Dangerous Spiders in the Atlanta, Georgia, Area

Dangerous spiders in the Atlanta, Georgia, area are the black widow and the brown recluse. Black widows mostly inhabit the western and southern United States, including Atlanta. The brown recluse lives in the Midwest and the South.

Black Widow

The black widow usually makes its home outdoors in woodpiles, around fences and near piles of debris. The spider is all black except for red spots in the belly area. Its bite leaves two characteristic puncture marks in the skin and injects a nerve toxin. Pain starts at the wound site and spreads.

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse likes to live in piles of leaves, rocks and other dry, protected, dark places. The spider is brown with a darker violin-shaped mark on its head, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Bites can sting and cause pain at the site as well as a small white blister. The venom can cause a skin lesion and tissue destruction, which will require medical attention.

Other Symptoms

These spiders can also get inside a house. Depending on the severity of the bite, other symptoms from both spiders include rash, itching, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure and even death. Its best to get medical help immediately after receiving a spider bite.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Venomous Spiders