Two Dangerous Spiders In Michigan You Should Avoid

Spiders are scary to a lot of people because they look so creepy.

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While I understand the fear, you really only need to be worried about two spiders that can be found in Michigan.

Two Dangerous Spiders In Michigan You Should Avoid

In Michigan, there are two primary species of spiders that are considered dangerous due to their venom: the Northern Black Widow and the Brown Recluse.

Northern Black Widow Spider

• Scientific Name: Latrodectus variolus
• Appearance: The female black widow is recognizable by its glossy black body and the distinctive red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. Males are smaller and lack this marking.
• Habitat: These spiders are commonly found in the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan, often residing in dark, secluded areas such as woodpiles, sheds, and garages.
• Danger: While the venom of a black widow is highly toxic, with neurotoxins that can cause severe symptoms like muscle cramps, nausea, and pain, bites are rare as these spiders are generally shy and avoid human contact. Fatalities are extremely uncommon, with a less than 1% mortality rate among victims.

Brown Recluse Spider

• Scientific Name: Loxosceles reclusa
• Appearance: The brown recluse is light to medium brown and features a characteristic violin-shaped marking on its back. They are typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.
• Habitat: Though not native to Michigan, brown recluse spiders have been found in at least ten counties, often hiding in dry, undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, utility boxes, and inside homes in closets or basements.
• Danger: A bite from a brown recluse can lead to serious health issues, including tissue necrosis and severe pain. While bites are rare, they can be serious and may require medical attention if symptoms worsen.

While you should be cautious and avoid these two spiders, the good news is that the majority of spiders in Michigan are harmless to humans.

In fact, they are beneficial as they help control populations of flies, roaches, mosquitoes, earwigs, and other pesky insects.