Snakes & Spiders in Northeast Texas

Common

• While it's important to know about the deadly black willow and water-loving water moccasin, most of the spiders and snakes in northeast Texas are not poisonous. That doesn't mean they don't bite and that bite won't hurt. Like the venomous snakes and spiders, these usually bite in defense or when startled. Some non-vemonous snakes and spiders you may encounter include the milk snake, Eastern Hognose Snake, Texas brown snake, racers, gardener snakes and Southern house spiders.

Poisonous Snakes

• About half of all poisonous bites are "dry," meaning without venom. Do not stake your life on a dry bite. According to the Arlington, Texas, website, "On average, 1 to 2 people in Texas die each year from venomous snake bites in Texas." In northeast Texas, poisonous snakes include western cottonmouth, Eastern Timber rattlesnake, Western Diamondback, southern copperhead, broad-banded copperhead and coral snakes. For the most part, coral snakes are relatively rare in the northeast, but they have some of most potent venom in the western hemisphere. The water moccasin frequent locations near water, as they spend part of their time swimming.

Poisonous Spiders

• Northeast Texas has two poisonous spiders: the brown recluse and black widow. The infamous black widow eats its sex partner and the female has a telltale red hourglass on its abdomen. The male, however, is smaller and without markings. The brown recluse is very hard to spot and prefers to hide. Colored golden to dark brown, the brown recluse has a fiddle-shaped marking on its back.

Encounters

• Most bites, both non-venomous and venomous, occur, because the human surprises the snake or tries to handle it. A non-venomous snake's bite may hurt and need cleaning, but it won't kill you. You should be careful when lifting up boards, logs, and rocks when exploring or even doing maintenance to your yard. Keeping your lawn mowed and neat will also discourage snakes and spiders. The advice is true for avoiding spider bites as well.

Treatment

• If you are ever bitten by a snake or spider or need to help someone with one, get all humans away from the offender slowly. Take a picture or note any markings for identification of the critter. Bag it, if it is dead. Look for signs of venom, such as swelling, nausea, headache, convulsions, vomiting and fever. Call 911 immediately. Get the transport to the person. Don't mess around with any other home remedies. Seeking medical attention is the safest route to follow.