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Venomous vs Poisonous Spiders – What’s the Difference?

Jul 19, 2019 | Pest Control

One of the most common questions that arises when a spider is found in a home is “is that spider poisonous?” That’s a trick question. Most spiders are poisonous, yet only a handful are venomous. Poisonous spiders release their toxins when they are inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the tissue or skin; in other words, they’re only harmful if you eat them. Venomous spiders, on the other hand, inject their toxin with a fang-like apparatus known as a chelicerae. These are the spiders you should be worried about and avoid contact with.

While there are more than 20 species of spiders in Georgia, there are only 2 that are known to be dangerous to humans: the black widow and the brown recluse. Like most common spiders, biting humans is a last line of defense. They are more likely to flee, hide, or even play dead rather than bite a human. It takes a long time for a spider to replenish his supply of venom after he injects it. Most will only use this defense mechanism if they have no other choice. Wasting venom on a human can even cause the spider to starve to death before his supply is replenished as he will have no means to kill any prey he catches.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the venomous spider species in Georgia, as well as some general tips to prevent spiders from getting into your home.

Black Widow

The black widow spider is considered to be the most venomous spider in North America. It is only the female black widow, however, that is dangerous to humans. Black widows are a red and black spider that is usually about 1.5 inches long with a shiny, globular abdomen and a reddish hourglass shape on its underside. While they are mostly black in color, they can sometimes be brown. The venom of a black widow spider is reportedly 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake. While black widow bites can be fatal to the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, most victims suffer no serious or long term damage from the bite. Black widows are not aggressive and bites commonly occur as a result of accidental contact. Common symptoms from a black widow bite include redness, swelling and tenderness at the site of the bite, muscle aches, nausea, and sometimes paralysis of the diaphragm which can cause difficulty breathing.

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spider is also known as the violin spider or the fiddleback spider. The brown recluse is a light brown spider with a dark, violin-shaped marking on its back with the neck of the violin pointing toward the rear of the spider. They also have a very distinctive eye pattern with a semi-circular arrangement of 6 eyes (3 sets of 2) while most spider species have 8 eyes. Adult brown recluses are about the size of a quarter. They usually live outdoors under rocks, woodpiles, logs, etc. but are also well adapted to living indoors with humans. Once inside they are commonly found in attics, garages, basements, and are even known to wander into shoes, clothing, and bedding. They hunt at night and retreat to dark, secluded places in the daytime. The brown recluse is typically not aggressive and usually only bite when they are inadvertently trapped against human skin (rolling over on them in the bed or slipping your foot into a shoe they have crawled into for hiding). While bites are rare they can cause serious wounds and infections. The majority of bites remain localized, becoming red, swollen and tender at the site of the bite. If left untreated, a necrotic lesion may develop, usually accompanied by a central blister.

Prevention

Keep your garages, attics, sheds, basements, and other areas that aren’t utilized often clean and clear of clutter. Try to avoid leaving clothing and shoes on the floor and store them in plastic bins if possible. Shake out any clothing that has been left on the floor or in a hamper before wearing or washing.

Seal any cracks and crevices around your home. Spiders can get in through damaged window screens or cracks in your siding. Inspect the outside of your home seasonally and make any repairs necessary.

Inspect any items that are brought from outdoors into your home. This includes any packages delivered to your porch or steps, groceries that may be placed on the driveway or porch as you are unloading, boxes of decorations being brought in from storage, or used appliances that are bought secondhand.

Contact a licensed pest control company if you suspect you have a spider problem. A professional pest control technician can inspect the exterior and interior of your home to help identify any possible entry points, identify the type of spiders and other pests you may be having issues with, and properly, safely, and effectively treat any pest problems they may encounter.

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Spiders in Georgia — 10 Common Species & What You Should Know

Mar 8, 2019 | Georgia Blogs, Pest Control

By Anna V., Editorial Lead — Pest Education · Last updated: May 2026

Georgia’s hot, humid climate is excellent for almost everything, including the dozens of spider species that live here. At Northwest, we run spider control calls year-round across our Georgia and Alabama service area, but they spike sharply from April through October as outdoor temperatures rise and spider populations boom. The good news for homeowners: the vast majority of the spiders in Georgia are harmless. Only a handful are medically significant, and even those are uncommon to encounter indoors.

