Identification & Types >Spiders
There are many thousand different kinds of spiders. Spiders are arachnids, not insects. Arachnids include spiders, scorpions, ticks, and
mites. All spiders have 8 legs, 2 body parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), and no antennae. Most spiders have eight eyes but some have fewer than eight. They don't have ears, they feel the sound vibrations with tiny hairs on their legs. Spider blood is light blue. Blood fills up all the empty space in the spider's body, it helps to keep the legs stiff so the spider can walk.
All spiders produce silk, a thin, tough protein strand extruded by the spider from spinnerets typically found on the end of the abdomen. Many species use it to trap insects in webs, although there are also many species that hunt freely. Silk can be used to aid in climbing, form smooth walls for burrows, and build egg sacs.
All spiders except those in the families Uloboridae and Holarchaeidae, can inject venom to protect themselves or to kill prey. Only about 200 species, however, have bites that can pose health problems to humans. Many larger species bites may be quite painful, but will not produce lasting health concerns – however, it is strongly advisable to seek medical attention for all spider bites.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider is most common in the south-central United States, including Tennessee. These spiders are also commonly referred to as “fiddleback” because of the violin-shaped marking on the top surface of the head/back. They are often found in dark, unventilated areas, which are rarely disturbed by humans.
SIZE
Body - (1/4 to 1inch) The legs span an area roughly the size of a quarter to a half-dollar.
COLOR
Light yellowish/brown to a dark, reddish or chocolate brown, but most are light to medium brown.
DESCRIPTION
- The Brown Recluse spiders have these four characteristics:
- Six eyes in pairs
- Dark pattern near the eyes (“violin” shape)
- Uniformly colored abdomen with fine hairs
- No spines on the legs
HABITAT
Brown recluse spiders prefer isolated corners and sheltered areas with low moisture levels. These spiders are called “Recluse” for a reason – they prefer areas unoccupied and not disturbed by humans. In a study conducted by Jamél Sandidge, Entomologist, the top 10 areas where brown recluse spiders are found in homes:
- Near furnace and water heater
- Second floor bedrooms – unoccupied
- Any room without air conditioning or ventilation
- Bathroom – behind toilet or tub
- Near plants
- Basement – under stairs
- Basement – in piles of wood, boxes, carpet or clothing
- Windowsills
- Behind entertainment center
- Bedrooms
LIFE CYCLE
The brown recluse spider has been known to live up to two years in captivity. According to the University of Tennessee:
- Brown recluse spiders may live five to 10 years under ideal conditions.
- These spiders develop egg sacs between February and September, with most development from May through July.
- Each egg sac normally contains between 20 and 50 eggs.
- The female usually constructs up to five egg sacs.
- Spiderlings emerge from the egg sac within three to five weeks and stay in the web with the mother for one or two molts (shedding of skins) before migrating to other suitable habitats.
- The spiderlings molt six or seven times before becoming an adult in the following year.
CONTROL
Control of indoor infestations of the brown recluse spider can take a long time (6 months or more) and can be difficult since they tends to be widely dispersed within infested buildings, and the spiders seeks isolated sites. The first step in effective management of brown recluse spiders is to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. Control of spiders, including the brown recluse, is best achieved by following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. IPM involves using multiple approaches such as preventive measures, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and chemical treatment when necessary.
Large infestations will take multiple treatments targeting the spider itself, common habitats and its food sources – other insects.
BITE SYMPTOMS
The reaction to a brown recluse spider bite depends on the amount of venom injected and and individual’s sensitivity to it. Some people are unaffected by a bite, whereas others experience immediate or delayed effects as the venom kills the tissues (necrosis) at the site of the bite. Symptoms are reactions signs sometime include:
- The bite may feel like a pinprick and/or stinging sensation followed by intense pain
- The initial bite area may have a little red mark.
- The lesion from a brown recluse spider bite may grow 1½ inches by 2¾ inches or smaller. The lesion may exhibit blue-gray or blue-white colors and surrounded by redness—hence the “red, white, and blue sign.”
- A small white blister usually initially rises at the bite site surrounded by a swollen area. The affected area enlarges and becomes red, and the tissue is hard to the touch for some time.
