7 Poisonous Spiders
in Minnesota

The northern widow is above all, the spider with the most potent venom in Minnesota.

The northern widow is part of the Hourglass Spiders (Theridiidae family) which includes other, more commonly found MN spiders including:

1. Cobweb Spiders
2. Triangulate Cobweb Spiders
3. False Widow Spiders – Steatoda borealis,

Bite Appearance

Individual reactions vary and some may not notice any symptoms at all, but reactions may include:

• severe pain
• burning
• swelling
• redness
• two fang marks
• rash

Venom

The bite is similar to a pinprick, but the venom is a potent neurotoxin that may cause

• fever
• severe muscle cramping
• nausea which typically persists for 1 to 2 days.
• vomiting
• difficulty breathing
• excessive sweating
• swollen eyelids
• weakness
• tremors

The Yellow sac spider (cheiracanthium mildei) is a much more common spider throughout Minnesota. It belongs to the Eutichuridae family along with the long legged sac spider which is also found in Minnesota,

Bite appearance

Reactions to bites varies from person to person and may include:

• short-term swelling
• redness
• soreness
• small necrotic wound

Venom spread speed

Though mild reactions may occur, the venom is not considered dangerous to humans.  Regardless of the venom, the primary concern stems from a possibility of a secondary bacterial infection from the bite.

Where is it? 

Yellow sac spiders are found throughout Minnesota and may be found indoors year round. They may be seen resting on walls or ceilings, but typically hide in silken retreats found:

• under stones
• beneath bark
• below leaves
• in corners of buildings
• dark recesses indoors
• folds in fabric

SEE THE FULL INFOGRAPHIC

The Black and Yellow Garden Spideris part of a large family (Araneidae) of spiders common outside of Minnesota homes including:

• Marbled Orb Weavers
• Shamrock Orb Weavers
• Hentz Orb Weavers
• Cat Faced Spiders
• Banded Garden Spider

Bite appearance & Venom Potency

Their bite is similar to a bee sting, but is not considered dangerous.

Where are they found in MN?

These outdoor spiders that are most likely to build their homes in:

• Gardens
• Shrubs
• Tree branches
• Weeds
• Spaces between manmade structures

They are likely to be found head down in the center of a large orb shaped web.

SEE THE FULL INFOGRAPHIC

Unlike the master web building garden spiders, the Wolf spider (arctosa rubicunda, geolycosa missouriensis) of the Lycosidae family is plentiful in Minnesota and is an avid hunter. Despite this spider’s aggression toward its prey, it wants nothing to do with human beings wandering around – even the tiny toddling ones.

Bite & Venom

Though their bite may be as painful as a pinprick up to a bee sting, the venom may cause numbness, but is not usually dangerous to humans. However, secondary bacterial infections from bites are a possibility.

Where are they found? 

Wolf spiders thrive in all corners of the state of Minnesota beneath stones and debris, but as temperatures drop, they tend to move indoors. 

Signs of their presence in a home

Since wolf spiders are active hunters, the first sign they are in your home is typically the sighting of the spider itself.

SEE THE FULL INFOGRAPHIC

Jumping Spiders (Salticidae family) are a colorful spider variety in Minnesota. In addition to color, the movement of the:

• Bold Jumper
• Zebra jumper

is likely to catch your eye. 

Bite & Venom

The bite is similar to a bee sting, but the venom is not usually dangerous to humans.

Where are they found?

Jumping spiders are typically lurching around exterior walls, window screens, tree trunks, logs, rocks, etc.

Signs they are inside the home

They often will hitchhike into homes on clothing and pets, so you may not have a warning that they are present until they pop out in short, quick bursts. They hop more then run or crawl – hence their name.

SEE THE FULL INFOGRAPHIC

Nursery Web Spiders of the Pisauriadea family found in Minnesota include:

• Forest Nursery Web Spiders
• Striped Fishing Spider
• Dark fishing spider

They are quite large with an impressive leg span that can give even the calmest of nerves a jolt when they appear.

Bite & Venom

These giants of the spider world carry a bite similar to a bee sting, however the venom is not usually dangerous to humans.

Where they are found

With Minnesota’s plentiful lakes, these spiders live throughout the state in:

• Sunlit vegetation
• Nooks of tree trunks
• Building exteriors
• Cattails
• Aquatic plants

As the list suggests, these spiders are not likely to be permanent indoor dwellers.

SEE THE FULL INFOGRAPHIC

The Woodlouse Hunter of the Dysderidae family has a fierce appearance including some threatening fangs.

Bite & Venom 

Their distinct fangs may deliver a painful bite, but the venom is not dangerous to people. However, secondary bacterial infections from their bites are possible.

Where are they found?

These dusk hunting spiders roam throughout rural and residential areas in:

• basements
• crawlspaces
• under rocks
• near foundations

Signs they are in the home

Since it is a tube spider, look for a tubular retreat or sticky stands radiating from a tubular retreat or other hiding place.

SEE THE FULL INFOGRAPHIC