Here are the 10 spiders you’re most likely to see around a Southeast home, how to identify each, which ones warrant caution, and what to do when you find one.

A large garden spider in a circular web in a Georgia backyard — one of the most commonly spotted spiders in the Southeast during late summer.

Most spiders in Georgia are outdoor garden spiders that quietly handle the local insect population.

Why Understanding Spiders in Georgia Matters

Spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations. The yellow garden spider you find in your shrubs eats hundreds of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies over a summer. The cellar spider in your basement is quietly catching the small flies you don’t want around. Most spiders in Georgia are doing free pest control on your behalf.

That said, two facts make spider identification matter for homeowners:

A small number of species are medically significant. Three to four species in the Southeast can deliver bites that require medical attention. Identifying them quickly matters.
Most “scary-looking” spiders are completely harmless. Wolf spiders, orb weavers, jumping spiders, and the famous Joro spider all look intimidating but pose no real threat. Knowing which is which prevents unnecessary panic and unnecessary pesticide use.

Georgia’s climate produces spider activity peaks in spring (April through May), late summer (August), and early fall (September through October). Most encounters are outdoors.

10 Common Spiders in Georgia

Two species require caution. The other eight are quiet helpers around Southeast homes.

1. Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)

Status: Venomous. Bite requires medical attention.
Appearance: Glossy black body with the distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. Adult females are about 1/2 inch (legs spread to 1.5 inches). Males are much smaller and not medically significant.
Habitat: Dark, undisturbed areas. Sheds, garages, crawl spaces, woodpiles, basement corners, under outdoor furniture. Common in rural and suburban Georgia.
Action: If you find one in or around your home, call professional pest control. Do not attempt to capture or kill without protection. Bites cause severe muscle pain, abdominal cramping, and sometimes systemic reactions.

2. Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus)

Status: Venomous, but less potent than the black widow
Appearance: Tan to brown body with darker mottled markings. Distinctive orange hourglass marking on the underside (similar shape to black widow’s, but orange instead of red). Egg sacs have a spiky, golf-ball-like appearance.
Habitat: Outdoor structures, under patio furniture, in eaves, around mailboxes, under flower pots. More common in suburban and urban Georgia than rural areas.
Action: Bites are usually less severe than black widow bites but still warrant medical attention. Treat with the same caution and call professional control.

3. Wolf Spider

Status: Non-venomous to humans (bite is mild, comparable to a bee sting at worst)
Appearance: Large, hairy, brown to gray with darker markings. Body can be 1 to 2 inches with a 3-inch leg span. Eight eyes arranged in three rows.
Habitat: Ground dwellers. They don’t build webs. They hunt. Often enter homes accidentally chasing prey. Common in basements, garages, and ground-floor rooms.
Action: Harmless but startling. Trap with a cup and release outside.

4. Cellar Spider / Daddy Long Legs (Pholcidae)

Status: Harmless
Appearance: Small slender body (under 1/2 inch) with extremely long thin legs. Light tan to gray.
Habitat: Indoor ceiling corners, basements, garages, crawl spaces. Builds messy tangled webs.
Action: Leave them alone if you can. They eat mosquitoes, fruit flies, and other indoor pests. For a deeper dive, see our cellar spider vs daddy long legs guide.

5. Orb Weaver Spiders

Status: Venomous to prey, harmless to humans
Appearance: Vary widely in color and size. Many species have rounded abdomens with bright patterns (yellow, black, brown, orange). Common Georgia species include the yellow garden spider, garden orb weaver, and the spinybacked orb weaver.
Habitat: Outdoor gardens, shrubs, between fence posts, under eaves. Builds the classic large circular web.
Action: Leave them alone. They’re significant outdoor pest controllers. For more on whether their venom matters, see our orb weaver spider guide.

