Black House Spiders in Georgia - Bite Info and Control Tips

Black House Spiders in Georgia: What You Need To Know

Black house spiders are one of the more common spiders found around and inside homes across Georgia. With darker coloring ranging from deep brown to solid black, black house spiders have a distinct appearance that catches many people's attention.

Identifying Black House Spiders

Black house spiders (scientific name Badumna insignis) have several distinguishing features that set them apart from other household arachnids:

• They have a round, black/dark brown body measuring around 1⁄2 inch long
• Long, thick spindly legs give them a width of over 2 inches
• A sparse scattering of short hairs covers their body and legs
• Prominent pedipalps give the front end a box-like shape
• They construct messy cobwebs up to 3 feet wide in sheltered spots

Black House Spider Habits and Behaviors

As their name implies, black house spiders tend to live in and around human homes. Other interesting facts about these spiders include:

• Nocturnal habits – they hunt primarily at night
• Life span around 1-2 years
• They produce up to 6 egg sacs with ~30 spiderlings each summer
• Tend to thrive in warmer environments
• Build sloppy looking webs in garages, sheds, basements, etc.

Are Black House Spiders Dangerous?

While startling in appearance, black house spiders are not considered dangerously venomous to humans. That said, their bites can certainly pack an unpleasant – albeit temporary – punch.

Black House Spider Bite Symptoms

Like nearly all spiders, black house spiders do possess venom they use to paralyze insect prey. On very rare occasions they may bite humans if accidentally trapped against bare skin. Typical symptoms include:

• Instant burning pain at bite site
• Intense itching
• Reddening and mild swelling
• Occasional nausea, headaches, and malaise for a few hours post-bite

Though uncomfortable and somewhat painful in the moment, black house spider bites generally resolve on their own within 24 hours. The very young, elderly, or those with compromised immunity may experience more severe reactions from what is normally mild venom.

Spider Bite Treatment

To care for a black house spider bite:

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
2. Apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection
3. Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine to relieve itching and swelling
4. Use an ice pack wrapped in cloth to soothe pain and inflammation
5. Monitor for signs of infection like red streaking, increased swelling, pus
6. Seek medical care promptly for severe reactions like trouble breathing

Preventing Black House Spider Encounters

The main hazards posed by black house spiders in Georgia involve potential bites and sheer fright from running into their messy webs. Taking a few simple precautions significantly cuts down on surprise meetings with these spiders:

Keep Living Areas Clean and Dry

Black house spiders thrive in dark, cluttered corners filled with debris they can hide amongst. Regular vacuuming, cleaning, and decluttering removes attractive harborage points for them to colonize inside.

Moisture is also key – these spiders love dank basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics. Fix any water leaks and use fans or a dehumidifier to keep things clean and dry.

Clear Way Webs and Spider Egg Sacs

This chore is easier said than done considering a single female black house spider can produce up to 180 spiderlings over summer! But regularly sweeping away webs and especially egg sacs helps control populations so they don't take over.

Seal Up Entry Points

Black house spiders exploit tiny gaps in siding, gaps under doors, cracks in foundations, and small holes to sneak inside. Seal these vulnerabilities shut with caulk, weather stripping, door sweeps etc. to block access.

Use Exterior Lighting at Night

Illuminating the outside of your home discourages these nocturnal spiders from getting too close while hunting insects attracted to the glow. Amber or yellow bulbs that omit less attractive UV light work best.

Employ Other Spider Deterrents

Spraying eaves, window frames, and doorways with mint, eucalyptus, citrus, or tea tree oil repels spiders with lingering strong scents they avoid. Moth balls or ammonia-soaked cotton balls produce fumes that also send spiders scurrying away.

What to Do If You Have Black House Spiders Inside

Finding clusters of black house spiders lingering in interior living spaces warrants taking action to remove them. But never attempt capturing a live spider by hand or spraying chemicals onto them directly.

Use a Glass and Stiff Paper to Contain Them

Place an upside down cup or glass carefully over spiders spotted on walls or flooring. Slide a piece of cardboard underneath to fully trap them without squeezing their body and provoking a defensive bite. Then release them outdoors away from your home.

Try Sticky Traps or Glue Boards

Strategically placing sticky traps outfitted with pheromones that attract spiders proves highly effective for removing black house spiders roaming inside without insecticides. Simply set the traps along walls or in corners overnight then discard trapped spiders safely in the morning.

Vacuum Them Up

For spiders dangling from wispy webs or crawling across open floors, quickly passing over them with a vacuum hose on a low suction setting sucks them up without giving them a chance to escape or bite. Just remember to promptly empty the vacuum contents outside after.

Apply Repellent Sprays

Essential oil, citric acid or silicone dioxide based spider deterrent treatments scattered around baseboards, windows, and other access points convinces spiders like black house spiders to leave while also discouraging return trips inside.

Call a Pest Control Expert If Needed

For severe indoor black house spider infestations involving dozens of adult spiders and dense cobwebs taking over large sections of your home, consult a licensed pest professional. Fumigation or sustained spot treatments with stronger spider-killing products will provide necessary relief when simpler measures fail.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.