Giant and Venomous Spiders Inhabiting the Mountain State of West Virginia

Giant and Venomous Spiders Found in West Virginia

West Virginia's dense forests and abundant prey make it an ideal habitat for a variety of large spider species. While most spiders found in West Virginia are harmless, there are a few venomous spiders that can pose a danger to humans. This article explores some of the biggest and most dangerous spiders that reside in the mountainous regions of West Virginia.

Fishing Spiders

Fishing spiders belong to the Dolomedes genus and are common near bodies of water in West Virginia. These nocturnal hunters get their name because they are sometimes observed catching fish and other aquatic prey. There are two main species found in the state:

• Six-spotted Fishing Spider - Reaches 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in body length. Olive brown body with white spots.
• Dark Fishing Spider - Grows up to 1.6 inches (4 cm). Uniform dark brown color.

While fishing spider bites are rare, they can pierce human skin and inject mild venom if threatened. Symptoms include mild pain, redness and swelling at the bite site.

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders belong to the Lycosidae family and are adept hunters with excellent eyesight. They do not build webs but actively chase down prey. Several large species inhabit West Virginia:

• Carolina Wolf Spider - Up to 2 inches (5 cm) in size. Gray and brown camouflage pattern.
• Rabid Wolf Spider - Can reach 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). Dark brown with stripe down back.
• Tiger Wolf Spider - Grows over 1 inch (2.5 cm). Distinctive black and white banded legs.

While not aggressive, wolf spiders will bite in self-defense if mishandled or trapped against skin. Their venom can cause mild pain, swelling and itching.

Nursery Web Spiders

Nursery web spiders are large, hairy spiders that build intricate webs to catch insects. Two species are found in West Virginia:

• Fishing Nursery Web Spider - Grows up to 1 inch (2.5 cm). Light brown with dark stripe down its back.
• Bold Nursery Web Spider - Up to .6 inches (1.5 cm) in size. Buff-colored with grey mottling on abdomen.

They tend to stay near their webs and rarely bite unless provoked. Bites produce mild symptoms like pain and swelling at the bite site.

Grass Spiders

Grass spiders in the Agelenopsis genus inhabit fields and grassy areas where they build funnel-shaped webs to trap prey. Two of the largest species in West Virginia are:

• Barn Funnel Weaver - Grows up to .9 inches (2.3 cm). Light brown with dark brown mottled pattern.
• Southern Grass Spider - Up to .6 inches (1.5 cm) in size. Tan to dark brown with white markings.

Grass spider bites can occur when becoming trapped against skin in clothing and linens. Bites cause mild pain, redness and swelling.

Cellar Spiders

Cellar spiders produce tangled, messy looking webs in dark corners of cellars and buildings. The most common species in West Virginia are:

• Long-bodied Cellar Spider - Grows over 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Pale yellow-tan color.
• Dusky Cellar Spider - Up to .75 inches (2 cm). Grey-brown with dark mottling.

These timid spiders rarely bite. In rare cases, bites produce mild burning pain and swelling.

Venomous Spiders in West Virginia

While most spiders in West Virginia are harmless to humans, there are two venomous spider species found in the state that can cause more severe reactions when they bite:

Black Widow Spider

Black widow spiders are shiny black in color with a distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of their large abdomen. They build messy webs in dark, sheltered areas like woodpiles, sheds and basements. Widows range from .5-1.5 inches (1.2-3.8 cm) in size.

Female black widows have potent neurotoxic venom that can cause the following symptoms in humans:

• Severe pain at the bite site
• Rigid abdominal muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
• Profuse sweating
• Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
• Breathing difficulties
• Muscle spasms and tremors
• Delayed onset of symptoms

While rare, severe widow bites can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care if bitten.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spiders are approximately .5-1 inch (1.2-2.5 cm) in size and identifiable by their uniformly brown coloring and dark violin-shaped marking on their cephalothorax. They inhabit dark, undisturbed areas like attics and crawlspaces.

The hemotoxic venom of the brown recluse can cause these effects at the bite site:

• Severe pain within 2-8 hours
• Burning sensation
• Reddening and blistering
• Ulceration and dark scabbing
• Tissue death

In rare cases, systemic reactions like fever, chills, nausea, joint pain and skin rashes may occur. Seek medical treatment promptly if bitten.

