Spiders

There are around 4,000 species of spiders in North America and they all differ in some way in their characteristics. That being said we have only 2-3 medically significant spiders in the US that would pose a threat by infesting a structure.  In the south, there are  two venomous species of spiders, the black widow (Latrodectus mactans) and the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa). Both of these species of spiders can be found indoors and outdoors through out the Southern States.  These two species of spiders and pose serious health risks if not properly controlled.

The shape of the spider will be based on the species, however here are some general characteristics:

• Spiders have eight legs
• Spiders have fangs to inject venom into their prey
• Spiders may have 2, 4, 6 or 8 eyes
• Spiders have spinnerets located near the rear end, which are used to push out silk to make webs
• Spiders do not have bones
• Spiders do not have ears
• Spiders do have brains
• Some spiders have lungs called “book lungs”
• Spiders have two main body parts, or segments