Unless you're enthusiastic about arachnology, seeing a spider crawling around can be alarming. While there are many different species, the ones commonly found indoors tend to be small, making it difficult to distinguish between them. If you're concerned about whether or not one is poisonous, Select Pest Control can help. For more than 30 years, they've provided dedicated pest control services throughout Cincinnati, OH. While all spiders carry some venom, they advise only two that are poisonous to humans: the black widow and brown recluse.

According to this local business, neither species actively seek humans to attack—their bites are always defensive. Still, they should be avoided whenever possible.

Black Widow

Usually ¾ inch in length or smaller, a black widow's most significant characteristic is the red hourglass marking on its back. However, Select Pest Control wants to emphasize that this isn’t always the case, as some markings may not connect. Despite the name, they aren't always black, but can also be dark brown.

Brown Recluse

True to their name, this species is commonly light brown, although some are darker. They're just a hair smaller than black widows, averaging about ⅝ inches in length. They have two distinctive characteristics: six eyes, which are arranged in three rows, and a dark fiddle- or violin-shaped marking near its head.

What to Do If You Get Bit

A black widow's bite is dangerous because it leaves severe pain that can last for days. A brown recluse's, however, does more than cause pain—it can lead to an open sore, which can get infected. If you've been bitten by either, wash the area thoroughly, apply an ice pack, and seek medical attention. Small children, the elderly, or anyone with health issues should be taken to the emergency room immediately.

If you spot either of these spiders, call a professional pest control service to contain and remove them, as this is the safest way to avoid their bite. To learn more about them as well as other types of common household pests, like bedbugs or termites, visit Select Pest Control's website. If you're in the Cincinnati area and need their services, call (513) 352-0080 to schedule a consultation.