Spider control services in Northern Illinois

Yellow-Sac Spider

Cheiracanthium inclusum, C. mildie

The Yellow-Sac spider is a common spider in Northern Illinois, that it could be found in nearly any home in Northern Illinois. It is capable of a rather painful bite (similar to a bee sting). While not as dangerous as the Brown Recluse, it can still cause a painful necrotic ulcer.  Yellow Sacs hide during the day behind shelves, picture frames, under window sills, in clothing, which is of concern, as C. mildie, in particular, will bite humans and pets without reason. The yellow sacs grow to be the size of a dime or nickel, are cream to pale in color (so, they are difficult to see), and hunt at night which brings them in contact with humans.  Most spider bites in Northern Illinois, including most thought to be from Brown recluse, are actually from the Yellow-sac.

Brown Recluse

Loxosceles reclusa

The Brown Recluse a spider very commonly mentioned but is in actuality very rare in Northern Illinois. They are famous for their dangerous bite, causing a necrotic ulcer, which can cause severe muscle loss in very sensitive individuals. They are a medium size and a brown color, which means it is very frequently confused for other spider species, but can still be identified by an unmistakable ‘violin’ shape on their cephalothorax (head/neck).  They do not tolerate winters very well, however many often ‘self-confirmed’ incidents have been validated by doctors in the Chicago area. Most confirmed bites happen in the shipping industry, where spiders and other insects often travel far from their native lands.

Wolf Spider

Schizocosa stridulens, Hogna frondicola

Wolf Spiders are a common type of spider, many species of which do not spin webs to catch other insects. Instead, wolf spiders find a safe hiding spot and pounce when pray is nearby. They are timid creatures that avoid contact with humans at all cost, and combined with their weak venom they are seldom a danger to humans. Common species include the Dotted Wolf Spider (Schizocosa stridulens) and the Forest Wolf Spider (Hogna frondicola)

Cellar Spiders

*Species of the Pholcidae family

Cellar Spiders, most frequently referred to as “Daddy Long-Legs”, are a very common spider in Northern Illinois. They often inhabit basements, and have distinct long legs, hence their names. While technically venomous, they have a very weak bite. These are a type of spider that will build webs, and are commonly the source of cobweb buildup in basements and other rooms in a home.

Black Widow Spider

Latrodectus variolus, Latrodectus mactans

They are famous for their painful bites. In most around 75% of bites, symptoms wont exceed temporary localized pain. In some cases, they can cause Latrodectism, in which the pain spreads, along with sweating, nausea, and vomiting. If you develop symptoms after a spider bite, seek medical attention! Luckily, these spiders are less common, but still do exist in Northern Illinois. In the summer, they have been found as far north as Michigan, Delaware, and even Quebec! The Northern Black Widow (L. variolus) is the most common throughout the state, and the Southern Black Widow (L. mactans) inhabits the Southern United States, being seen much less frequently.