Avoiding Spider Bites in West Virginia

While spider bites are uncommon, you can take these precautions to avoid getting bitten:

Wear Protective Clothing and Shoes

Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and long sleeves when working outdoors. Tuck pants into socks when hiking to keep spiders from crawling up legs.

Check Items Before Reaching Blindly

Check gloves, shoes, towels and other items before grabbing them if they've been left unattended. Shake out clothing left on the floor before getting dressed.

Use Caution Around Woodpiles and Rocks

Inspect woodpiles, debris and rocks before moving them. Spiders often hide in dark, undisturbed places outdoors.

Keep the House Clean

Control clutter and keep the house clean to discourage spiders from taking up residence indoors. Vacuum and dust regularly.

Seal Up Potential Entry Points

Seal cracks around windows and doors to prevent spider entry. Check window and door screens for holes needing repaired.

Inspect Where You Place Your Hands

Check tree trunks, stone walls and wooden fences before placing your hands on them when hiking or gardening.

Shake Out Gear When Camping

Vigorously shake out sleeping bags, tents, backpacks and other gear after being stored on the floor or ground.

Install Outdoor Lighting

Install lighting around entryways and by garages and sheds. Spiders avoid brightly lit areas.

Dealing with Spider Bites

If you receive a spider bite, these tips can help alleviate symptoms:

Wash the Bite Area

Use mild soap and water to gently cleanse the bite site and skin around it. This removes traces of venom and bacteria.

Apply a Cold Compress

Wrap an ice pack or cold cloth over the bite to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.

Elevate the Wound

Keep the bite elevated above heart level to slow venom absorption and reduce swelling.

Avoid Infection

Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage. Watch for signs of infection like pus, redness and fever.

Take OTC Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin can help alleviate bite pain and discomfort.

Monitor for Severe Symptoms

Watch closely for symptoms of a serious reaction like difficulty breathing, seizures, fever and altered consciousness after a bite and seek emergency care.

Identifying Dangerous Spiders

Learning to identify venomous spiders can help you exercise caution in areas where they reside. Here are some identification tips:

Markings

Look for distinctive body markings like the violin shape on brown recluses and red hourglass on black widows.

Color

Note if the spider is brightly colored like the red, yellow and black coloring of some orb weavers which are non-venomous.

Body Shape

Dangerous spiders tend to have a more rounded, plump abdomen while harmless spiders often appear elongated and delicate.

Eyes

The arrangement of a spider's eyes can indicate if it's harmless or potentially dangerous. Groups of four and two sets of eyes are common in non-venomous species.

Behavior

Harmless spiders tend to flee quickly and stay near their webs rather than aggressively approaching.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While most spider bites can be treated at home, seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Muscle spasms, cramps or seizures
• Heart palpitations or chest pain
• A spreading rash
• Fever, chills or headaches
• Dizziness or fainting

Quick treatment with antivenom can help resolve severe reactions to venomous spider bites. Call 911 or emergency services if any life-threatening symptoms develop.

Preventing Spider Infestations

Stopping spider problems before they start is easier than eliminating existing infestations. Try these spider deterrent tips:

Declutter

Get rid of piles of debris, wood and rock landscaping that provide hiding spots for spiders.

Reduce Lighting

Use yellow bulbs at entry points that are less attractive to insects that spiders prey on.

Caulk and Seal

Seal cracks, crevices and gaps around the home's foundation and windows to block spider entry.

Use Repellents

Apply natural repellents made with essential oils around the perimeter of your home.

Clear Webbing

Regularly knock down webs on porches, patios, fences and exterior walls.

Keep Vegetation Trimmed

Cut back trees, bushes and dense vegetation touching the home that provide spider access.

Professional Spider Control

For persistent or severe spider infestations, it may require professional pest control treatment. Exterminators have access to stronger chemical treatments and can target nests in hard-to-reach areas.

Professional spider control involves:

• Inspection to pinpoint nests and entry points
• Web removal and egg sac destruction
• Applying residual insecticide sprays and dusts
• Sealing cracks and crevices
• Follow-up treatments to eliminate newly hatched spiders

Treatment is concentrated along the home's exterior and in garages, attics, basements and sheds where spider populations tend to be highest.

With professional treatment and vigilance, spider populations can be substantially reduced around a property in West 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.