Key Takeaways
- Michigan is home to only two venomous spiders of medical concern: the brown recluse and the northern black widow.
- The brown recluse is identified by a violin-shaped mark on its back, while the black widow is known for its glossy black body and red hourglass marking.
- Both species are generally shy and typically only bite when provoked or accidentally pressed against the skin.
- While bites are rare, the brown recluse can cause tissue damage and the black widow can cause systemic symptoms like muscle cramps and nausea.
Are There Poisonous Spiders in Michigan?
First things first – as one of Michigan’s leading spider control experts, it’s important to point out that spiders are technically venomous, not poisonous. But don’t worry too much about mixing those terms up. We understand what you’re talking about when you ask about “poisonous” spiders in Michigan.
Here’s the quick answer. There are two venomous spiders found in Michigan:
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Should You Worry About Venomous Spiders in Michigan?
You shouldn’t worry about venomous spiders in Michigan. They are present, but fortunately, in most instances, it’s easy to avoid them. While black widow and brown recluse spiders can be dangerous, neither spider is aggressive, and bites are rare.
Do Venomous Spider Bites Hurt?
Yes. While bites from these spiders are rare, if you do get bitten, it will hurt, and you should monitor your symptoms throughout the rest of the day.
Here’s what you should know about the effect of these two spiders’ venom:
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
It’s painful, and can lead to tissue damage and necrosis. “Necrosis” is essentially the death of cells in tissue, which can give the skin a “rotting” look. This is a serious issue that requires medical attention as soon as possible.
Because brown recluses are shy and afraid of humans, most bites turn out to be caused by a brown recluse hiding in clothing or blankets, which then get pressed against the skin.
Black Widow Spider Bite
Black Widow bites are painful and can cause symptoms like muscle cramps and nausea. While they rarely result in severe medical issues for adults, they can be quite dangerous to children, the elderly, and vulnerable people.
If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a black widow spider, monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience severe symptoms like weakness or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
Do We Have Brown Recluse Spiders in Michigan?
Do We Have Brown Recluse Spiders in Michigan?Yes. The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is a venomous recluse spider native to the southeastern US, but has since spread throughout the country, including here in Michigan.
While they are present, they’re much rarer than grass spiders and wolf spiders, which they’re often mistaken for. So if you see a spider that looks like a brown recluse spider, there’s a good chance it’s not – it may be one of the much less harmful lookalikes.
- The brown recluse is considered very shy. Most brown recluses spend daytime hiding in dry, dark areas and hunt for food at night.
- They build small, asymmetrical webs but don’t use these webs to hunt their prey. Instead, they hunt by lunging and using their venom to immobilize and kill it. Their webs are built out of sight and used as a retreat.
- Brown recluse spiders are well-adapted to living indoors and will produce offspring in homes.
- Their eggs are off-white or tan-colored and can be found in round or cone-shaped egg sacs. Each sac can contain up to 300 eggs.
- They’ll go out of their way to avoid humans and would rather run away than act aggressively when confronted.
What Does A Brown Recluse Look Like?
- Brown recluse spiders are uniformly tan to dark brown.
- All adult brown recluses have a distinctive dark “violin-shaped” mark on their backs, which often prompts the nickname “violin” or “fiddleback” spider.
- Unlike wolf spiders and house spiders, which often get mistaken for brown recluses, their legs and torsos lack any banding, spines, or mottling.
- Brown recluses have six eyes instead of eight. The eyes are arranged in pairs – one in front and one on each side of their head.
- The spider’s legs are long, thin, and covered with fine hairs, but not spikes.
- Because of their similar appearance to many other spiders, brown recluse spider identification can be tricky. The most important thing to look for is the “violin” on the back.
If you’re not sure, a pest control expert can help identify a brown recluse or any other spider species in your home.
Do We Have Black Widows in Michigan?
Do We Have Black Widows in Michigan?Yes. Black widow spiders are a type of spider belonging to the Latrodectus genus. There are three species of Black widow spiders in North America. Here in Michigan, we have the Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus).
- Northern black widows tend to build large, expansive webs, which they use to catch prey and tend to eggs.
- They build these webs in low-lying areas near where they can catch insect prey.
- You may find them around window wells, garages, pools, grills, or wood piles.
- They tend to be most active between April and October.
What Does A Black Widow Look Like?
What Does A Black Widow Look Like?- Black widows have a highly distinctive appearance, so identification is typically easy.
- About 1.5” long and .25” in diameter, making it about the size of a paper clip.
- They are completely black – often with a “glossy” or “shiny” appearance – except for the infamous red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen. In the Northern black widow, unlike the Southern black widow, this hourglass may appear “split” or “broken” in the middle, resembling two separate red triangles.
- Northern black widows also have a series of red spots along the middle of their abdomens. Some may possess white stripes on their abdomens.
How Can I Avoid Venomous Spider Bites?
Fortunately, the brown recluse and black widow are generally reluctant to bite unless provoked. Black widows rarely go traveling – they mostly stay near their webs – so if you keep your distance, the chances of getting bitten are low. Brown recluse spiders will wander from time to time, but they’re timid. They’ll never go out of their way to bite you.
However, taking precautions is essential, especially if you need to enter a high-risk area like the crawl space. Here are a few things you can do to prevent spider bites:
- Shake Things Up: Before putting on clothes or shoes that have been untouched, give them a good shake to dislodge hidden spiders.
- Inspect First: When working in crawl spaces or garages, check for spider activity before entering, and wear protective clothing.
- Storage Safety: Be cautious when dealing with stored items like boxes or firewood. Use gloves and take care not to disturb any potential residents.
- Keep It Clean: Regularly clean and declutter your living spaces. Spiders prefer to avoid homes that lack hiding spots and a stable food source.
- Consider Pest Control Services: Professional pest control services can help keep spiders, including potentially venomous ones, out of your home. This is especially important in areas where such spiders are occasionally found.
- Dehumidify: Since both species (especially the recluse) prefer dark, undisturbed areas, and many Michigan basements are damp, mention that reducing humidity also reduces the “food” (other insects) that attracts these spiders in the first place.
Fast Pest Control Solutions for Michigan Spiders
If you have questions or concerns about spiders in Michigan and want to ensure your home or business remains spider-free, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our expert spider control services provide targeted solutions you can rely on to address your worries and maintain a safe environment.
FAQs About Venomous Spiders in Michigan
How do you do first aid right after a venomous spider bite?
If you’ve been bitten by a venomous spider, immediately wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and keep the area elevated.
DON’T attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet.
Are brown recluses and black widows dangerous to dogs and cats?
Yes, they can be very dangerous to dogs and cats. Because pets are smaller than humans, the venom has a much more intense effect. If your pet has unusual sudden swelling, limping, or tremors, it may have a venomous spider bite. Seek medical attention from a vet ASAP.
If I find one brown recluse, does it mean I have an infestation?
Not necessarily, but it could. Brown recluses are solitary by nature, but finding one adult spider is evidence that more may be lurking. We recommend setting out glue traps and continuing to monitor them to get some idea of how many are present.
Do black widows and brown recluses have natural predators?
Yes. They’re a favorite food of other non-venomous spiders like the common house spider or cellar spider. House centipedes will also help keep their populations in check. It’s a good reminder that some insects are beneficial to have around.
