Are you living in Texas and worried about brown spiders? You are not alone. Brown spiders are a common fear among Texans, but it’s important to know which ones are dangerous and how to deal with them. In this blog, we will cover all the information you need on different kinds of brown spiders found in Texas, including their physical characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. We will also focus on the infamous brown recluse spider and Texas recluse spider and provide information on how to identify their bites. Additionally, we’ll discuss less dangerous species like Texas brown tarantula, brown spitting spider, huntsman spider, black and white bold jumping spider, long-bodied cellar spider, and gray wall jumping spider. Stay informed with our comprehensive guide to spotting and dealing with brown spiders in Texas.
What are Brown Spiders in Texas?
Two types of brown spiders found in Texas are the venomous brown recluse and the less harmful southern house spider. It’s crucial to take safety measures when dealing with any spider, such as wearing protective clothing and using insecticides, to avoid bites and potential health issues.
Identifying Brown Spiders in Texas
Identifying brown spiders in Texas requires attention to detail. Two common species found in the state are the brown recluse and southern house spider, both potentially harmful. The brown recluse has violin-shaped markings on its abdomen while the southern house spider has a distinctive dark stripe down its backside. Knowing their habitats and behaviors can help prevent encounters. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately as symptoms can range from nausea to tissue necrosis.
Physical Characteristics of Brown Spiders
Distinctive physical characteristics separate brown spiders in Texas from other spider species found in wooded areas of North America. These arachnids have long legs and a small body size; their abdomen is light brown with dark stripes and may feature an hourglass marking on the underside. To avoid bites from these venomous spiders such as the brown recluse or southern black widow spider take necessary precautions.
Habitat of Brown Spiders in Texas
The habitat of brown spiders in Texas extends to homes, gardens, and wooded areas. They create their webs in secluded spots like corners of rooms and closets. These spiders prefer warm and dry climates with low humidity. It’s essential to wear protective clothing while handling objects from these regions to escape spider bites.
Behavior of Brown Spiders in Texas
These reclusive spiders are typically found in dark and damp areas like basements and garages. Their usual preference is to immobilize their prey using venom rather than attacking humans unprovoked. However, if bitten by one of these creatures, the symptoms can include swelling and redness around the area of the bite. Seeking medical help is crucial in such situations.
Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
Found in the southern and central regions of the United States, the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) prefers dark and undisturbed areas like attics or basements. Although its bite can lead to serious health problems, it usually avoids human contact unless disturbed. To deal with a potential infestation of this venomous spider species in your home or office space you should call for professional pest control services immediately.
Description of Brown Recluse Spider
The venomous brown recluse spider, with its violin-shaped marking on its back, is one of the dangerous spider species found in Texas. Its bite can lead to severe health problems like tissue damage and necrosis. They dwell in quiet areas like closets or basements undisrupted. Keep your home clean to avoid their presence as they are potent pests.
Habitat of Brown Recluse Spider
Brown recluse spiders are commonly found in wooded areas across southern states like Texas. These venomous spiders prefer living in warm and dry environments like attics, basements or even closets. It’s crucial to take preventive measures to avoid encounters with these spiders by sealing cracks and removing clutter. So, keep a lookout for any undisturbed area that could be a potential breeding or hiding spot for these brown spiders in Texas.
Behavior of Brown Recluse Spider
Shy by nature and preferring dark corners, the Brown Recluse Spider unleashes a painful bite when threatened or cornered. Painful swelling often follows the bite that easily develops into an ulcerated sore. Keeping your environment clean by eliminating clutter and sealing cracks prevents these spiders from invading your space.
How to Identify Brown Recluse Spider Bites
If you suspect a brown recluse spider bite, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Look for redness and swelling around the bite area and check for the distinctive brown violin-shaped marking on their back. Symptoms of a bite can include pain, nausea, and necrosis. Remember to take preventive measures to reduce the chances of encountering these venomous spiders.
Texas Recluse Spider (Loxosceles devia)
The Texas Recluse Spider, also called Loxosceles devia, is one of the most dangerous species of spiders found in Texas. This spider has a distinctive violin-shaped marking on its back and is brown in color. If bitten by this spider, it can lead to severe pain, tissue damage, and sometimes death if not treated on time. To prevent encountering this spider species at your home, ensure to seal all cracks and crevices present in your house.
