A Guide to Venomous PA Spiders - Black Widows and Brown Recluses

Understanding Venomous Spider Species Found in Pennsylvania

While spider bites are relatively uncommon in Pennsylvania, the state is home to two types of spiders with medically significant venom: the northern black widow and the brown recluse spider. This article will cover how to identify these venomous spiders, the venom effects when they do bite, proper first aid, and bite prevention tips.

Pennsylvania's Two Venomous Spiders at a Glance

• Northern black widow - Shy, nonaggressive; bite causes severe muscle pain, abdominal cramping; rarely deadly
• Brown recluse spider - Extremely rare in PA but has toxic venom if bitten; causes tissue damage, possible organ failure

The Venomous Northern Black Widow Spider in Pennsylvania

Without a doubt, the northern black widow is the most notorious poisonous spider dwelling in the state of Pennsylvania. Thankfully, deadly encounters with this shy species remain very uncommon for PA residents.

Appearance and Identification

Female black widow spiders stand out thanks to their jet black bodies and prominent red hourglass marking on the underside of their large, round abdomens. Adult females measure around 1.5 inches long when their legs are extended.

Male widows have more variable coloring, ranging from black and white bands to brown or even yellow. Their bodies appear more elongated than the plump, bulbous females. Males also lack an hourglass and remain much smaller at only around 0.12-0.16 inches long.

Habitat and Range in PA

Northern black widows favor living in dark, sheltered spaces outdoors across Pennsylvania's southern counties. Common hideouts and nesting sites include:

• Hollow stumps and logs
• Undersides of rocks
• Exterior nooks and crannies of sheds, garages, and porches
• Openings in outdoor privies or outhouses
• Basements and crawlspaces if they find a way indoors

In Pennsylvania's northern regions, black widow populations dwindle as temperatures cool. But they may still appear during warmer months around man-made structures near wood piles and gardens.

Bites, Venom Effects, and Treatment

Northern black widows tend to avoid confrontations if possible, usually biting only if pressed against human skin or accidentally grabbed. Their venom contains neurotoxins that provoke immediate, severe muscular pain and spasms spreading from the bite site.

Other black widow bite symptoms may develop over hours and include:

• Excruciating abdominal, back, and chest muscle cramping
• Profuse sweating
• Headache
• Anxiety
• High blood pressure

Rarely, bites may trigger life-threatening reactions like seizures or coma. Seek emergency medical care if bitten. For first aid, wash the bite, apply ice, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers.

Avoiding Black Widow Encounters

The best way to avoid getting bitten involves exercising sensible precautions when cleaning around likely black widow hideouts like wood piles, sheds, basements, and crawlspaces. Specifically:

• Wear gloves, long sleeves, closed toe shoes, and pants when working in crawlspaces or cleaning up wood
• Use a broom to sweep away webs first before reaching into corners or under shelves with your hands
• Inspect surfaces before grabbing on with your bare hands
• Capture and remove any black widows spotted with a cup and paper

The Rare and Dangerous Brown Recluse Spider in PA

Far less common than black widows but much more toxic, a few brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles reclusa) reside in Pennsylvania. Their venom can destroy skin tissues and damage internal organs in worst case bites.

Appearance and Identification

Often called "violin spiders" due to markings that look like a violin, brown recluses have six equal sized eyes arranged in pairs. Coloring consists of a uniform light to dark brown body measuring 0.25-0.75 inches.

The dark brown violin shape appears with the neck of the "violin" pointing backward from the spider's head. Legs appear slightly darker brown but without distinctive bands.

Habitat and Range in PA

Brown recluses strongly prefer warm, dry, abandoned locations like attics, cellars, barns, sheds, wood and rock piles. In Pennsylvania, the few documented populations center around the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro regions.

Due to Pennsylvania's cold climate, major house infestations seem unlikely. Still, brown recluses may sneak into homes via boxes shipped from southern areas hosting larger colonies.

Bites, Venom Effects, and Treatment

Like most spiders, brown recluses only bite humans if trapped against skin or picked up. Their venom can destroy surrounding cell walls leading to these wound effects:

• Severe pain within 2-8 hours
• Blister formation
• Skin necrosis in a bullseye or halo pattern around the bite site

Systemic reactions like fever, chills, nausea, and generalized rash sometimes accompany tissue damage. Healing takes anywhere from weeks up to years depending on severity. Seek emergency medical help to limit lasting harm after a confirmed brown recluse bite.

First aid involves catching and saving offending spider for identification if possible. Wash bites with soap and water and apply cool compresses. Over-the-counter analgesics can provide comfort while seeking treatment.

Avoiding Brown Recluse Encounters

To reduce already low risks of crossing paths with one of Pennsylvania's few brown recluse colonies, remember:

• Inspect or shake out clothing, linens or towels left on floors before use
• Wear gloves and protective clothing if cleaning unused portions of cellars, attics, or barns
• Seal cracks along perimeter of home to discourage indoor wandering
• Use glue boards or spider traps to capture and confirm identity if spiders are spotted

Spider Bite Treatment Overview and Prevention Tips

Even with venomous black widows and rare brown recluses possibly lurking, spider bites remain extremely unusual in Pennsylvania compared to other health hazards.

What To Do After a Suspected Spider Bite

If bitten by any spider, remain calm but take these steps right away:

1. Wash bite - Use mild soap and water to gently cleanse the affected area
2. Capture spider - Trap the spider if possible for identification without endangering others
3. Apply cold pack - Ice helps relieve swelling and pain
4. Elevate limb - Raise arm or leg with bite above heart level to slow venom spread
5. Consider OTC medications - Oral antihistamines, pain relievers, topical anti-itch creams may provide relief
6. Seek medical care - Consult a doctor promptly for severe pain/swelling or systemic symptoms

Spider Bite Prevention Tips

Avoiding contact remains the safest method to prevent bites from Pennsylvania's few dangerous spider residents:

• Remove trash, debris piles, or unused firewood from property
• Wear gloves and protective garments if clearing out undisturbed storage spaces
• Inspect or shake out linens, towels, clothing before use if left on floors
• Install screens on windows and seal cracks in home's exterior
• Use glue boards or spider traps for monitoring indoor populations

With proper precautions, Pennsylvania residents can coexist safely with native spiders like black widows. Seek prompt care for worsening symptoms after any spider bite.

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.