A Guide to Common Maine Spiders: Venomous and Harmless

Getting to Know Maine's Most Common Spiders

Maine is home to over 500 species of spiders that make up an important part of the local ecosystems. Only a small handful of Maine's spiders pose any safety risk to humans. Most are harmless to us and helpful for controlling pest populations outdoors and indoors.

Benefits of Spiders in Maine

Spiders play crucial roles helping to manage insects in Maine. Their venom allows them to capture all types of insect prey from flies to ants to mosquitoes. Without spiders helping control populations, we would see many more of these nuisance pests.

Only about 12 of Maine’s 500+ spider species have venom that can harm people. And even these shy away from human contact, only biting when accidentally trapped against skin. Knowledge of spider identification and awareness of those most likely to bite can prevent most incidents.

Maine Spider Bite Symptoms

Bites from Maine’s few venomous spider species provoke these common symptoms:

• Immediate pain, redness and swelling at the bite site
• Itching, tingling or burning sensations
• Small puncture marks from the fangs
• In severe cases: muscle cramps, headache, nausea

Seek medical evaluation for severe symptoms or pain spreading from a bite. But rest assured very few Maine spider bites warrant real concern thanks to effective modern treatments.

Venomous Spiders Found in Maine

Here’s what you need to know about venomous spiders spotted in Maine and how to identify them:

Northern Black Widow Spiders

This shy species inhabits dark corners in undisturbed woodlands and rarely enters homes. The females have a rounded abdomen with a red hourglass marking. Their venom can cause muscle aches, nausea and neuropathy but isn’t considered life threatening.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Extremely rare in Maine yet still feared, brown recluse spiders have a sandy brown body, dark violin shape on their cephalothorax and six equal-length eyes. Their hemotoxic venom destroys red blood cells and causes tissue death. But proper medical care prevents severity.

Hobo Spiders

Another shy species that avoids humans, hobo spiders have a herringbone pattern on their abdomens. Their venom can provoke minor short-term symptoms like itching and headaches but isn’t medically significant.

Yellow Sac Spiders

Easily mistaken for wolf spiders, yellow sacs have pale yellow bodies and darker markings on their abdomens. They rarely bite but provoke mild sting-like reactions when they do. Just ice and monitor for infection.

Common Harmless Cellar Spiders

Cellars, basements and wood piles provide perfect habitat for several very common but harmless Maine spider species that sometimes alarm homeowners. Learn to identify them:

Daddy Longlegs Spiders

Also called harvestmen, daddy longlegs spiders have tiny oval bodies on extremely long, spindly legs. These docile spiders pose zero risk to people or pets and help control bugs.

Cellar Spiders

Tiny light brown cellar spiders build messy looking webs in dark corners of basements. They have a large abdomen compared to their tiny head/legs. Though not threatening, their webs can alarm people.

Cobweb Spiders

Several spider species spin sheet-like webs that collect dust and resemble abandoned cobwebs. These include introduced spiders like the spined micrathena. Despite startling webs, cobweb spiders are harmless.

Tips to Control Spiders in Your Maine Home

Follow these handy tips to discourage spiders from setting up residence inside:

Eliminate Food Sources

Spiders venture inside primarily to feed on other insects like flies, roaches and ants. So make your home as pest-proof as possible. Fix screens, caulk cracks, store food properly and take out trash.

De-clutter

Get rid of piles of materials in basements, garages and under beds that provide shelter for spiders and their prey. Move woodpiles far from your foundation.

Use Essential Oils

Spiders hate the strong smells of essential oils like eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint and tea tree. Use these scents in natural cleaning sprays or simmer potpourri to deter them.

Seal Possible Entry Points

Caulk cracks along your foundation, windowsills and where pipes enter. Install weatherstripping around garage doors. Repair screens and gaps in siding to block wandering spiders.

When to Call a Maine Pest Control Expert

Though most Maine spiders pose no real harm, recurring issues indoors merit professional pest control support. Licensed Maine exterminators have access to stronger chemicals and treatments to:

• Identify problematic species
• Inspect your home’s vulnerability points
• Develop a customized spider elimination plan

Technicians use methods like targeted spraying, gel baits and outdoor barrier treatments to significantly cut back indoor spider populations. This grants homeowners lasting relief from the startle and ick factors!

Enjoying the Outdoors with Maine Spiders

When spending time camping, hiking and exploring Maine’s lush wilderness spaces, be prepared for plenty of spider encounters! Follow these habits for safe coexistence:

Stick to Trails

Wandering into overgrown areas increases likelihood of accidental brushes with spiders in their natural webs. Stick to marked paths.

Inspect Before Reaching

Glance at surfaces like log piles and under rock overhangs before placing your hands there without looking. This allows you to spot spiders and avoid bites.

Use Your Trekking Pole

Gently push aside spider webs crossing the trail with your walking stick rather than walking through them. This prevents spiders landing or getting tangled on you.

The Truth About Maine Spiders: Mostly Harmless!

Research shows over 80% of diagnosed Maine spider bites lacked sufficient evidence and likely stemmed from other insects instead. So take comfort in knowing despite media hype and common fears, spiders pose low safety risks with proper identification and basic precautions!

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.