- After a few days, the bite site can erupt into a “volcano lesion,” basically a hole in the flesh due to damaged, gangrenous tissue.
- Sometimes a person may not be aware of the bite for 2 to 8 hours.
- Some victims experience general systemic reactions that may include restlessness, generalized itching, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or shock.
Preventing Spider Bites
- Inspect bedding and towels before use.
- Shake out clothing and shoes before getting dressed.
- Wear gloves when handling firewood, lumber, and rocks.
- Move the bed away from the wall. Remove bed skirts.
- Don’t store boxes underneath beds.
- Exercise care when handling cardboard boxes (some spiders may inhabit the space under folded cardboard flaps).
First Aid
If bitten, remain calm, and immediately seek medical attention by contacting your physician, hospital and/or poison control center.
- Apply an ice pack directly to the bite area to relieve swelling and pain.
- Collect the spider (even a mangled specimen has diagnostic value), if possible, for positive identification by a spider expert.
- A plastic bag or small jar is useful and with no preservative. However, rubbing alcohol helps to preserve the spider.
Interesting Facts
Webs:
The brown recluse spider builds irregular, patternless webs in poorly-lighted areas. There is usually a thicker portion of web (sometimes almost tubular) built in a protected area such as in a crevice or between two rocks. The spider will retreat to this area of the web when threatened.
Silk webs are laid down as the spider walks, and the web becomes thicker. Webs can eventually become sheet-like if located in an area of abundant prey.
Feeding:
Brown recluse spiders feed on a variety of insects and other a spider. Their bite quickly paralyzes prey, which may remain alive for a few days until the spider decides to feed on it. The spider is alerted to the presence of prey by web vibrations caused by passing prey. However, there is some evidence that the brown recluse spider might forage short distances from the web at night. Prey is located and bitten, but not wrapped in silk.
Click Here > Brown Recluse Service Guidelines
For more information on spider control problems, visit Spider Pest Control . Com or Knols: Brown Recluse Spiders - Pest Control Measures
Black Widow Spider
The black widow is a medium-sized spider whose body is about a half-inch long. The name is derived from the mistaken belief that the female invariably kills the male after mating. Although the spider is mostly found in the southern United States, it may be seen throughout the US. Five species are common to the US, with two of them being the most common:
SIZE
About 1 1/2 inches (38mm) long, 1/4 inch (6.4mm) in diameter
COLOR
Usually shiny black
DESCRIPTION
The female is usually black with a red spot or hourglass- shaped mark on its round abdomen. The male usually has light streaks on its abdomen.
 |
 |
HABITAT
Black widow spiders are common around wood piles, and are frequently encountered when homeowners carry firewood into the house. This spider prefers dark and moist places, including eaves, boxes, outdoor toilets, meter boxes, and other unbothered places.
LIFE CYCLE
Egg sacs are brown, papery, about ¼ - ½ inch long and oval. They hold from 25 to 900 or more eggs, which have an incubation period of 20 days. Growth requires two to three months, with older females dying in autumn after egg laying.
CONTROL
Be very careful when working around areas where black widow spiders may be established. Take proper precautions-wear gloves and pay attention to where you are working. Black widow bites are sharp and painful, and the victim should go to the doctor immediately for treatment. To control the black widow, carefully remove all materials where they might hide. They can be cleaned out of an area simply by knocking down the webs, spiders, and round tan egg sacs with a stick and crushing them underfoot.
BITE SYMPTOMS 
Black widow spider venom is neurotoxic, and will block the transmission of nervous impulses. A bitten human suffers from a painful rigidity in the abdominal wall muscles; and while the bite may be serious, it is rarely fatal. The bite can be distinguished by the characteristic double puncture marks.
FIRST AID
- Get medical help immediately. Call your health professional, hospital, or poison information center.
- Remain calm. Too much excitement or movement will increase the flow of venom into the blood.
- Apply ice to the bite area.
- Try to positively identify the spider or catch it to confirm its type.
INTERESTING FACTS
The female eats the male after mating. She hangs belly upward and rarely leaves the web.
