Pest Library

When spiders are in our gardens, wooded areas, fields, or any outdoor space, they help us all. Spiders are predators that feed on insects, helping to control their populations. Without these insect-eaters, our properties would be overrun by insects. The issue is that these helpful creatures can become a problem themselves when they move onto our properties in large numbers or decide to follow their insect prey into our homes. 

We have many spiders in our area, and the majority are relatively harmless. But there are spiders here we need to be wary of, like the black widow spider and brown recluse spider. Most spiders only have venom potent enough to cause harm to their insect prey. 

Types of Spiders in North Carolina

North Carolina's diverse habitats and climate conditions provide a suitable environment for a wide variety of spider species. Understanding the types of spiders commonly found in the state is essential for residents to identify potential encounters and alleviate concerns about spider bites. 

Below, we explore some of the prevalent spider species in North Carolina:

Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider is one of the most notorious spiders in North Carolina due to its venomous bite. Female black widows are shiny black with a distinctive red hourglass marking on their abdomen, while males are smaller and less conspicuous. Black widows typically inhabit dark, secluded areas such as woodpiles, sheds, and outdoor structures. 

Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider is another venomous species found in North Carolina, although it is less common than the black widow. Brown recluse spiders have a distinctive violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax and are typically light to medium brown in color. They prefer undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, and attics. 

Garden Orb-Weaver Spider

Garden orb-weaver spiders are large, colorful spiders commonly found in gardens, forests, and grassy areas throughout North Carolina. They are known for their intricate, circular webs, which they construct to catch flying insects. Garden orb-weaver spiders vary in color and pattern but often have distinctive markings on their abdomens. 

Wolf Spider

Wolf spiders are robust, hairy spiders commonly encountered in North Carolina's forests, fields, and gardens. They are known for their hunting prowess and typically do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, wolf spiders actively hunt insects and other small arthropods on the ground. Wolf spiders vary in size and coloration, with some species reaching lengths of over an inch.

Carolina Wolf Spider

The Carolina wolf spider is a large, impressive spider species native to North Carolina. These spiders are brown to grayish in color and have distinctively patterned markings on their bodies. Carolina wolf spiders are often found in grasslands, forests, and coastal areas, where they hunt a variety of prey. 

Dangerous spiders, such as black widows and the brown recluse, have venom potent enough to cause harm to a person if a bite were to occur. If spiders become a problem in your home, the best way to eliminate them is by implementing regular pest control. If there aren't insects to feed on, your home won't be of much interest to them. 

The key to controlling spiders is to reduce as many hiding spots on your property as possible and limit their food sources. Spiders love to hide in dense vegetation; cut back shrubs, keep the grass cut short, and remove woodpiles, leaf piles, and other yards debris. 

Reduce insect activity on your property by eliminating areas of standing water, keeping lids on trash cans, and keeping outdoor eating areas free of food debris. For help controlling spiders in South Carolina, call today!