What kind of spiders live in Western Washington?
A quick Google search will reveal that there are thousands of species of spiders in existence – some are venomous while others are harmless. Here in Washington state, there are a handful of spiders to be aware of and they are wolf spiders, black widow spiders, hobo spiders, giant house spiders, and cellar spiders.
Are there any poisonous spiders in Western Washington?
But very few species are harmful to people. However, there are two types of venomous spiders in the state you should watch out for: the black widow, and the yellow sac spider.
What are the big brown spiders in Western Washington?
The giant house spider, Eratigena atrica (formally known as Tegenaria gigantea and T. duellica), is commonly found in and around Washington homes west of the Cascade Mountains.
How do I identify a type of spider?
Look at the size of the legs in proportion to the body. Some spiders have long, thin legs (like the yellow sac), while others have stocky, thick legs (like the wolf spider). Some spiders (such as the lynx spider) have tiny hairs on their legs, while others have spikes (such as the funnel spider) or fur.
How can you tell the difference between a brown recluse and a hobo spider?
Hobo spider appearance: Hobo spiders have a brown body and brownish-yellow markings on the abdomen. Brown recluse spider appearance: Brown recluse spiders are mostly brown, with a darker brown violin-shaped mark on the back. Hobo spider venom: According to the CDC, hobo spider venom is not considered toxic to humans.
Is there an app to identify spiders?
The app ‘Spider in da House’ is available in the Android and Apple app stores. Using photos, identification tools, and further facts, the free app allows people to identify and learn more about 12 of the most common spiders found inside houses.
Does Washington have brown recluse spiders?
Fortunately, brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles species) do not live in Washington. The venom from these spiders can cause a severe necrotic wound that requires medical attention. Brown recluse spiders are most commonly found in the midwest and southern regions of the United States.
Which is worse brown recluse or wolf spider?
Despite the fact that wolf spiders look much more dangerous than brown recluses, these creatures are mostly harmless. Instead of days of swelling, pain and potential death or gangrene, which victims can experience after brown recluse bites, wolf spider bites feel more like bee stings or other insect bites.
What is the most dangerous spider in Washington State?
The only truly dangerous spider found in Washington is Latrodectus hesperus, or the western black widow. They typically live in wood piles, under eaves or fences, and in basements or crawl spaces. Black widows are shy, but will deliver a dangerous neurotoxin if disturbed.
What spiders are found in Washington State?
In particular, Washington is home to spiders such as the black widow spider and yellow sac spider, as well as other Washington spiders such as hobo spiders, wolf spiders and jumping spiders.
What are the poisonous spiders in Washington State?
Shy and non-aggressive, black widow spiders are common in eastern Washington. As the most poisonous spider in the state, adult females have dangerous venom. Females are shiny black with red hourglass markings on the belly. The markings can also be yellowish orange.
What do poisonous spiders live in Washington State?
Another one of the poisonous spiders in Washington, the yellow sac spider is also in eastern Washington, but you will also find them in the Seattle area. These spiders don’t live in webs. Instead, they build small silk sacs in which they hide during the day. These spiders live around gardens, woodpiles, and other places outside where they can hide.