6. Jumping Spiders

Status: Harmless
Appearance: Small (1/4 to 3/4 inch), compact, fuzzy body. Often striking patterns and large forward-facing eyes that give them an almost cute appearance. Move in distinct jumps rather than walking smoothly.
Habitat: Active hunters that don’t build webs. Common indoors and outdoors. Often spotted on walls, window frames, and porches during the day.
Action: Among the most charming spiders you’ll meet. Harmless and useful.

7. Yellow Sac Spider

Status: Mildly venomous. Bites possible but rarely serious.
Appearance: Pale yellow to cream-colored, small (1/4 inch body). Slim legs.
Habitat: Corners of ceilings, window sills, under loose bark, in folded leaves outdoors. Builds small silken retreats rather than full webs.
Action: One of the few spiders that may bite without obvious provocation. Bites cause localized pain, redness, and itching that resolves in a few days. Vacuum sightings; call professionals for recurring activity.

8. Crab Spiders

Status: Non-venomous to humans
Appearance: Crab-like stance (front legs held out to the sides). Often brightly colored to match flowers (white, yellow, pink). Small body, usually under 1/2 inch.
Habitat: Gardens, flowers, and shrubs. Ambush predators that wait on blooms to catch pollinators.
Action: Beneficial outdoors. Leave them alone.

9. Hobo Spider

Status: Low-risk venom (medical significance has been re-evaluated and downgraded in recent CDC guidance)
Appearance: Medium-sized brown body with chevron patterns on the abdomen. Long legs. Often confused with wolf spiders.
Habitat: Basements, dark corners, ground-level spaces. Builds funnel-shaped webs.
Action: Less common in Georgia than in the Pacific Northwest. Treat as you would a wolf spider: trap and release, or call professionals for recurring activity.

10. Joro Spider (Trichonephila clavata) — The New Arrival

Status: Harmless to humans and pets
Appearance: Large, striking. Females have bright yellow and gray-blue striped legs with a yellow abdomen marked with grayish-blue lines and red markings underneath. Leg span up to 4 inches.
Habitat: Introduced from East Asia, first confirmed in Georgia in 2014. Now established statewide. Builds huge multi-layered golden webs in trees, between buildings, on power lines, across porches.
Action: Despite their alarming size, Joros are docile and rarely bite. Their fangs are too small to penetrate most human skin. They’re effective predators of other pest insects. Most Georgia residents have started simply leaving them alone.

Venomous vs Harmless Spiders in Georgia

Of the 10 species above, only two are considered medically significant in the Southeast:

Southern Black Widow: severe neurotoxic venom. Bites require medical attention.
Brown Widow: less potent than black widow but still warrants medical attention.

Two more deliver bites that can cause discomfort but rarely require medical care:

Yellow Sac Spider: mild localized reaction.
Hobo Spider: low-risk; previously thought to be more medically significant.

The other six species are functionally harmless to humans.

What to Do If You’re Bitten

For any suspected spider bite:

Wash the bite area with soap and warm water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
Watch for severe symptoms: rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, muscle cramping, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or any systemic reaction.
Seek medical attention immediately for any severe symptoms or for any bite from a confirmed widow species.

If possible (and only if safe), capture or photograph the spider for identification. Medical providers handle treatment differently depending on the species.

Spider Identification Tips

Three quick markers help with on-the-spot identification:

Size and color: Note the body size (excluding legs), overall color, and any distinctive markings (hourglasses, stripes, bright patches).
Web type: A circular symmetrical web means orb weaver. A messy tangled corner web means cellar spider. A funnel-shaped web means hobo spider or grass spider. No web at all (spider on the floor or wall) often means wolf spider, jumping spider, or one of the widow species (which build messy three-dimensional cobwebs in hidden spots).
Behavior: Fast movement on the ground suggests wolf spider. Quick jumps suggest jumping spider. Sitting motionless on a flower suggests crab spider. Hanging upside down in a corner web suggests cellar spider.

For authoritative species identification, UGA Extension’s guide to insect and arthropod pests of southeastern neighborhoods covers the common spider species in our region in detail.

How to Prevent Spiders in Your Georgia Home

Spider prevention is straightforward and overlaps with prevention for the insects spiders eat (which is the underlying reason spiders show up in the first place).

A well-sealed exterior door frame and clean garage corner — typical entry-point sealing that keeps spiders out of Southeast homes.