Back to the top
Garden Spider
Garden spiders are orb weavers, known for their elaborate orb-shaped webs. Without training from adults, even the tiniest spiderlings are able to spin silk and weave webs.
Description
Male 1/4-3/8”, female 3/4-1 1/8". Legs black with reddish or yellow bands near body. Abdomen egg-shaped, conspicuously marked with yellow or orange on black.
Food
Small flying insects.
Life Cycle
Female fills spherical egg sac, up to 1" wide, with tough brown papery cover. Female attaches it to one side of web close to resting position, then dies. Eggs hatch in autumn, young overwinter in sac, then disperse in spring. Male builds web in outlying part of female's web, making a white zigzag band vertically across the middle.
Habitat
Usually found among shrubbery, tall plants, and flowers in gardens. Prefers sunny areas.
Range
Throughout the United States and southern Canada; very common in Tennessee.
Interesting Facts
- This spider seems to prefer sunny sites with little or no wind. It drops to ground and hides if disturbed.
- Its web is a spiraling vertical orb radiating out from the center.
Grass Spider
Grass Spiders a type of funnel weaver, are common outdoors and are occasionally found indoors. They are generally brownish or grayish with light and dark stripes near the head. They have long spinnerets and are moderate-sized (3/4 inch long). Grass spiders construct a large sheet web with a funnel they use as a retreat. These spiders are amazingly quick, an
d can scurry from their web to the other end at lightning speed. Their webs are usually built on the ground, around steps, window wells, foundations, and shrubs.
SIZE
Body length up to about 1"
COLOR
Most are brown, with gray, black, and tan markings.
LIFE CYCLE
Like all spiders, funnel weavers and grass spiders go through a simple metamorphosis. Young funnel weavers and grass spiders hatch from eggs and look like tiny adults. They shed their skin as they grow.
HABITAT
Grass spiders typically construct their webs in tall grass, heavy ground cover and in thick shrubs. Rarely will a funnel web spider be seen indoors, except for a rare drifting male.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Grass spiders closely resemble wolf spiders, but they can usually be distinguished from wolf spiders because wolf spiders do not build webs.
- When an insect, spider, or other small creature crosses the wide end of the funnel web, the spider feels the vibration and rushes out to grab the prey.
- The bite of these spiders is usually of low risk to humans. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider, if bitten.
House Spider
The House Spider is an extremely common spider. There are several species sharing many common features. They build their tangled web in secluded locations, which can also house eggs contained in one or more spherical sacs.
SIZE
Adults are about 1/2 inch in body length. and of a dark brown to black velvet textured appearance.
COLOR
Usually dark brown to black
DESCRIPTION
The spider has a black velvet textured appearance.
HABITAT
This spider spins an irregular web and prefers dry habitats in isolated locations. It is commonly found in window framing, under eaves, gutters, in brickwork, sheds, toilets and among rocks and bark. Electric lights attract their prey - moths, flies, mosquitoes and other insects.
LIFE CYCLE
After mating, the female lays about 200 eggs in a silken sac about 1/4 inch long, which is placed near the web center. The eggs hatch into spiderlings in about 8 days and several egg sacs are produced each year.
CONTROL
Be very careful when working around areas where house spiders may be established. Take proper precautions-wear gloves and pay attention to where you are working. To control the house spiders, carefully remove all materials where they might hide. They can be cleaned out of an area simply by knocking down the webs, spiders, and egg sacs with a stick and crushing them underfoot.
BITE SYMPTOMS
The bite of the Black House Spider is poisonous, but not lethal. Certain people bitten experience severe pain around the bite site, heavy sweating, muscular pains, vomiting, headaches and overexcitement. First aid and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Trapdoor Spider
SIZE
An adult is about 1 and 1/2 inches in body length.
COLOR
Usually brown to dark black
DESCRIPTION
The spider is heavily covered with fine hairs.
HABITAT
This spider is a ground dweller, with a burrow retreat lined with silk of up to 10 inches in depth and around 1 inch in width - prefers nesting in drier exposed locations - often has a lid on the burrow entrance. Trap-Door Spiders are commonly found in the drier open ground areas around the home.