Description of Texas Recluse Spider
The Texas Recluse Spider, commonly found in wooded areas of Texas, is recognizable by its distinctive dark brown violin-shaped marking on its back. This deadly spider has venom that can cause tissue damage and necrosis in humans. To prevent an encounter with this spider species, make sure to keep your home clean, clutter-free, seal cracks and gaps in walls and windows with caulk or other materials, and use insecticides regularly. Other common spiders found in Texas include the black widow spider, wolf spider, jumping spider, tarantulas, orb weavers such as the spotted orbweaver and magnolia green orbweaver with pale yellow coloration; nursery web spiders which are light brown or tan with stripes or markings on their legs; crab spiders that come in many colors like white or yellow; Southern Black Widows that are large with a red hourglass pattern underneath their abdomen; the Carolina Wolf Spider which is brownish-gray in color with long legs; Western Black Widows that have white markings on their back; Gray Wall Jumpers which are grayish-brown with white stripes running down their sides; Bold Jumping Spiders which come in black or brown colored varieties with white stripes or spots on their bodies; along with other types of spiders such as Garden Spiders (Argiope aurantia) and Yellow Garden Spiders (Argiope trifasciata).
Habitat of Texas Recluse Spider
The Texas Recluse Spider likes dry and warm habitats like garages or sheds. They hide in dark corners and undisturbed places so regular cleaning of such spaces is crucial. You can find brown spiders outdoors too like under rocks or among the woodpiles. Be cautious when working in these places to avoid bites from these venomous creatures.
Behavior of Texas Recluse Spider
Often found in dark and secluded areas of homes and buildings across Texas, the non-aggressive Texas Recluse Spider may bite when feeling threatened or trapped. The painful bite can cause skin necrosis. Seeking medical attention for bites inflicted by this venomous spider is essential.
How to Identify Texas Recluse Spider Bites
If you have been bitten by a Texas Recluse Spider, look out for symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, potentially necrotic tissue or nausea. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent any complications. To avoid being bitten by a Texas Recluse Spider wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors in wooded areas. Other venomous spiders found in Texas include Black Widow Spiders and Brown Recluse Spiders while common spiders include Wolf Spiders, Garden Spiders, and Jumping Spiders.
Texas Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi)
The Texas Brown Tarantula, also known as Aphonopelma hentzi, is a common species of spider found in the United States. With a leg span of up to 5 inches, its tan or light brown body is often seen in wooded areas and burrows. Unlike other venomous spiders like the brown recluse or black widow, this spider is not considered dangerous to humans.
Description of Texas Brown Tarantula
This large brown spider species can be found in wooded areas throughout Texas. The Texas Brown Tarantula has a leg span of up to 5 inches and feeds on insects, small rodents and lizards. They have a hairy abdomen and long legs that make them easy to identify. Although their venom is not dangerous to humans, their bites can be painful.
Habitat of Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas Brown Tarantula prefers living in burrows dug by itself or taken from other animals and can be found in desert regions and scrublands of North America. They are non-aggressive towards humans but can bite when threatened or provoked. This tarantula species is commonly found in habitats such as deserts and grasslands.
Behavior of Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas Brown Tarantula is a large spider species found in Texas. During their mating season, males wander in search of females. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not aggressive towards humans and will only bite if provoked. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other small animals. These spiders do not pose a threat to humans unless provoked.
Brown Spitting Spider (Scytodes fusca)
The Brown Spitting Spider (Scytodes fusca), a common species of spider found in Texas, has a unique hunting technique of spitting venom at its prey. Although their venom is not dangerous to humans, their bite may cause mild irritation and swelling. Seek professional pest control services if you suspect an infestation in your home.
Description of Brown Spitting Spider
The Brown Spitting Spider, found in Texas, is a small and flat spider with dark bands on its long legs. It spits venom at prey up to six inches away and can cause eye or skin irritation if contacted. To remove the spider, use a cup and card instead of handling it directly. This species belongs to the group of common spiders that also include brown recluse, black widow, wolf spider, southern black widow, southern house spider, garden spider, yellow garden spider, orb weavers, crab spiders, nursery web spider, spotted orbweaver and many more.
Habitat of Brown Spitting Spider
These spiders can be found in the warm and dry habitats of Texas like deserts and grasslands. Though they do not pose a threat to humans, they will protect themselves when threatened or attacked.
Behavior of Brown Spitting Spider
Found commonly throughout southern states of the US including Texas, the Brown Spitting Spider is a venomous species that uses its unique hunting technique of spitting venom to immobilize its prey. They prefer living in dark and humid environments like garages or sheds. Though not aggressive towards humans they may bite when provoked or threatened resulting in nausea and pain. Seeking medical attention is advised post-bite.
Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria)
Huntsman Spiders, also called Heteropoda venatoria, are among the common spider species found in Texas. These brown spiders have long legs and can grow up to 1.5 inches in size. They move swiftly and prefer living in dark and humid environments such as crevices or burrows. Although they are harmless to humans, their presence may indicate the presence of other venomous spiders like Brown Recluses or Black Widows in the area.
