Brown Spiders in Georgia

Even though most of us would rather not think about them, if you live in the southeast, it’s a good idea to be informed about brown spiders. There are several types of brown spiders found in Georgia, including the Brown Recluse, the Southern House spider, and the Yellow Sac spider.

Here are some poisonous and non-poisonous spiders in Georgia.

Brown Recluse spiders in Georgia

The Brown Recluse spider, also known as the “violin” or “fiddleback” spider, is a venomous spider found in the southern and midwestern United States, including Georgia.

How to Identify a Brown Recluse spider

1. Size and shape: Brown Recluse spiders are usually 1/2 to 3/4 inches long and have a leg span of about 1 inch. They have a distinctive, violin-shaped marking on the head region, with the neck of the violin pointing towards the rear of the spider.
2. Color: Brown Recluse spiders are typically light to medium brown in color.
3. Eyes: Brown Recluse spiders have six eyes arranged in pairs, unlike most spiders that have eight eyes.
4. Legs: Brown Recluse spiders have long, thin legs that are not covered in hairs.
5. Habitat: Brown Recluse spiders are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas such as attics, basements, and closets, and are not commonly found outside. If you suspect you have Brown Recluse spiders in your home, always check your shoes before putting them on your feet.

Is the brown recluse spider poisonous?  The brown recluse spider venom is very poisonous but rarely causes a lot of damage because of the small quantity.

They are not aggressive and will usually bite only when threatened or disturbed. Brown Recluse spider bites can cause serious symptoms, including necrosis (death of tissue) at the site of the bite, fever, and in rare cases, severe systemic reactions. If you suspect a Brown Recluse spider bite, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

The brown recluse is not native to Georgia, but they have been found in some areas of the state, likely due to human transportation.

Southern House spiders in Georgia

The Southern House spider, also known as the “American House Spider”, is a common spider found in the southern United States, including Georgia. They are typically brown in color. These non-native spiders are not venomous and their bites are not considered dangerous to humans.

How to Identify a Southern House spider

1. Size and shape: They are small to medium-sized spiders with a body length of about 1/4 to 3/8 inches. They have a bulbous abdomen with a pattern of light and dark brown or gray.
2. Color: They are typically light to medium brown in color.
3. Eyes: Southern House spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows, four eyes in the top row, and four eyes in the bottom row.
4. Legs: They have long, thin legs that are not covered in hairs.
5. Habitat: They are typically found indoors, in places such as attics, basements, and closets.
6. Webs: They spin messy, cobweb-like webs that are irregular in shape, often with many sticky strands, and are not as neat as orb-weaving spider webs.

Is the southern house spider poisonous?  The southern house spiders are harmless to humans even though they look similar to the poisonous brown recluse spider.

Southern House spiders are not aggressive and will usually only bite if they are threatened or disturbed. They are not considered a significant pest but can become a nuisance if their webs accumulate in large numbers. They feed on other insects, making them beneficial for indoor pest control.

Yellow Sac spiders in Georgia

The Yellow Sac spider are not aggressive and will usually only bite if they are threatened or disturbed. Although bites from a Yellow Sac spider are generally not considered dangerous to humans, the spider is technically venomous, so bites can cause symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site.

How to Identify a Yellow Sac spider

1. Size and shape: They are small to medium-sized spiders with a body length of about 1/4 to 3/8 inches. They have a distinct, shiny appearance.
2. Color: Yellow Sac spiders are typically pale yellow or yellowish-green in color.
3. Eyes: Yellow Sac spiders have eight eyes arranged in two rows, four eyes in the top row, and four eyes in the bottom row.
4. Legs: They have long, thin legs that are not covered in hairs.
5. Habitat: They are typically found both indoors and outdoors, and are commonly found in places such as gardens, fields, and wooded areas. They spin small, silken sacs, which they use for shelter and protection. They are nocturnal and active mostly at night.
6. Webs: They spin small, silken sacs, which they use for shelter and protection. They are not known for spinning webs in the open like other spiders.

Is the yellow sac spider poisonous?  The yellow sac spider does not have a venom that is known to lead to human death.

Yellow Sac spiders are considered a nuisance pest, as their venom can cause a mild to moderate reaction to humans. If a person is bitten, it’s recommended to wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold pack. In case of severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

It is important to note that many brown spider species look alike. While having knowledge is important, it is always best to have a professional identify them to be safe. Exercise caution and do not handle brown spiders. It is best to take a picture and consult with us at Monitor Pest to identify the spiders and determine the best safe, professional solution to getting rid of them. Contact us today for an evaluation and quote.