Spiders Common to Buildings in Central Ohio

Ground Spiders

• A common ground spider found in Ohio homes in the fall is the wolf spider. The large group of spider species known as "ground spiders" do not spin silk. These spiders chase their prey on the ground. They are found in basements, under furniture, in closets or around houseplants. They hunt at night and will generally bite a human only if cornered or threatened. Their bite is not poisonous, but some people might have a reaction.

Recluses

• Two species of recluses are found in Ohio: the brown and the Mediterranean. The brown recluse is the size of a penny with a small body, very long legs and a violin-shaped marking on its back. They spin a very thin, tangled web and will bite if disturbed. These spiders might be found in shoes or boots, clothing lying on the floor or any place where they may feel hidden. The recluse bite restricts circulation around the bite and requires immediate medical attention. Sometimes hospitalization or surgery is needed.

Widows

• The black widow and the northern widow are two poisonous spider species found in Ohio. Black widows are most often found in abandoned buildings, wooden outhouses and barns. The females are larger than males and are shiny black with a red hourglass marking under the abdomen. The males are lighter in color and have red, orange and white markings. A black widow bite may immediately feel like a needle prick and eventually cause painful muscle cramps and spasms. Although fatalities are rate, it is possible to die from a widow bite if immediate medical attention is not sought.

Cellar Spider

• The cellar spider is also found in Ohio buildings. These long-legged spiders prefer to build their webs indoors in basements, pantries, closets and attics. Although they have fangs and venom that kills their prey, they are harmless to humans because their fangs are not long enough to penetrate human skin.