Venomous Spiders in Montana: What to Know
When it comes to living in Montana, nature is a big part of the appeal, but that doesn’t mean you want to share your home with wildlife, especially venomous spiders. While most spiders in Montana are harmless, there are a few you should be cautious about.
Understanding which spiders are venomous, where they live, and how to handle encounters can keep you and your family safe.
Key Takeaways
Black widow spiders are venomous and often hide in woodpiles, sheds, or basements across Montana, including Bozeman.
Hobo spiders build funnel webs and rarely bite humans, with their venom causing only mild irritation or swelling.
Orb weavers, wolf spiders, and jumping spiders are common in Montana and help control insect populations near homes.
Hiring pest control ensures effective spider prevention by sealing cracks, decluttering spaces, and treating hidden areas.
Venomous Spiders Found in Montana
Montana is home to several species of spiders, but only a few are considered venomous. Here’s a look at the ones you should watch out for:
1. Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider is easily recognized by its shiny black body and the red hourglass marking on its abdomen.
Found throughout North America, including western Montana and areas like Bozeman and Missoula, these spiders tend to hide in dark, secluded places like woodpiles, sheds, and basements.
Although black widows are not the largest spiders in Montana, they are among the most venomous. Their bites are rarely fatal but can cause symptoms such as muscle cramping, nausea, and intense pain.
If this poisonous spider bites you, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Hobo Spider
The hobo spider, also known as the aggressive house spider, is a common resident of central and northern Montana. These funnel weavers construct webs often found in basements, crawl spaces, and other undisturbed areas around human structures.
While hobo spiders were once thought to cause necrotic wounds, recent research has cast doubt on the severity of their venom. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer lists them as a species of medical concern.
Though rare, their bites may cause mild irritation or swelling but are not typically dangerous.
How to Identify a Venomous Spider
If you spot a spider in your home or yard, here are some key identification tips:
Coloration: Look for distinctive markings like the black widow’s red hourglass.
Webs: Funnel webs could belong to a hobo spider or grass spider.
Behavior: Unlike web-building species, jumping spiders move quickly and actively hunt prey.
When in doubt, it’s best to leave the spider alone and contact a professional pest control service to assess the situation.
What to Do if You’re Bitten
If you suspect a spider bite, especially from a black widow or hobo spider:
Clean the Bite: Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply Ice: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
Monitor Symptoms: Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, muscle cramping, or difficulty breathing.
Professional Spider Control in Montana
For peace of mind, hiring a professional pest control service is the best way to ensure your home is spider-free.
At Kodiak Pest Control, we specialize in handling venomous and non-venomous spiders commonly found in the Big Horn Basin. Our comprehensive services create multiple layers of defense, treating both inside your home and the surrounding landscape.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you reclaim your home from unwelcome arachnids.
