Iris SeatonAsheville Citizen Times
Did you know North Carolina is home to two of the most venomous spiders in the U.S.?
Many NC residents are well aware of these two fearsome species, but the effects of their bites might surprise you.
Of course, anyone who experiences severe symptoms from a spider bite should seek immediate medical attention. However, as in the case of some of the state's venomous snakes, bites may not always cause serious complications - and neither species is aggressive.
With help from the Cleveland Clinic, here's what to know about these common venomous spider species found in NC, from where to find them to symptoms of their bites and more.
How venomous are black widows?
Black widows, with distinctive markings and coloration, are often easier to spot than the second species. While this spider species gets its intimidating name from the cannibalistic practice of females eating males after mating, this rarely happens. Here's what to know.
Size: From roughly .25 of an inch to 1.38 inches. Females are generally larger than males.
Appearance: Females have a distinctive red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of their bodies. They are generally dark brown or shiny black when fully grown, and some may have a pair of red spots instead or have no marking at all. Male spiders can also have red or red-and-white markings on the upper side of their bodies, including stripes or spots, and juvenile patterns may appear similar to male patterns.
Bite symptoms: Only female black widows bite, as males are too small for their fangs to break through human skin. Bites generally cause a sharp, pinprick-like pain, often followed by dull numbness in the area. Bites can eventually produce severe pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms throughout the body due to venom that interferes with the nerve endings.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, other symptoms may include:
- Trouble breathing (dyspnea).
- Swollen or droopy eyes.
- Headache.
- Increased saliva production.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Excessive sweating (diaphoresis).
- Fever and chills.
Fang marks may be visible at the site of the spider bite. Mild redness and swelling, blisters, or an itchy skin rash may occur, and skin could turn bluish-gray.
More: 5 venomous snakes in NC, Asheville: What to know about rattlesnakes, copperheads, more
How venomous are brown recluses?
Brown recluses, usually significantly smaller than black widows, may have earned their name more firmly than their "widow" counterparts, as they prefer to live in dark, undisturbed areas. Here's what to know.
Size: From roughly .25 to .5 inches long.
Appearance: Tan to dark brown, with a violin-shaped marking on its back. Six eyes, rather than eight, and uniformly light-colored legs with no stripes or bands, as well as a uniformly colored abdomen that can vary from cream to dark brown - but will never have two colors of pigment at the same time.
Bite symptoms: Brown recluse bites are generally painless and won't be noticed instantly. However, as the venom spreads, bites can cause redness, itchiness, pain, and a noticeable wound. If left untreated, these wounds may lead to bruising, blisters, open sores, and even scarring.
The Cleveland Clinic described the timeline of a brown recluse bite as the following:
About 3-8 hours after the bite, the site will feel like it is burning and change color with a "bullseye" look or a blueish bruise.
About 3-5 days after the bite, immediate discomfort should disappear from bites with small amounts of venom. If the venom spreads beyond the bite area, discomfort could continue for several days, and an ulcer may appear on the bite site.
About 7-14 days after the bite, in severe cases, the skin around the ulcer may break down and become a wound that takes several months to heal completely.
The majority of bites are healed aboutthree weeksafter the bite, and a thick, black scab may cover the wound.
The Cleveland Clinic added that the following symptoms may be associated with brown recluse bites:
- Pain.
- Ache at the site.
- Pain surrounding muscles near the bite.
- Pain in your abdomen, back, chest, and legs.
- Blister at the site.
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
In more severe cases, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Rash.
- Fever.
- Dizziness.
- Vomiting.
- Chills.
- Restlessness or difficulty sleeping.
Where do brown recluses and black widows live?
Black widows can be found in 48 states, excluding Hawaii and Alaska, but they prefer the warm, dry climate of the southern and western U.S. They generally live outdoors, building webs near garages, fences, woodpiles, and other structures. They may also hide in cluttered areas such as basements and attics.
Brown recluse spiders are found in the Southeastern and Midwestern U.S. They prefer to live in warm, dry, and dark places, including outdoors near rocks, woodpiles, utility boxes, and under bark and indoors in any area that has not been disturbed. Unfortunately, this can mean they see unused clothing and shoes, linens, and boxes as suitable habitats, as well as attics, basements, and closets.
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Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
