Pest guide · Florida
Which Spiders in Florida Are Dangerous?
UF/IFAS says the widow spiders are the only spiders native to or established in Florida with medically significant venom, and they are shy and rarely bite. There is no scientific evidence that any recluse spider is established in Florida. Honeywell’s Pest Control helps Middleburg-area homes with spiders and the insects they feed on at (904) 415-1083.
Identify
Florida spiders worth knowing
Florida has more than 250 spider species, and most of them are shy, not aggressive and not a threat to people. Here are four that UF/IFAS profiles.
Widow spiders
Four widow species occur in Florida: the southern black, brown, northern black and red widow. They are the only spiders native to or established in the state with medically significant venom. They are timid, and bites are rare unless one is provoked or pressed against skin inside clothing.
Southern house spider
Males are often mistaken for brown recluses. A closer look settles it: southern house spiders have eight eyes, while a recluse has six. Like many spiders, they gather around buildings to catch insects drawn to the lights.
Golden silk orb-weaver
Builds large golden webs that are most noticeable in late summer and fall. It bites only if held or squeezed, and the bite causes brief local pain and slight redness, milder than a bee sting.
Spiny orb-weaver
An orb-weaver that turns up on trees and shrubs around houses. Its bite is not known to seriously harm people. Adult females are seen all year but are most common from October to January.
Habits
Where spiders turn up and why
Spiders go where the food and the hiding places are, which is why they collect around lit doors and undisturbed corners.
- Spiders are often in and around buildings because they prey on insects attracted to the lights.
- Indoors, webs, nests and egg sacs collect in undisturbed spots near the floor, such as along baseboards and under furniture.
- Indoors, black widow bites often happen when someone puts on shoes that haven’t been worn for a while or digs through old boxes.
- A UF/IFAS urban entomologist says heavy rain and flooding drive spiders, cockroaches and rodents indoors to find shelter.
- Outdoors, spiders eat flies, cockroaches and mosquitoes, so around gardens they act as natural pest control.
Prevention
How to keep spiders out of the house
UF/IFAS advice that cuts down both the spiders and the insects they hunt.
- Repair gaps around window frames, seal spaces above and below doors, plug holes where pipes and wires enter, and keep screens in good repair.
- Vacuum along baseboards, under furniture and in other undisturbed spots to remove webs, nests and egg sacs.
- Shake out shoes that haven’t been worn in a while, and wear gloves when sorting through old boxes.
- Clear clutter, and move woodpiles and debris away from the house to reduce widow spiders.
- Check firewood for spiders before you bring it indoors.
- Turn exterior lights off at night where you can, or switch to yellow bug bulbs or warm-white LEDs, so fewer insects gather for spiders to feed on.
Florida facts
Florida spider facts from UF/IFAS
- Florida has more than 250 spider species, and most of them are shy, not aggressive and not a threat to people.
- The widow spiders are the only spiders native to or established in Florida with medically significant venom.
- There is no scientific evidence that any recluse spider is established in Florida, and many supposed recluse bites turn out to be other wounds or infections.
- Sanitation and less clutter are the main ways to reduce widow spiders around a home, and perimeter sprays break down quickly in sunlight.
Sources: UF/IFAS: Common Florida spiders (IN1366) · UF/IFAS: Southern black widow (IN1000) · UF/IFAS: Southern house spider (IN301) · UF/IFAS: Golden silk spider (IN467) · UF/IFAS: Spiny orb weaver (IN324) · UF/IFAS News: Spiders as friend or foe · UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: Brown widow spider · UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: Exterior lighting · UF/IFAS News: Pest tips for hurricane season
Get help
Spiders and webs piling up?
Honeywell’s Pest Control treats spiders and the insects that draw them as part of general pest control for homes and businesses around Middleburg. Call for a free estimate.
Home pest control
Ants, spiders, cockroaches, fleas and other insects, one time or on a quarterly schedule.
FAQ
Spider questions from Florida homeowners
Do brown recluse spiders live in Florida?
UF/IFAS says there is no scientific evidence that any recluse spider is established in Florida, and many supposed recluse bites turn out to be other wounds or infections. Male southern house spiders are often mistaken for recluses, but they have eight eyes, while a recluse has six. Unsure what you found? Call Honeywell’s Pest Control at (904) 415-1083.
Are golden silk spiders dangerous?
No. The golden silk orb-weaver, whose large golden webs stand out in late summer and fall, bites only if it is held or squeezed. UF/IFAS says the bite causes brief local pain and slight redness and is milder than a bee sting. If the webs around your house bother you, call Honeywell’s Pest Control at (904) 415-1083.
How do I avoid a black widow bite?
UF/IFAS says black widow bites indoors often happen when someone puts on shoes that haven’t been worn for a while or digs through old boxes. Shake out shoes, wear gloves when sorting old boxes, and move woodpiles and debris away from the house. Widow spiders are shy and rarely bite. For help, call (904) 415-1083.
Why are there so many spiders around my porch light?
Spiders follow their food. UF/IFAS says they gather around buildings because they prey on insects drawn to the lights. Turning exterior lights off at night, or switching to yellow bug bulbs or warm-white LEDs, brings fewer insects to the door. Honeywell’s Pest Control treats spiders and insects around Middleburg homes. Call (904) 415-1083.
Are spiders in the garden helpful?
Often, yes. UF/IFAS says spiders eat flies, cockroaches and mosquitoes, so around homes and gardens they act as natural pest control, and most Florida species are not a threat to people. If you’d rather not share the house with them, Honeywell’s Pest Control treats spiders as part of general pest control. Call (904) 415-1083 for a free estimate.
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