Types of Spiders in Texas
The warm climate makes Texas an ideal place for spiders. They thrive in both the densely populated cities and in the rugged rural areas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas has two venomous species of spiders that are of concern to humans. The black widow spider, Latrodectus mactans, and the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles recluse, are commonly found both indoors and outdoors throughout Texas.
Black widow spiders are very common in East Texas. They build webs under eaves, inside electric junction boxes, within water service boxes, in woodpiles, and in groups of rocks. Their webs are chaotic three-dimension structures, and the silk has a strength that is easily discernable from the webbing of other spiders. Passing a stick through a typical spider web causes the silk to part without noticeable resistance, but passing a stick through a black widow web creates a resistance that the stick wielder can definitely feel.
The black widow spider usually drops to the ground or floor when disturbed in an attempt to get away, but brown recluse spiders remains in place and may bite. They are often found in attics, basements, or other dark, undisturbed areas of a house. Unfortunately for people, shoes and clothes left in a closet for a season fit the spider’s needs also.
Although non-poisonous to humans, many other species of spiders found in Texas will also bite if handled. The best way to rid a home of spiders is to apply a residual pesticide. Over the counter chemicals are often not strong enough to kill a spider unless applied directly to the arachnid. Residual pesticides leave behind a thin film that is unnoticeable to humans. It continues to kill spiders long after the initial application. Professional pest control experts have access to potent residual pesticides that are safe to use in the home when used as directed, and they have the training to use these chemicals properly.