Poisonous spiders are common in Nebraska

There are two poisonous spiders that are "very common" in Nebraska -- the black widow and the brown recluse.

Jim Hruskoci, an Extension horticulturist in Hall County, said most people have the spiders in their homes and are completely unaware of them.

"They find very good homes in our homes," he said. "A lot of people are shocked and surprised that the spiders are (in Nebraska)."

Black widows have shiny black bodies, and the adult females have a red hourglass shape on their underside. The males have yellow and red bands and spots, and the young are yellow and orange. Only the adult females are poisonous, with venom that is 15 times more toxic than that of a rattlesnake, Hruskoci said.

The females are approximately a half-inch long and can be up to 1 1/2 inches long when their legs are extended. The males are about half the size of the females, he said.

Brown recluse spiders have a violin shape that extends down their bodies from their heads and are between a quarter-inch to half-inch long, he said.

A bite from a black widow spider can cause bleeding in the tissue and bruising around the bite area. The toxins can get in the nerves and cause pain and swelling. Blood clots, infections and blood poisoning are possible, Grand Island fire Capt. John Mayer said.

However, each person reacts to a bite differently, he said.

A brown recluse spider bite can cause serious damage to the flesh because the toxins in the venom dissolve the skin, Hruskoci said.

"It's really quite gruesome," he said.

The black widow's bite hurts more, but the bite of the brown recluse "haunts you later," he said.

Brown recluse spiders are commonly found in out-of-the-way places such as rarely opened utility boxes or that pair of hiking boots that's only worn once a year, he said.

"People need to be aware but not overly alarmed," he said. "They aren't aggressive."

In fact, both spiders typically bite only if they are squeezed or pinched.

Anyone who suspects he or she has been bitten by a spider should seek medical attention immediately, Hruskoci said.