Georgia's Venomous Spiders

One can describe this spider as having a bulbous abdomen that can appear to be brown with cream colored marking. Their legs appear to be reddish-orange in coloration. Many can say that they closely resemble members of the widow family; however, they belong to the Steatoda genus. False Widow Spiders can't be located during all seasons arounds various structures, both indoor and outdoor.

 Even though they are considered dangerous because they release a highy toxic venom that causes intense pain, they aren't deadly. Some studies have proven that False Widow Spiders cause many pathogenic bacterial species such as chelicerae and a few others on the surface of their body. If you're are bitten by these spiders please contact your local doctor to help prevent secondary infections.

Brown Widow Spiders belong to the genus Latrodectus, which makes these spiders closely related to Black Widow Species. Brown Widows will normally come smaller and lighter in coloration that black widows. They are commonly found around homes as well, frequently located in garages, around trash, empty containers and beneath decks.

 Like the Black Widow the Brown Widow also possess an hour glass, which can be orange-yellow in coloration. Another characteristic that can be seen is the black and white pattern located on their abdomen. They are not considered dangerous, although their bite is painful. Normally after being bitten the site will be slightly painfull and swollen. Their venom is neurotoxic, which is common in all latrodectus species. Even though bites aren't life threatening medical assistance is recommended.

Oh Yes! The Imfamous Brown Recluse Spider! Although this Spider has a feared reputation around the continental United States, they are rarely seen in Georgia. This is due to their limited range throughout the state. They an be found in about 30 of the 159 counties located in Georgia. The Brown Recluse is mostly found in the northern part of the states and almost never seen in the southern half of Georgia. 

Commonly found around garages, closets, cellar, and sheds; human contact is inevitable. Fortunately, Brown Recluse Spiders are not prone to bite, they will only bite if pressed against the skin. Victims will experience nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle and joint pains. Brown recluse Spiders have a powerful venom that spreads to through the body rather quickly sometimes leaving necroticing ulcer as a result.

The Nothern Black Widow is One of the Two Black Widows that can be found in Georgia. They are shiny and equally as recognizable as the Southern Black Widow. Nothern Black Widows will possess a row of red spots down the middle of the upper half of the abdomen. There's usually two cross bars on the underside. they prefer darker areas that tend to be cool such as under logs, stones, and even crawlspaces. They can sometime be found in woodpiles.

 These spiders are very deadly with venom nearly as potent as a rattlesnake. symtoms can range from severe pain, stiffness, cramps in the abdomen, excessive sweating to hypertensison! Though Black Widows rarely bite, when they do, seek medical assitance immediately! 

If you live in Savannah, Ga or the surrounding areas; this is a spider that you need to be familiar with. Being native to the Southeastern regions of Georgia, it is common to see the Southern Black Widow around human dwellings. It is important to note that males may not resemble females of this species. Females will be black and shiny with a prominent red hourglass shape on the abdomen. Males are typically more purple in coloration.

 Females with often grow larger than males, about 0.20 inches larger. Venom will impact the nervous system approximately 10mins after being bitten. Usually causing muscle cramps, nausea, shortness of breathe, adominl pains, and stiffness. Fatalities by Southern black Widows are really rare; however, medical assistance should be rendered immediately!