CONTROL
Be very careful when working around areas where these spiders may be established. Take proper precautions-wear gloves and pay attention to where you are working.
BITE SYMPTOMS
The bite of the Trap-Door Spider is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. It is a non-aggressive spider - usually timid but may stand up and present it's fangs if harassed. Rarely bites - but if so it can be painful.
Jumping Spider
Ther are over 300 species of Jumping Spiders in the United States. Jumping spiders are among the most colorful of arthropods; many species are brightly colored and ornamental patterned, with plump bodies, short legs, and very large eyes on the front of the face. Jumping Spiders are typically easy to identify. These spiders are among the fastest creatures in the arthropod world. They have a unique, jumping/jerky modes of movement.
SIZE
Body length up to about 1/2"
COLOR
Usually brown, gray to black
DESCRIPTION
The spider is flat-faced with a big-eyed appearance. Eight eyes are present on jumping spiders, while one pair of eyes is always very large and directed forward.
HABITAT
Since jumping spiders are excellent climbers and jumpers, they are able to hunt for prey in many locations. Some spiders hunt on the ground, while others search tree trunks and other vegetation for prey. They are often found around stone walls, fence posts, barns, sheds and the sides of buildings.
 |
 |
|
 |
||
CONTROL
Be very careful when working around areas where these spiders may be established. Take proper precautions-wear gloves and pay attention to where you are working.
BITE SYMPTOMS
The bite of the Jumping Spiders is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. It is a non-aggressive spider - usually timid but may stand up and present it's fangs if harassed. Seek medical advice, if bitten.
Interesting Facts
Jumping spiders are believed to have the best eyesight of all spiders.
Daddy Long Leg Spider
SIZE
Body ranges from 1/10 to ½-inch in length, but with the legs extended it may be up to 2-inches long.
COLOR
Usually gray to light brown in color
DESCRIPTION
The spider is flat-faced with a big-eyed appearance. Eight eyes are present on jumping spiders, while one pair of eyes is always very large and directed forward.
HABITAT
Daddy long legs are web weaving spiders and are found throughout the world. They hang inverted in disorganized and tangled webs. These webs are usually found in dark and damp nooks, cellars, storage areas, under rocks and vegetation.
LIFE CYCLE
Female deposits eggs into the soil.. When warm weather arrives, young creep out and grow slowly. Normally they mature in summer, then mate without courtship. 1 generation a year.
Wolf Spider
Wolf Spiders are perhaps the most common Tennessee spiders and are found all over the United States. Wolf Spiders are large, hairy spiders which are typically patterned with a fusion of black, brown and gray colors.
SIZE
About 1/2 -1 1/4 inches in diameter. 
COLOR
Usually a mixture of black, gray, and brown.
DESCRIPTION
Wolf spiders are usually more robust than other spiders, with shorter legs. Wolf spiders have 8 eyes. As with all spiders, wolf spiders have 8 legs, 2 body parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), and fang-like mouthparts called "chelicerae."
HABITAT
The wolf spider is a ground dweller, which often burrow in the ground. It usually hunts prey during the and can move very rapidly when disturbed. Commonly found around the home, in garden areas and inside buildings during hot weather.
LIFE CYCLE
When young wolf spiders hatch from eggs, they look like tiny adults. A wolf spider sheds/molts its skin several times as it grows to an adult. Most wolf spiders live for several years. In many species, female wolf spiders lay dozens of eggs at a time and wrap them in a large ball of silk. The female carry the egg sac on her abdomen until the spiderlings hatch. After hatching, the spiderlings may live on the mother's back for a few weeks until they are large enough to hunt prey.
INTERESTING FACTS
Because wolf spiders are usually brown in color, they are often mistaken for brown recluse spiders. If you see a fast-moving, dark-colored spider running on the floor, it is more likely to be a wolf spider than a brown recluse. Brown recluses are very reserved and are rarely seen out in the open. With a little practice, it is easy to tell the difference between wolf spiders and brown recluses. See Brown Recluse Spider Info
For more information on spider control problems, visit Spider Pest Control . Com