Common Spiders in Illinois
Spiders are some of the most feared pests, and some of the most diverse! While other creepy crawlies tend to look the same across different types, spiders come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and characteristics.
Types of Spiders
While reading and looking at spiders might make your skin crawl, it’s important to know what kinds of spiders are near you! If you can’t identify a venomous spider, you might find yourself in a sticky situation. Here are the most common types of spiders in Illinois:
Northern Black Widow
The black widow is one of the most famous spiders, known for its distinct coloring and poisonous bite. But what many people don’t know about these spiders is that the mortality rate from their bites is less than one percent!
Here in Illinois, the Northern Black Widow is the most common kind of black widow. What distinguishes this Northern spider from the rest is that the red hourglass on its back is “broken,” while other kinds of black widows have one whole hourglass. And the good news for Illinois residents is, the Northern Black Widow is slightly less venomous! However, you still need to go to the hospital if you get bitten.
Dotted Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are found all across the country, but here in Illinois, dotted wolf spiders are the most common. As you could probably guess, these spiders have a dotted pattern! The dots on the underside of their abdomen is what distinguishes them from other kinds of wolf spiders. While wolf spiders have a menacing name, they are not venomous. However, it is possible to be allergic to their bite. These spiders are not hard to identify; if you see one that’s large and hairy, it’s likely a wolf spider.
Brown Recluse
A brown recluse spider in your home is never good news. On the bright side, they stay true to their name and are reclusive, biting only when they feel threatened and often hiding away. Here are some brown recluse spider facts you might not have known:
- Female recluses only need to mate once in their lifetime. That means it only takes one to start an infestation, making it incredibly difficult to control on your own.
- Recluses can survive months without food, so you can’t expect them to die off on their own.
- These spiders get into your homes most often through “hitchhiking” on items you carry inside, so be mindful of what you’re bringing in!
Jumping Spiders
As if spiders weren’t bad enough on their own, some of them jump too! There are 3 kinds of common jumping spiders in Illinois:
- Bold Jumpers
- Tan Jumping Spiders
- Zebra Jumpers
The good news is, none of these spiders are venomous and they rarely bite. Jumping spiders might jump when they see you, but that’s usually because they see you as a threat. Something that makes jumping spiders different is that males will actually dance to attract mates!
Call Garella Pest Services
Whether they’re venomous or not, nobody wants spiders in their house! Many local stores will carry insecticide sprays you can buy to get rid of spiders, but these only offer short-term relief. If you have an infestation, it’s better to get a professional inspection to identify hiding areas, entry points, and how to permanently get rid of spiders. If you need spider control in Illinois, call Garella Pest Services to get a free quote!