The Most Common Venomous Spiders in Tallahassee, FL
Living in Tallahassee means enjoying warm weather, beautiful nature, and… the occasional run-in with spiders. Most of the arachnids you'll spot around your home are harmless and even helpful. But there are a few venomous spiders in Florida, especially in Tallahassee, that you’ll want to be aware of — for your safety and peace of mind.
Let’s take a look at the most common venomous spiders in the area, what makes them dangerous, and how to keep them out of your home.
Key Takeaways
- Southern and northern black widows in Tallahassee can cause serious symptoms, but usually bite only in self-defense.
- Brown widows are spreading across Florida and can cause pain or nausea, even with their generally milder venom.
- Brown recluse and red widow spiders are less common but can still pose health risks if they bite you.
- Seeing venomous spiders or tangled webs around your home means it’s time to schedule a pest inspection.
Southern Black Widow Spider
The southern black widow is one of the most recognized venomous spiders in Florida.
These spiders have shiny black bodies with a bright red hourglass marking on the underside of their abdomens. They tend to hide out in dark, quiet spots like attics, garages, and under outdoor furniture.
Despite their reputation, they aren’t aggressive and will usually only bite in self-defense. However, if they do bite, their venom can cause intense muscle cramps, nausea, and even difficulty breathing.
If you think you’ve been bitten, seek medical attention right away.
Northern Black Widow Spider
While not as common as the southern species of widow spiders, the northern black widow can still be found in parts of North Florida, including Tallahassee.
It’s similar in appearance to the southern black widow but may have a broken or incomplete hourglass marking. These spiders prefer secluded areas like woodpiles or crawl spaces.
Their venom affects the nervous system and can be especially dangerous for children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems.
As with any widow spider, it's best to leave them alone and let a pest control professional handle the removal.
Brown Widow Spider
Brown widows are becoming more common across Florida, including Tallahassee.
They’re slightly smaller and lighter than black widows, with tan or grayish bodies and orange hourglass markings. One way to identify them is by their messy, tangled webs and spiky-looking egg sacs.
Their venom is similar to that of black widows, but they usually inject less of it, so spider bites are generally milder. Still, symptoms can include pain, nausea, rash, or muscle stiffness. In some cases, like the one in Central Florida, they have required medical treatment and monitoring.
If you’re bitten, it’s best to play it safe and get checked out.
Brown Recluse Spider
The brown recluse spider gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. These spiders are light to dark brown and have a distinct violin-shaped mark on their back. They tend to hide in undisturbed areas like basements, closets, and storage boxes — anywhere they can remain hidden and undisturbed.
While they’re more common in the Midwest, they have been reported in North Florida and occasionally in Tallahassee.
Brown recluse bites can be very serious.
Doctors often have a hard time confirming recluse bites, since they usually diagnose based on symptoms, not by finding the spider. In some cases, like one reported in Michigan, bites caused systemic illness and required hospital treatment.
Red Widow Spider
The red widow is native to Florida but is more elusive than the other widow spiders. With its reddish-orange legs and cephalothorax paired with a black abdomen, it’s definitely a unique-looking spider. They are usually found in palmetto scrub habitats, so sightings in urban Tallahassee are rare but possible.
These spiders are just as venomous as other widow spiders, so a bite can lead to symptoms like muscle spasms and chills. They don’t build webs inside homes, but if you live near a scrub area, it’s smart to be aware of their presence.
What to Do If You Suspect a Spider Infestation
If you’re seeing more dangerous spiders than usual, it’s time to think about professional spider control.
At Native Pest Management, we offer pet-friendly and eco-conscious pest control services that target common spiders and the pests they feed on.
While our standard plan doesn’t cover all types of spiders, we can still inspect and offer recommendations if you’re concerned about venomous spiders on your property.
Contact us now for a free inspection, and let us help you keep your South Florida home spider-free — safely and effectively.