What Spiders Are in Texas?
WouterThere are about 900 spider species in Texas. Some of them are harmless and others pose a serious threat to humans. With that in mind, knowing how to identify these common pests can help you make the right decisions regarding spider control.
One of the largest groups of spiders is the jumping spiders. These spiders build impressive webs. They can jump around doors and windows and are also known for their skillful jumps. In addition, they come in a wide variety of colors.
Another group of spiders are the wolf spiders. These are found in a wide range of habitats. They look similar to grass spiders, but they have large, prominent eyes. While they are venomous, their bites only cause mild irritation.
The most common nuisance spider in Texas is the American house spider. They are often yellowish-brown in color and build webs in the corners of rooms. When outside, they hide under leaves or woodpiles.
Texans should keep in mind that there are only two groups of spiders that are poisonous to humans. They are the black widow and the brown recluse. Unlike the rattlesnake, the venom in a black widow spider is 15 times stronger than the venom in the prairie rattlesnake. Fortunately, the brown recluse is only harmful if you are bitten.
If you don’t want to get stung, try identifying the different spiders by looking at their body parts. You’ll be able to tell by the number of legs they have, the way their bodies are shaped, and the color of their bodies.
