Did you know that there are Black Widow Spiders
Northern and southern black widow spiders can be found in Ohio. Southern black widows are well-known for red hourglass markings on the undersides of their abdomens. In Northern widows, this marking is incomplete, and can appear split in the middle. Northern widows also have a series of red dots along their backs.
Widow spider venom is 15 times more toxic than rattlesnake venom, so these spiders can be dangerous. Since these spiders are very timid, bites are infrequent, and tend to happen when people reach into webs.
Brown Recluse Spiders
These fearsome spiders have reddish-brown bodies and pale brown legs. On their backs, they have a dark brown violin-shaped marking. Brown recluse spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas and can stay hidden in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
Though brown recluse spiders aren’t aggressive, they can bite if they’re disturbed or handled. Bites lead to painful, deep wounds that take several weeks to heal.
Parson Spiders
These frequently reported spiders are easy to identify thanks to their distinctive patterning. Their bodies are black and gray, while their legs are chestnut brown. On their backs, they have a white pattern that resembles a cravat.
Parson spiders often enter homes in the fall to search for hibernation sites. While bites from parson spiders can be painful, they’re not considered to be dangerous.
Yellow Sac Spiders
These small spiders have pale yellow legs and bodies. The tips of their legs are dark brown, which creates the impression that they have dark feet.
Yellow sac spiders hunt for prey at night, and you may see them roaming around your home. They may bite if they get pressed against a person’s skin by clothing or bedsheets. These bites are painful, but not otherwise dangerous.