Spider prevention is mostly about sealing entry points and reducing the indoor insect population that draws them.

Sanitation. Remove indoor clutter, especially in basements, attics, garages, and storage spaces. Spiders need stable hiding places.
Seal entry points. Caulk foundation cracks, install or replace door sweeps and weatherstripping, screen crawl space vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth, seal gaps around utility line penetrations.
Yard maintenance. Trim shrubs and tree branches back from the foundation. Remove leaf litter, woodpiles, and debris within 20 feet of the house. Outdoor harborages give spider populations a launching pad.
Control outdoor lighting. Bright porch lights attract flying insects, which attract spiders. Switch to yellow-tone or warm-LED bulbs to reduce insect attraction.
Humidity control. Many indoor spiders prefer slightly damp environments. Run dehumidifiers in basements; fix leaks promptly.

For active spider prevention strategies including DIY natural methods, see our natural spider repellent guide.

When to Call Professional Spider Control

Most spider sightings in a Georgia home don’t warrant professional intervention. Call Northwest if:

You’ve found a confirmed black widow or brown widow on the property.
You’re seeing recurring spider sightings in living spaces (bedrooms, kitchens, kids’ rooms).
Population appears large (visible webs in multiple rooms, multiple sightings per week).
You’re noticing other pest activity at the same time. Spiders are usually a downstream effect of an indoor insect problem.
Anxiety or safety concerns make a professional inspection worth the peace of mind.

Professional spider control typically combines targeted treatment at active harborage spots, exclusion work to seal entry points, and addressing the underlying insect issue that drew the spiders indoors.

(Spider activity beyond what you want to handle yourself? Schedule a free Northwest spider inspection and we’ll identify what’s around, find the entry points, and lay out a treatment plan.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiders in Georgia

Are spiders in Georgia dangerous?

Most are harmless. Only two species in the Southeast pose real medical risk: the Southern black widow and the brown widow. The yellow sac spider and hobo spider can deliver uncomfortable bites but rarely require medical attention. The other common spiders in Georgia (wolf, cellar, orb weaver, jumping, crab, fishing, Joro) are functionally harmless to humans.

What do spider bites look like?

Symptoms vary by species. Most bites cause mild localized redness, swelling, and itching that resolves in a few days. Black widow bites cause severe muscle pain, abdominal cramping, sweating, and sometimes systemic reactions. Brown recluse bites (uncommon in Georgia) can cause a slow-healing necrotic wound. Any bite with severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, or systemic symptoms warrants medical attention.

How common are venomous spiders in Georgia?

Black widows are present statewide but uncommon to encounter indoors. Brown widows are more common around buildings, especially in coastal and urban areas. Brown recluse spiders are rare in Georgia but not impossible (they’re more common further west). Most homeowners go years between spotting a medically significant spider.

Do spiders help control other pests?

Yes, significantly. Spiders are predators of flies, mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and other household insects. A small spider presence indoors is functionally free pest control. This is one reason most pest professionals (including ours) encourage homeowners to leave individual spiders alone when possible.

What’s the Joro spider and should I worry about it?

The Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) is an invasive species first confirmed in Georgia in 2014. It’s now established statewide and continues to spread. Despite their alarming size (leg span up to 4 inches) and bright coloring, Joros are docile and rarely bite. Their fangs are typically too small to penetrate human skin. They’re effective predators of pest insects and aren’t considered dangerous.

A pest control technician performing a residential exterior spider inspection along a Southeast home foundation.

Most spider problems get solved by sealing entry points and treating the insects they’re feeding on.

Ready for a Professional Spider Inspection?

If you’ve spotted a widow species, you’re seeing recurring indoor sightings, or you just want a professional to identify what’s around your home, Northwest’s team handles the full spider control workflow: species identification, exclusion, targeted treatment, and addressing the underlying insect issues that draw spiders indoors. Most spider problems clear up faster than homeowners expect.

Schedule a Free Spider Inspection
Learn About Our Pest Control Services
Call (888) 466-7849. Same-week service available across our Southeast service area.

