Even animal lovers can recoil at the sight of a spider. Given the dangerous species that live here in Brevard County, that might not be such a bad thing. For example, we have:
Widow spiders: Florida has four venomous spider species that breed in the state, and all of them fall into this category. Fortunately, only two types are liable to be found on your property. The Southern black widow and the brown widow are both spiders you should watch for. After a bite, you may feel an increase in blood pressure and body temperature. You may also feel a bit nauseated. It’s a fairly dangerous bite in the elderly or the very young, but for many, it’s only a little worse than some insect bites. Death or serious complications are rare.
Recluse spiders: People have seen these in the state, but authorities report there is no breeding population. Florida sightings include the brown recluse, Mediterranean recluse, and Chilean recluse. These are often confused with other kinds of spiders, though, so don’t automatically assume the worst. In the event that you’re bitten, the bite can cause severe damage to the skin and surrounding tissue, and healing may be considerable time. You may also notice a headache or nausea after a bite.
Tips for minimizing them
Even if you’re not overrun with spiders like these, the presence of any in your home can be a bit disconcerting. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help keep them out. First, make certain you clear out the clutter. Spiders need good hiding spots, inside or out, so the tidier your home and property, the less likely you are to have a problem. You should also make sure your home is thoroughly sealed and that you don’t have any holes or gaps in or around your window screens.