Weeks of rainfall may equal more spider sightings in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Weeks of rainfall may equal more spider sightings in Indiana, according to the State Department of Health.

Several local exterminators said that over the past couple of days, they’ve answered more calls of concern than normal.

There are more than 400 species of spiders in Indiana. Only two are considered poisonous: the black widow and brown recluse.

The black widow’s body is shaped like an hourglass. The brown recluse has a violin shape on its back.

The known predators are roughly the size of a quarter, yet they can still pack a powerful punch. In some cases, they can cause raised welts, and tissue and nerve damage.

“A brown recluse won’t be able to kill unless someone the victim is a child or a person with a weak immune system,” said Megan Abraham with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

“We haven’t seen an increase in the number of spiders. I think people are seeing more of them because of the wet weather. Spiders don’t like moisture,” said entomologist Brian Price.

“If you have spiders living under or on your porch, it’s highly possible they want to relocate indoors. Remove any visible webs, remove any clutter in your home and keep any openings in your homes, like windows, shut,” said Megan Abraham with the DNR.