Guide to Orange and Red Spiders Found in Kentucky: Black Widows, Brown Recluses, Orb Weavers

Orange Spiders Commonly Found in Kentucky

Kentucky's humid, temperate climate allows a diverse population of spiders to thrive statewide. While the majority of Kentucky spiders pose no threat to humans, some orange and red-colored spiders found in the state do have venom capable of causing mild irritation, pain, or very rarely, more serious reactions.

Orb Weavers

Orb weaver spiders construct intricate, circular webs for catching flying insect prey. Several orange and yellow species occur in Kentucky:

• The banded garden spider spins vertical zigzag patterns into its web. Females reach over 1 inch long with gray and yellow bands on the abdomen.
• The marbled orb weaver makes a horizontal web decorated with orange and cream markings. The oval abdomen also features cream, orange, black, and silver colors.
• The Halloween pennant builds a large orb web. These spiders have elongated orange and black abdomens with colorful wing-shaped patterns.

The venom of these orb weavers is considered harmless to humans, but they will bite if threatened. Their fangs cannot easily penetrate human skin.

Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders actively hunt instead of building webs. They pounce rapidly on victims. Kentucky examples include:

• Bold jumpers have fuzzy orange bodies and measure around 1/3 inch long. They prefer to lurk in vegetation.
• Ant-like jumpers, as the name suggests, resemble large ants with oval orange-brown abdomens and dark heads/thoraxes. Their large front eyes give them excellent vision.

Jumping spider bites release mild venom that may cause temporary pain and redness. Their small jaws rarely break the skin.

Crab Spiders

Crab spiders have laterigrade legs positioned wider than other spiders for ambushing prey. Coloring helps them camouflage against flowers. Some Kentucky species have orange highlights, such as:

• Ground crab spiders hide among leaf litter waiting to ambush insects. Their front legs extend orange markings.
• Flower/goldenrod crab spiders lurk unseen inside yellow and white flowers in fields. They have white bodies with orange legs.
• Spined micrathena spiders settle amongst branches. Females have round orange abdomens decorated with spine-like white markings.

Crab spiders occasionally bite people handling lawn debris or flowers. Reactions involve mild swelling and pain around the bite.

Venomous Orange and Red Spiders in Kentucky

Two types of spiders with potent venom deserve cautious awareness when encountered in Kentucky:

• Southern black widows
• Brown recluse spiders

Southern Black Widow Spiders

The southern black widow occurs across Kentucky living in dark corners, garages, basements, and among debris piles. The shiny-bodied female has a distinctive red hourglass marking on her bulbous black abdomen. Males are smaller with light striping on the abdomen.

This spider's neurotoxic venom can trigger muscle spasms, abdominal and chest wall pain if bitten. Seek medical care promptly for antivenom treatment after severe reactions.

Identifying Venom Symptoms

Southern black widow bites produce pain, redness and sweating around the bite within 15 minutes. Other worrisome venom reactions include:

• Rigid abdominal muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Fever, hypertension, seizures in severe cases

First Aid for Bites

Clean the bite area with soap and water if possible. Ice packs can relieve swelling and pain. Monitor vital signs closely and go to an emergency department if systemic or respiratory reactions develop.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders live in dark, dry, undisturbed areas like attics and crawlspaces in Kentucky homes. Their violin-shaped bodies grow around 1/2 to 1 inch long. The cephalothorax and legs are uniformly tan or brown, while the abdomen lacks markings.

Recluse spiders normally bite only when trapped against skin. Most bites heal without incident beyond local pain, redness and tissue damage. But more severe skin necrosis and systemic illness occasionally develops.

Recognizing and Treating Brown Recluse Bites

Reactions to a recluse bite emerge 2-8 hours after being bitten. The site reddens, hardens, then blisters. Over days, the tissue becomes necrotic and sloughs open forming an enlarging ulcer.

Signs of Necrosis

• Severe pain and itching
• Central blister with purple margins
• Wound site turns black (eschar formation)

See a doctor promptly for examination and possible debridement if the bite ulcerates significantly. Oral antibiotics treat secondary infections while helping healthy tissue regenerate.

Rare Systemic Brown Recluse Envenomation

On very rare occasions, brown recluse venom triggers hematological problems 1-2 weeks post-bite among sensitive individuals. Symptoms involve:

• Fever and chills
• Nausea, vomiting, joint pain
• Rash, jaundice
• Bruising, bleeding from mucosa
• Hemolysis, renal failure, shock

Intensive hospital supportive care successfully manages these reactions if caught early. Antivenom remains under investigation.

Avoiding Bites and Spider Infestations

Reduce encounters with venomous spiders like recluses and widows through these prevention tips:

• De-clutter crawlspaces, garages, sheds, and woodpiles where they nest
• Seal cracks and crevices around home foundations and openings
• Shake out stored materials like clothing, shoes, or toys before use
• Install bright exterior lighting to deter spiders entering the home
• Use rotating pesticide sprays outdoors for temporary control

Call professional exterminators to treat extensive indoor infestations within attics or wall voids. Traps and vacuuming remove wandering spiders inside living areas.

Outlook for Spider Bites in Kentucky

The diverse community of spiders living in Kentucky play important roles controlling garden and household pests. Protect yourself by learning to identify potentially dangerous spiders that reside in the state.

Seeking prompt medical care aids recovery if bitten by widows or recluses. Other orange spiders found locally may deliver painful defensive bites, but do not transmit medically concerning venom warranting antivenoms or intensive treatment.

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.