Oregon Poisonous Spiders

Hairy large spiders (and let’s not forget the shiny, skeletal-looking spiders) strike fear in the hearts of people all over the world. In Oregon, if you’ve got a spider problem, we definitely have a solution, including ones for Oregon’s most dangerous spiders.

Protect yourself with valuable information about the most dangerous Oregon spiders. A little knowledge never hurts, unless you get it from being bitten by a highly venomous, dangerous spider. These three spiders are commonly brought up in the discussion on Oregon’s dangerous spiders. In this article, we will look at the things you need to know about spiders: how to identify these spiders, where they thrive, and how to treat spider bites.

Brown Recluse Spiders

A quick Google Image search of brown recluse spiders reveals images for mature audiences only and is enough to cause nearly anyone emotional trauma for life. We suggest against it if you ever want to sleep again. Brown recluse spiders are reported to inject flesh-eating venom into their victims. No wonder this is perhaps the most feared venomous spider in America. We have some good news for you, however.
According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture spider identification team, brown recluse spiders are not found in Oregon.

It’s a very commonly held notion that these quiet crawlers are present in Oregon, but this is a case of mistaken identity. Many spiders look similar, but a microscope is generally required to accurately identify a brown recluse spider. This may shed a little light on where they do live: According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture spider identification team, brown recluse spiders are not found in Oregon. It’s a very commonly held notion that these quiet crawlers are present in Oregon, but this is a case of mistaken identity. Many spiders look similar, but a microscope is generally required to accurately identify a brown recluse spider. This may shed a little light on where they do live:

What most people believe to be the Brown Recluse is actually more likely one of the European Hobo spiders, which can certainly be found throughout Oregon.

The Hobo Spiders

Hobo spiders (like the female in the picture on the left) get quite large and often live indoors. They go out at night to look for prey and are usually found on the floor or trapped inside a bathtub. They don’t make obvious webs, but they can climb up walls and across ceilings. Without the aid of high-powered magnification from a microscope or lens, these common Oregon spiders may easily be confused with the giant house spider.

Hobo spiders are not actually more aggressive than any other spider is, and there is considerable controversy regarding how dangerous these spiders actually are to people. While hobo spiders are definitely considered venomous, in Europe they are considered harmless. In America, these spiders may not be as dangerous as is usually presumed, but they may bite humans out of self-defense, so you should still think twice the next time you try to touch what you think may be a giant house spider.

The Black Widow Spider

We frequently see black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) throughout Oregon. They are commonly found in wood piles, around the foundation of homes, under eaves, and among stored items. Crawl spaces are a common site, as well.

Black widow spiders build loose, wispy webs that appear as multiple unconnected strands of webbing. These webs have sometimes been described as having been made by a “drunk spider,” and they should be approached with caution. If we were teaching a class on Dangerous Spiders in Oregon 101, the black widow would be half the textbook, and for good reason. Black widow spiders are actually the most dangerous Oregon spiders, and when you find them on your property, they should make you nervous.

Perhaps in our favor, they look just about as dangerous as they are, and they are easy to spot. Females are easily identified by the distinct red hourglass shape on their undersides.

Black widow spider venom causes damage to the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, perspiration, tremors, labored breathing, and restlessness. Bites from black widow spiders rarely result in complications among healthy individuals, but the bites are especially dangerous to infants and the elderly or those with compromised immune systems from other illnesses. Moreover, the symptoms from these bites may last several days.

If you think you’ve been bitten by a poisonous spider—especially if you’re having difficulty breathing or you’re showing signs of shock, seek medical help immediately. Call 911, or go to the nearest poison control center or hospital to get an antivenom vaccine and, possibly, a tetanus shot. You may also need to kill the spider and take it with you to have it identified.

In case a doctor is unavailable, you can do the following first aid measures to alleviate your symptoms and prevent an infection:

1. Use soap and warm water to wash the affected area thoroughly.
2. Put an ice pack on the wound to reduce the swelling and the pain. You may also use a cold washcloth if you don’t have an ice pack.
3. Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream to your wound.
4. Take a pain reliever (like acetaminophen). You may also need an antihistamine (allergy medication) in case the bite is itchy and swelling.
5. Make sure to elevate the part or area that was bitten.

Worried about Spider Infestations? Bug Zapper’s Got You!

Prevention is still better than cure, so if you think those eight-legged creatures on your property are any of those venomous spiders in Oregon, contact us today. We provide spider identification services, and our team of expert pest-service professionals are more than willing to answer your questions and assist you in case of threat assessments.

If you want to get rid of these potentially dangerous spiders in your home or if you need a barrier treatment to make sure you are safe from spiders, all you have to do is to reach out to Bug Zapper Pest Control. We have spider treatments that will repel and kill all spiders—even the notorious black widows and hobo spiders. Our treatment includes complimentary exterior web and wasp nest removal, and just like with all our services, we can guarantee you 100%satisfaction. For your safety and peace of mind, call us now!

A Note on Dangerous Oregon Spiders:

If you find one of these dangerous spiders in or around your home, give us a call and we'll eliminate them for you quickly and easily.