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If you’re a fan of spiders, Nebraska sure is the place for you. There are over 60 species of spiders in Nebraska, so there’s certainly one you’ll take a liking to!
In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at five spiders you might encounter in Nebraska. We’ll provide information about their looks and actions, as well as what to do if you come across one in your house. Stay safe, and read on to learn about the spiders in Nebraska!
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1. Grass spiders
The first spider on our list is the mostly harmless grass spider. Found throughout Nebraska, these spiders usually build their webs in grassy areas near the ground. They’re also known to build their webs in gardens, sheds, and other places where there’s a lot of vegetation.
Grass spiders are brown or gray in color and have stripe-like markings on their abdomen. They’re usually between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch in size, making them one of the larger spiders on this list. You will not usually see them indoors, and they can be found prowling outdoors for mosquitos and flies to eat.
While they are venomous, their bites are not considered dangerous to humans. However, they can cause localized redness, swelling, and pain. If you’re bitten by a grass spider, it’s best to clean the wound with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
2. Wolf spiders
Wolf spiders are another type of spider you might encounter in Nebraska. These spiders got their name because they hunt down their prey instead of building webs to catch them. They’re also one of the largest types of spiders in Nebraska, with some adults reaching up to 2 inches in size.
Wolf spiders are dark brown or gray in color and have stripe-like markings on their abdomen. They’re usually found in open areas like fields, forests, and gardens. And while they are venomous, their bites are not considered dangerous to humans.
However, like grass spider bites, wolf spider bites can cause localized redness, swelling, and pain. Clean the wound with soap and water, apply a bandage, and then a cold compress. If the bite is causing a lot of discomfort, try taking an antihistamine to reduce swelling.
3. Black widow spiders
Black widow spiders are one of the most feared spiders in Nebraska and the US as a whole. These spiders are, of course, black in color with a red hourglass-shaped marking on their abdomen. They’re usually between 1/2 and 1 inch in size but can grow bigger on occasion.
Black widow spiders are found in dark, moist places like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. And while their bites are not usually fatal to humans, they are extremely painful and can cause permanent damage to the wounded skin if left untreated. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include extreme muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, even paralysis.
If you’re bitten by a black widow spider, it’s important to seek medical assistance as soon as possible! Without quick antidote treatment, you risk permanent nerve damage near the bitten area. The black widow is easily the most dangerous spider on this list.
4. Brown recluse spiders
Brown recluse spiders are another type dangerous of spider you might encounter in Nebraska. Brown recluse spiders are brown with a violin-shaped marking on their back. They’re usually between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch in size, but can grow larger in the wild. These spiders are most commonly found in the Midwest, with Nebraska being a prime spot for them. Watch out!
In contrast to black widows, brown recluse spiders are found in dark, dry places like basements, attics, and closets. And while their bites are not usually fatal to humans, they can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include tissue death, fever, and chills.
Like with a black widow, seek medical attention if bitten by a brown recluse. While the effects aren’t as dangerous, brown recluses are still one of the more dangerous spiders in Nebraska and should be treated as such.
5. Sac spiders
Sac spiders are another type of spider you might encounter in Nebraska. These spiders are light brown or yellow in color and have a dark brown or black stripe running down the middle of their back. Of course, look out for the titular sac on their abdomen. They’re usually between 1/4 and 3/8 of an inch in size.
Sac spiders are found in dark, moist places like basements, crawl spaces, and garages. And while their bites are not usually fatal to humans, they can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of a sac spider bite include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Like the other creepy critters on this list, if you’re bitten by a sac spider, seek medical attention as soon as you can.
6 . The American House Spider
The least creepy of all of these spiders is undoubtedly the house spider. The American House Spider, which is scattered throughout North America, is usually brown or gray. It has a body length of approximately ⅜ inches. These spiders are not often considered dangerous to humans; however, their bites can cause discomfort.
If you detect an American House Spider in your house, the ideal option is to capture it with a cup and release it outside or let it be! Unless there is an overwhelming amount of them hiding in your home, you probably don’t need a professional to take care of them.
If you have a high population of house spiders squatting in your home, it may be indicative of a greater bug population. Technically speaking, spiders are predators that feast on bugs, so finding them in the same places is no surprise! The same goes for all the other types of spiders included on this list.
American spiders, though more of a nuisance than anything, can often deliver a painful and swollen bite. If you find one in your home, the best method is often to remove it without coming into contact using a tool specifically for this purpose.
While there are many different types of spiders in Nebraska, don’t let that scare you! The vast majority of them are harmless, and can even be beneficial to have around the house like the house spider. However, keep an eye out for sac spiders, brown recluses, and black widows. You could end up with a lot of pain, and an even more painful hospital bill.
If you think you’ve discovered one of the spiders on this list in your house, make sure to take the appropriate precautions for removal! And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at RECON Pest Services. With the tools and experience, we have everything it takes to keep your home pest free.