Description of Huntsman Spider
The Huntsman Spider of Texas is a brown or gray crab spider with long legs and a flattened body shape that grows up to 2 inches in length. It is commonly found in homes and gardens throughout Texas and is not dangerous to humans. If you encounter this gray spider in your home, it is best to catch and release it outdoors.
Habitat of Huntsman Spider
Found mainly in dark and humid areas like garages, sheds, and under furniture, Huntsman spiders are a common sight in Texas. Though not venomous, their bite can cause swelling and redness.
Behavior of Huntsman Spider
Huntsman spiders found in Texas are not aggressive unless provoked. They thrive in dark and moist places like garages or sheds where they feed on insects and small arthropods. To remove them from your home, use a broom or vacuum cleaner and release these helpful creatures back into their natural habitat.
Black and White Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
With its distinctive black and white markings, the Black and White Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) is easily recognizable in wooded areas across Texas. While not venomous, these spiders are skilled hunters that use their excellent eyesight to track down prey. With a leg span of up to an inch, they are one of the largest jumping spider species in North America. While not as common as other types of spiders in Texas like brown recluse or black widow spiders, they still play an important role in controlling pests around homes and gardens.
Description of Black and White Bold Jumping Spider
This commonly found species of spider in Texas sports distinctive black and white markings and boasts an impressive jumping ability. Despite its fearsome appearance, the black and white bold jumping spider is actually harmless to humans and plays a vital role in keeping insect populations under control.
Habitat of Black and White Bold Jumping Spider
The black and white bold jumping spider is a common species of spider found in Texas and other parts of North America. These spiders prefer to live in grassy areas and can often be found on the ground or climbing on low vegetation like tree trunks. Although they are not dangerous to humans, their bites can be painful.
Behavior of Black and White Bold Jumping Spider
Found commonly in Texas, the Black and White Bold Jumping Spider prefers to live near trees and grassy areas for easy hunting. Although their venom isn’t usually harmful to humans, it can cause pain and discomfort if bitten. Hence it’s crucial to avoid any interaction with them.
Long-Bodied Cellar Spider (Pholcus phalangioides)
Found in homes and buildings across Texas, the Long-Bodied Cellar Spider’s unique vibrating web behavior deters predators. These spiders have long legs, measuring several millimeters in length, and are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders. While harmless to humans, they play a crucial role in controlling pest populations indoors. Their delicate appearance and unique behavior make them fascinating to observe.
Description of Long-Bodied Cellar Spider
The Long-Bodied Cellar Spider is one of the many spider species found in Texas. These spiders have an elongated body with thin legs that are usually gray or brown in color. Interestingly, they do not pose any harm to humans and feed on other spiders and insects. You can find them in basements and garages as they prefer dark and damp places. It’s best to remove them using a vacuum cleaner or broom instead of squishing them.
Habitat of Long-Bodied Cellar Spider
Long-Bodied Cellar Spiders are common in Texas homes and buildings, preferring dark, damp environments like basements and crawl spaces. Harmless to humans, they feed on pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches. Their distinctive long legs make them easy to recognize. If you need to remove them from your home, consider using a vacuum or broom for gentle removal.
Behavior of Long-Bodied Cellar Spider
Found in dark and damp areas of homes in Texas, the Long-Bodied Cellar Spider is often confused with Brown Recluse spiders due to their similar appearance. Although they may look menacing, they actually prey on other pests such as mosquitoes and flies, making them beneficial to have around. To remove them from your home, use a catch-and-release method after carefully identifying the spider species. Avoid squishing them as it can be harmful.
Gray Wall Jumping Spider (Menemerus bivittatus)
Gray Wall Jumping Spider (Menemerus bivittatus) is a common spider found in wooded areas of Texas. With a body length of 4-6 mm, it has long legs with pale yellow markings. It preys on pests like flies and mosquitoes that harm crops. Although not harmful to humans, this species of jumping spider moves swiftly due to its good eyesight. Its presence is an indicator of ecological balance in the region.
Description of Gray Wall Jumping Spider
The Gray Wall Jumping Spider is one of the most common spider species found in Texas. With its grayish-brown body and distinctive stripes on its back, this spider often hangs out on walls and can jump up to six times its body length to catch prey. While not venomous, their bites may cause swelling or irritation. It’s best to safely remove them by using a cup and paper or contacting pest control professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, brown spiders in Texas can be dangerous and it is important to identify them correctly. It is crucial to take necessary precautions to avoid any spider bites and to seek medical attention immediately if bitten. If you have spotted any brown spiders in your surroundings or suspect an infestation, get in touch with our experts for professional spider control services. We understand the importance of a safe and healthy environment, and our team of trained professionals can help you keep your home or workplace free from these potentially harmful pests.
