Arkansas is home to many spiders, most of which are harmless. They help control insect populations. Knowing the common spiders in Arkansas can help you identify them and appreciate their role in the ecosystem. We’ll look at some of the most common spiders in the state, their features, and where to find them.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are common in Arkansas. They are big, fast, and hairy, often mistaken for tarantulas. They are brown or gray with unique markings on their backs.
Unlike many spiders, wolf spiders don’t use webs to catch prey. They hunt insects on the ground, making them great at controlling pests.
You’ll find wolf spiders in grassy areas, under rocks, or inside homes, mostly in the cold months. Their look might scare you, but they’re not harmful to humans unless provoked.
Orb-Weaver Spiders
Orb-weaver spiders are known for their circular webs. They are common in gardens, forests, and around homes in Arkansas. They come in colors like yellow, orange, and black, with striking patterns on their abdomens.
Orb-weavers are good to have around because they reduce flying insects like mosquitoes and flies. Their webs are in open spaces, like between tree branches or near outdoor lights. Despite their size, they are not aggressive and rarely bite humans.
Black Widows
Black widows are well-known in Arkansas and are venomous. They are shiny black with a red hourglass shape on their underside. They like dark, secluded spots like woodpiles, sheds, and basements.
Black widow bites are rare but can be dangerous if not treated. Symptoms include muscle pain, nausea, and trouble breathing. If you think you’ve been bitten, get medical help right away. To avoid bites, wear gloves when handling firewood or working in dark areas.
Brown Recluse Spiders
The brown recluse is another venomous spider in Arkansas. They are light to medium brown with a violin-shaped marking on their back. They like dark, undisturbed places like closets, attics, and behind furniture.
Brown recluse bites can cause serious wounds that take weeks to heal. But bites are rare and usually happen when the spider is accidentally pressed against the skin. To reduce the risk, keep storage areas clean and avoid leaving clothes or shoes on the floor.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are small, colorful, and very agile. They can leap far to catch prey. They have great vision and hunt during the day. Their size and colors make them fascinating.
You’ll see jumping spiders on walls, windows, or plants. They are harmless to humans and can be fun to watch. Their curiosity sometimes leads them to approach humans, but they are not a threat.
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders, also called “daddy longlegs,” are common in Arkansas homes. They have long legs and small bodies, often hanging upside down in messy webs. They like damp, dark places like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
Despite their spooky look, cellar spiders are harmless and help control pests like flies and mosquitoes. They also eat other spiders, including venomous ones like black widows.
Garden Spiders
Garden spiders, also called yellow garden spiders, are big and colorful. They have yellow and black markings. You can find them in gardens, fields, and meadows in Arkansas.
They build big, circular webs with a zigzag pattern. This pattern is called a stabilimentum.
Garden spiders are good for gardeners because they help control pests. They are not aggressive and rarely bite unless handled. Their bright colors and impressive webs make them popular among nature lovers.
Arkansas has many spiders, each with its own look and behavior. Some, like the black widow and brown recluse, need caution. But most spiders in Arkansas are harmless and helpful. Learning about these spiders helps us appreciate their role in nature and live peacefully with them.
If you see spiders at home or in your yard, remember they are mostly helpful. But if you’re not sure about a spider or worried about a bite, it’s best to ask a professional for help.
How to Safely Coexist with Spiders in Arkansas: Prevention and Removal Tips
Living in Arkansas means sharing space with many spiders. Some are harmless, while others need caution. Knowing how to live safely with these eight-legged friends helps keep your home peaceful. Here are some tips to prevent and manage spiders in your Arkansas home.
Know the Common Spiders in Arkansas
Arkansas has many spider species, like the harmless orb-weaver and the fast wolf spider. There are also the dangerous brown recluse and black widow. Knowing which spiders are around helps you know what to do. For example, orb-weavers are good because they eat insects. But, you should be careful with brown recluses and black widows because their bites can be dangerous.
Prevent Spiders from Entering Your Home
Stopping spiders from coming in is the first step. Here are some ways to do it:
- Seal Entry Points: Look for cracks, gaps, and holes in your home. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close them up.
- Keep Your Home Clean: Spiders like clutter and mess. Vacuum, dust, and declutter often to keep them away.
- Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Bright lights attract insects, which spiders like. Use yellow or sodium vapor lights outside to keep them away.
- Store Firewood Away: Keep firewood and outdoor items at least 20 feet from your home. This stops spiders from getting inside.
Natural Spider Repellents
If you want to use natural ways to keep spiders away, try these:
- Essential Oils: Spiders don’t like the smell of peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils. Mix a few drops with water and spray around your home.
- Vinegar Solution: A mix of equal parts vinegar and water can clean surfaces and keep spiders away.
- Chestnuts: Some people think placing chestnuts in corners can keep spiders away. But, it’s not always effective.
Safe Spider Removal Techniques
If you find a spider in your home, it’s important to remove it safely. This is true for venomous spiders like brown recluses and black widows. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a Jar and Cardboard: Put a jar over the spider, slide cardboard underneath, and let it go outside.
- Wear Gloves: Wear gloves when handling spiders or cleaning where they might be.
- Call a Professional: If you’re not sure about a venomous spider, call a pest control expert for help.
Reduce Spider Habitats Around Your Property
Spiders love places with lots of food and shelter. To make your place less appealing to them:
- Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs, trees, and grass trimmed away from your home’s exterior.
- Remove Debris: Clear away leaf piles, rocks, and other debris where spiders might hide.
- Fix Water Issues: Repair leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage to reduce moisture, which attracts both spiders and their prey.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most spiders are harmless, venomous ones like brown recluses or black widows are a risk. If you see many spiders, webs in odd places, or signs of bites, call a pest control pro. They can figure out the problem and make your home spider-free.
Knowing about Arkansas’s spiders and how to prevent them helps you live with them safely. Spiders help control insects, so it’s good to have them around.
Conclusion
Arkansas is home to many spiders, from harmless orb-weavers to dangerous brown recluse and black widow. Knowing about these spiders helps you understand them better. This way, you can appreciate their role in keeping pests under control.
To live with spiders safely, focus on prevention and removal. Seal cracks, keep your home clean, and reduce clutter. If you see a spider, use a cup and paper to move it outside gently. For dangerous ones, call a pro for safe removal.
By staying informed and taking simple steps, you can live peacefully with Arkansas’s spiders. Most are harmless and helpful, so there’s no need to panic. Instead, enjoy watching them from a safe distance.
