Spiders in Southwest Virginia: Black Widows, Brown Recluses & Venomous Species

Common Spider Species in Southwest Virginia

Southwest Virginia encompasses scenic mountain ranges, forests, fields and waterways that are home to over 650 species of spiders. Here are some of the most common spiders you may encounter in the region:

Grass Spiders

Grass spiders (Agelenopsis species) are highly adaptable spiders that inhabit fields, forests, and human dwellings throughout Southwest Virginia. These spiders construct large, funnel-shaped webs to capture prey. Grass spiders have elongated bodies with brown and gray striped legs. Though they have potent venom, they are not considered dangerous to humans.

Cellar Spiders

Cellar spiders (Pholcus phalangioides) are long-legged spiders that build messy, tangled webs in dark corners of cellars and basements. They have small gray bodies and long, spindly legs. Cellar spiders help control pest populations though their venom is ineffective on humans.

Orb Weaver Spiders

Orb weaver spiders belong to the family Araneidae and are responsible for the stunning circular webs often found in fields and forests. Orb weavers come in a range of colors like yellow, orange, brown or gray. Their bites are typically harmless to humans, though they can cause mild irritation.

Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders are compact, hairy spiders that actively hunt rather than building webs. Some common jumping spiders found in Southwest Virginia include bold jumping spiders, regal jumping spiders and daring jumping spiders. They use their large front eyes to locate prey before pouncing up to several times their body length to capture it.

Venomous Spiders in Southwest Virginia

While most spiders pose no threat to humans, there are two venomous species found in Southwest Virginia that can inflict painful and potentially dangerous bites. It is important to be able to identify these spiders and understand how to avoid accidental encounters.

Black Widow Spiders

Black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are identified by the distinctive red hourglass shape on their otherwise shiny, black abdomens. They construct messy, tough webs in woodpiles, sheds, garages and other undisturbed places. The venom of the black widow spider is a neurotoxin 15 times more potent than that of the prairie rattlesnake.

While the bite itself is usually painless, the neurotoxins in the venom take effect in about 10-40 minutes. Black widow bites can cause severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, bites can result in respiratory distress or convulsions. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect a black widow bite.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) are identified by their uniform brown color and dark brown violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax (fused head and thorax area). They build irregular webs in garages, attics, crawlspaces and woodpiles. The venom of the brown recluse spider contains hemotoxic compounds that destroy cell membranes and cause necrosis at the bite site.

Most brown recluse bites are initially painless, but can later develop into itchy, painful ulcers that can take months to heal. In rare cases, their venom causes a systemic reaction known as loxoscelism, which leads to fever, rash, vomiting and death of skin tissue. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect a brown recluse bite.

How to Avoid Spider Bites in Southwest Virginia

While spider bites are relatively uncommon, you can take the following precautions to avoid accidental bites from venomous species:

• Wear gloves and protective clothing when working in crawlspaces, basements, garages and clearing debris outside.
• Inspect and shake out clothes, linens and shoes that have been left undisturbed for some time.
• Install sealing strips around doors and repair cracks in the foundation to discourage spiders from entering your home.
• Keep woodpiles and other clutter away from the house to avoid attracting spiders.
• Use caution when reaching into dark, enclosed areas where spiders may reside.
• Consider spraying pesticides labeled for spider control around the perimeter of your home.
• Teach children to recognize black widows and brown recluse spiders and never touch spiders with bare hands.

What to Do if You are Bitten by a Spider in Southwest Virginia

Though rare, spider bites can and do occur in Southwest Virginia. Here is what you should do if you suspect you've been bitten:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water to help reduce infection risk.
• Apply a cool compress to relieve swelling.
• Monitor for signs of illness including pain, itching, nausea, sweating or swollen glands.
• Capture the spider safely for identification if this can be done without risk of another bite.
• Seek medical treatment promptly if you were bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, or if signs of illness develop.
• Notify a doctor if bitten by any other spider if signs of illness occur.

Most spider bites, including those from venomous species, do not require anti-venom administration when treated promptly. However, it is crucial to monitor for any concerning symptoms and seek emergency care in cases of systemic spider venom reactions.

Spiders Play an Important Role in the Ecosystem

Though some spiders in Southwest Virginia pose a danger to humans, they play an important role in our ecosystem. Spiders help control insect and pest populations that can damage crops and spread disease. Their venom also contains compounds being studied for potential medicinal uses.

While caution should be exercised around venomous species, spiders as a whole help create balance in their habitats. With proper precautions, we can co-exist safely with our eight-legged neighbors in Southwest Virginia.

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.