Spider Identification 

Are Spiders Dangerous?

Two of the most dangerous spiders living in Northwest Arkansas and across the country are the brown recluse spider and black widow spider. Both have venom strong enough to cause health risks in people and, therefore, unwanted in our yards and homes.

Most of the spiders that live outside and that we come across regularly are not a threat to us, and if a bite were to occur, while it may be painful, it doesn't pose serious health problems.

Bites from nuisance or dangerous spiders are rare because, by nature, spiders are solitary and reclusive and work hard to stay away from people. Spider bites are rare and usually occur accidentally.

Why Do I Have a Spider Problem?

Spiders live naturally in our yards, taking up residence in areas where there is plenty of insect activity, such as gardens, flower beds, lawns, and in trees and shrubbery.

Spiders are beneficial to the ecosystem, helping lower populations of nuisance garden pests and dangerous pests like mosquitoes and flies. 
Having spiders in our outdoor spaces is not bad, but when dangerous spiders move onto our properties or their populations explode, they become a problem. The more spiders living in your yard, the more likely they will end up inside your home.

Where Will I Find Spiders?

Spiders prefer to live outside, both on the ground or up off the ground. Burrowing spiders often live under decks, shrubs, woodpiles, and rocks. When spiders create webs up off the ground, they usually do so in trees, shrubs, under roof eaves, in play structures, or under furniture.

When spiders are inside your home, usually it's because they have followed their prey indoors. Spiders don't move inside to escape bad weather, but their insect prey does. Once inside, if there is plenty of food for them to feed on, they will stay. Spiders may also exploit openings leading into your home to find dark, sheltered spots to lay their eggs.