woodpiles, call in a professional. At Eden Advanced Pest Technologies, we specialize in identifying and removing potentially dangerous spiders like black widows, while working to keep all spiders out of your home for good.
Our expert team offers customized treatments, eco-friendly options, and long-term prevention strategies tailored to homes throughout Spokane WA and Northern Idaho.
Don’t take chances with venomous spiders. Contact Eden Advanced Pest Technologies today for a spider inspection and treatment plan.
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