Spiders

In Arkansas, spiders are everywhere – some simply hang out in the corners, while a few can pose real risks. For homeowners and business owners alike, spiders are nuisance pests that create unsightly webs, frighten occupants, and sometimes indicate larger pest problems, since they feed on other insects.

Common spiders in Arkansas include:

• Southern Black Widow –  Identified by a glossy black body and a red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen. They like dark outdoor locations such as woodpiles, garages, and sheds, and sometimes near foundations. Their venom is neurotoxic and bites require medical attention.

• Brown Recluse Spider – Typically tan to brown, with a faint violin-shaped marking on the back. They prefer undisturbed indoor spots like closets, attics, storage boxes, basements, and woodpiles. Their bites may cause tissue damage and require prompt care.

• Wolf Spider – Large, hairy, and brown or gray with stripes. Active hunters rather than web-builders, they’re often found in yards, gardens, under rocks, and sometimes near doors or windows. Their bites are not dangerous but can be painful.

• Common House Spider – Small, brownish spiders that build cobwebs in corners of rooms, attics, garages, and storage areas. Harmless and often helpful since they eat other pests.

• Funnel-weaver Spider – Found near building foundations, window wells, and shrubs, these spiders spin flat sheet-like webs with funnel retreats. Their bites are rare and mild.

Even if most spiders pose little medical risk, their webs, egg sacs, and sheer numbers can make them a persistent nuisance in homes and businesses. Regular cleaning and professional pest control are the best ways to keep them under control and maintain a clean, pest-free space.

Have you seen signs of spiders around your property? Contact Legacy today for a free no-obligation pest consultation.