White Spiders in Illinois: Dangerous Species, Bite Symptoms, Prevention Tips

White Spiders Commonly Found in Illinois

Many homeowners in Illinois discover white or pale-colored spiders around their properties at some point. While some species of white spiders in Illinois are harmless, others can give painful bites, so its important to be able to identify them. Heres an overview of common white spiders spotted in Illinois and how to tell if they pose danger.

Orb Weaver Spiders

Orb weaver spiders come from the family Araneidae. There are over 170 orb weaver species in Illinois, many of which have pale coloration and striking markings. These include:

• Barn spider
• Garden spider
• Marbled orb weaver
• Shamrock spider
• Silver argiope
• Spined micrathena

Despite their sometimes large size and prominent webs, orb weaver spiders rarely bite humans unless severely threatened. When they do bite in self-defense, symptoms are generally mild with no venom injected. A few may cause a minor sting or rash.

Grass Spiders

Grass spiders belong to the Agelenidae family. There are over 20 species found in Illinois lawns and gardens, most sporting a light gray, tan, or white hue. These quick-moving ground spiders build horizontal sheet webs and include:

• Barn funnel weaver spider
• Grass spider
• Hobo spider

While painful, grass spider bites are not considered medically significant for humans or pets. The hobo spider is mildly venomous but very reluctant to bite unless pinned against bare skin.

Crab Spiders

Over 200 species of crab spiders live in Illinois. Also called flower spiders or flower crab spiders, they come from the Thomisidae family. Crab spiders have a flat, crab-like appearance with front legs extended sideways. Common pale crab spiders in the state include:

• Goldenrod crab spider
• Ground crab spider
• Masked hunter spider
• Spined flower crab spider
• Whitebanded crab spider

Crab spiders rarely bite humans unless handled roughly. Bites generally only cause temporary pain, red marks and swelling similar to bee stings.

Medically Significant White Spiders of Illinois

While most white spiders found in Illinois homes or gardens can give painful defensive bites, they do not cause serious effects warranting medical intervention. However, two pale-colored spiders warrant caution due to more potent venom:

Brown Recluse Spider

Also called violin spiders or fiddlebacks, brown recluse spiders are usually light to dark brown but can sometimes appear pale or gray. They have long legs and a distinct darker brown violin shape on their bodies. Brown recluses are usually around 0.5 inches but can grow larger.

Brown recluse venom destroys cell membranes and skin tissues. While rare, severe bites cause necrosis, organ damage, seizures, fever, and other very serious symptoms requiring prompt medical care.

Northern Black Widow Spider

Female northern black widows have a distinct red design on their jet black abdomen, but males and juveniles often appear pale white and gray before darkening with age. Webs are messy and three-dimensional rather than orderly orb style webs.

Black widow bites can cause severe muscle cramps, nausea, Increased sweating and salivation, seizures, swollen eyelids, high blood pressure, and other medically significant effects, especially in children and the elderly.

Signs of a Dangerous Spider Bite

Many spider bites are harmless. But others require swift medical intervention when certain dangerous symptoms develop. Seek immediate treatment if you notice:

• Intense burning pain spreading from the bite site
• Red streaks travelling from the wound
• A painful rash or blisters forming
• Swelling larger than 4-6 inches around the bite
• Increased heart rate, sweating, cramping or tremors
• Nausea, vomiting or fever developing

Life-threatening spider bite reactions can include seizures, coma, severe tissue damage, respiratory distress, kidney or liver failure, hemorrhaging, and other dire effects requiring antivenom and emergency care.

First Aid for Spider Bites

If bitten by a spider, perform these first aid steps while awaiting medical treatment:

1. Wash bite with soap and water
2. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling
3. Keep bitten area elevated if possible
4. Avoid any home remedies or chemical treatments
5. Monitor for worsening symptoms
6. Take photos of the spider if captured safely

Prompt medical evaluation is vital both to identify dangerous species capable of inflicting severe injuries as well as provide treatment interventions such as antivenom medication to halt progressive damage.

Spider Bite Prevention Tips

Follow these spider bite prevention measures to reduce risks around your Illinois home:

• Reduce clutter storage areas like piles of wood or bricks prime hiding spots
• Always wear thick gloves when moving items stored outside
• Shake out items left outside such as jackets or boots before each use
• Install tight screens on windows and seal cracks around doors
• Remove dense vegetation touching exterior walls
• Keep beds pulled away from walls and tuck in sheets
• Vacuum and dust regularly to remove webs
• Turn off outside lights attracting insects at night
• Use caution cleaning rarely-used spaces like basements and attics
• Hire a licensed exterminator if spider problems persist

Chemical Spider Repellents

For heavy spider infestations, look for EPA-registered products formulated to repel or kill spiders and approved specifically for indoor use. Read all safety warnings and directions carefully before using any chemical treatments. Some options include:

• Cedarcide original
• EcoRaider Anti Spider Concentrate
• Orange Guard Home Pest Control Spray
• Wondercide Natural Ready-to-Use Indoor Pest Control

Be aware that harsh pesticides can pose health risks for sensitive groups including pregnant women, children and pets. Always start with the least toxic options first.

When to Call Spider Control Experts

While most spiders found around Illinois homes pose minimal danger, certain situations warrant enlisting professional pest control assistance:

• You spot black widows or brown recluses repeatedly
• Unidentified bites appear on family members
• Existing spiders seem unaffected by your removal efforts
• Webbing and spiders keep appearing after cleaning an area
• Attempting to clean heavily spider-infested areas proves difficult or dangerous

Licensed exterminators have the proper protective equipment, commercial-grade chemicals, and expertise to fully eliminate stubborn spider problems. They can also identify species if an bite causes concern and provide advice to make your property less spider-friendly.

Stay Vigilant Against Dangerous Spider Bites

Spider encounters inevitably occur when living in the Midwest region. While most white spiders spotted in Illinois homes or gardens do not pose serious health threats to humans, brown recluse spiders and northern black widows can inflict severe, damaging bites in rare cases.

Protect your family by learning to identify potentially dangerous species. Follow first aid instructions if bitten, save the spider for identification when possible, and seek prompt medical care for any concerning symptoms.

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.