Identifying and Managing Venomous Spiders in Georgia Homes

Two spiders pose real risks in Georgia: the black widow and the brown recluse. Black widows prefer outdoor hideouts—woodpiles, rock piles, sheds—but occasionally wander indoors. They're shy, biting only when crushed. Brown recluses, however, thrive inside homes, hiding in cardboard boxes, behind frames, and in seldom-used closets.

Prevention is your best tool: wear gloves when moving stored items, reduce clutter, and seal entry points. Insecticide sprays (chlorpyrifos, permethrin, propoxur) have limited reach—you must hit the spider directly. Sticky traps along baseboards help monitor and catch wanderers. Remember, most spiders are harmless and beneficial; learn to distinguish the dangerous few.