If you’re like most people, you may have a healthy fear of spiders and a desire to keep them out of your home. But are the critters you’re likely to run across in Kentucky or Ohio actually dangerous, or are they just scary? This area of the country hosts both venomous and non-venomous arachnids.

3 Spiders Common to Ohio & Kentucky

1. Brown Recluse

This arachnid is considered dangerous due to its bite, which often results in tissue death that could take months or even years to heal. Brown recluses are small, with long legs and a distinctive violin-shaped mark on their back. They typically build their webs close to the ground, and tend to hide during the day, making encounters with humans relatively rare.

2. Black Widow

Kentucky is home to two species of black widow, the Northern and Southern varieties, each of which has shiny black bodies with bright red markings. With venom 15 times more powerful than a rattlesnake’s, they’re considered the single most venomous spiders in North America.

3. Wolf 

Wolf spiders are one of the largest and most common spiders in Kentucky and Ohio. Most have bodies about one-inch long, but some are considerably bigger and are usually found outdoors on the ground. This arachnid is essentially harmless, with bites that are usually no worse than a bee sting. In fact, their presence can be helpful, as they consume other insects. 

The expert exterminators at Select Pest Control have served homeowners throughout the greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years, helping their clients eradicate everything from dangerous spiders to bedbugs. Their team is highly trained and utilizes only the best industry practices. To schedule your free consultation and estimate, visit their website today. Call (513) 352-0080 to reach their office in Hebron, KY, or (513) 352-0080 to speak with an exterminator in Cincinnati. For more advice and tips, follow the area’s top pest control specialists on Twitter.