About the Author

Anna V., Editorial Lead — Pest Education leads pest education content for Northwest Exterminating, working with senior technicians and service center managers across our Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina service areas to translate field expertise into homeowner-friendly guides. The focus: accurate, regionally-specific answers to the pest questions Southeast homeowners are actually searching for.

8 Common Winter Pests & DIY Tips to Keep Them Out

Oct 6, 2017 | DIY, DIY Pest Control, Pest Control

1. Mice and Rats

Mice and rats will seek shelter and warmth during the cold winter months. They can fit through very small openings so eliminating entry points is an effective way at preventing them from coming into your home. Eliminating food and water sources is also effective. Replace damaged roof tiles and fill any cracks in the roofing cement. Keep your attics and garages tidy and clutter free. Store your items in plastic containers versus cardboard. Install chimney caps to keep them from nesting inside your chimney. Cover your air vents with wire mesh. Store food in airtight containers and don’t leave any dirty dishes in the sink. Empty your trash regularly and make sure trash can lids are secure. Don’t leave trash bags out in the open. Clean countertops, stoves, and behind the fridge regularly and sweep and vacuum often. Seal holes around pipes using caulk or expanding foam. Keep branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the house and store firewood at least 20 feet from the home. Don’t leave pet food out overnight and seal unused pet food in airtight containers. Replace weatherstripping on windows and doors.

2. Squirrels

Squirrels like to frequent attics and chimneys to make their nests. Cover chimneys with chimney caps. Keep shrubbery trimmed away from the house and cut down overhanging limbs. Replace rotting wood and seal any entry points including where pipes and utilities come into the home and overhanging eaves.

3. Birds and Bats

Birds and bats can and will come into your home through any opening in the exterior of the house. Chimneys should be sealed with chimney caps. Inspect the outside of your home for any openings and seal them with steel wool or foam rubber. Keep doors and windows shut as much as possible. Use screens if you must have your windows open and inspect the screens regularly for damage.

4. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are attracted to moisture and excess water. They will also enter your home in search of food. Check your pipes regularly for leaks and repair quickly. Remove obstructions in pipes to prevent bursting and leaks. Seal around pipe entry points into the home. Clean your gutters. Store items in plastic containers rather than cardboard and keep them off the floor. Store food (including pet food) in airtight containers. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Wipe down countertops and sweep and vacuum regularly. Clean under sinks, in stoves, and behind appliances regularly. Empty the trash regularly.

5. Fleas

Fleas will hitch a ride into your home on your pets. The first step in preventing fleas is to treat your animals with a flea preventative, whether through medicine or shampoos or both. Check your rugs, carpets, furniture, and pet bedding for signs of fleas. Wash your pet’s bedding and other items in hot water frequently. Vacuum regularly and be sure to empty the vacuum each time you use it. Keep your grass mowed and your shrubs trimmed as this gives fleas less room to hide. Fleas can come into your yard on wild animals so don’t leave pet food out overnight to tempt them to enter your yard. Seal entry points into the house or under porches to prevent them from hiding there, as well.

6. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can come into your home in luggage (be vigilant about preventing bed bugs when traveling!) on furniture, bedding, boxes, and even clothing. Check luggage, furniture, bedding, etc. carefully before bringing it into your home. Use a mattress cover that encases the mattress and the box springs. Vacuum frequently. Wash and dry bedding on high heat regularly. Do the same with clothing after traveling.

7. Moths

Moths are attracted to wool, fur, and upholstered furniture. Be sure to check your clothes regularly for signs of damage. Wash clothes and store them in sealed bags. Use moth balls. Vacuum and clean the insides of storage areas including wardrobes, closets, and drawers regularly.

8. Spiders

Spiders like to hide in areas of the home that are seldom used. Store seldom used items in sealed plastic containers. Seal cracks and holes in the exterior of your home to keep them from coming inside. Keep your outdoor lights off and use blinds or curtains to block the inside light. Spiders aren’t attracted to the lights but other insects are which the spiders feed on. This eliminates a food source for spiders. Keep shrubbery trimmed away from your home. Keep the grass mowed and remove debris from around your home. Sweep and vacuum regularly. Clear out as much clutter as possible. Vacuum spiders and spider webs.