Dangerous spiders getting more active in MS as weather warms. Here’s how to spot them
As the weather warms in Mississippi, spiders are crawling out of their winter hiding spots and looking for places to hunt, mate and lay eggs, according to experts.
Getting bit by a spider, or even seeing one, is a fear for many people, but only two types of spiders in the United States are considered “medically relevant,” according to the American Association of Family Physicians.
It’s important to remember that despite myths exaggerating the danger of spiders, these eight-legged arachnids actually play an essential role in their ecosystems, acting as pest controllers and indicators of biodiversity, according to PETA.
As spider sightings ramp up around the Magnolia State, here’s what you should know to stay safe.
Which MS spiders are dangerous?
There are more than 30 spider species in Mississippi, but not all of them are dangerous to humans, according to Spider ID.
Two spiders found in the state are venomous, meaning it can inject a toxic venom when it bites. These are the species you should be aware of, according to the Mississippi Poison Control Center:
- Black widow
- Brown recluse
How to identify a venomous spider
Because venomous spiders are common in Mississippi, it’s important to know how to identify them. Here’s how you can tell if a spider is venomous, according to the MPCC.
Black widow spiders
These are shiny black spiders with a red hourglass shape on the ventral surface of the abdomen. They are found in dark, cool environments often outside.
Also look out for Brown widows, which are brown or gray with an orange hourglass shape on the ventral abdomen.
Brown recluse spiders
These spiders are brown with a distinct violin-shaped mark on the top part of their middle body and can grow up to 3 centimeters in length, according to the MPCC. They’re often found in human dwellings.
What to do if spider bites you
Most spider bites heal on their own, but if you’re bitten by a venomous spider, first-aid treatment is likely necessary, according to Mayo Clinic.
Here’s how to treat a spider bite:
- Clean the wound with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment three times a day
- Apply a cool compress over the bite for 15 minutes each hour
- Elevate affected area
- Take over-the-counter pain reliever
- Use an antihistamine if the area is itchy
- Sometimes antivenom, a tetanus shot or muscle relaxants are needed. Monitor your symptoms and see a doctor if they worsen
This story was originally published March 27, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
