🕷️ Common Spiders of South Carolina (2025 Update)

South Carolina’s Most Common Spiders – Lamp’s Pest Solutions 2025 Guide

South Carolina’s warm, humid climate creates an ideal environment for spiders — from harmless garden dwellers to a few that deserve respect and caution.

At Lamp’s Pest Solutions in Lexington, SC, our goal is to help you identify local spiders, understand which can be medically significant, and know when to call a professional.

🏡 Why Spiders Love South Carolina

Our subtropical climate supports diverse habitats — forests, wetlands, farmlands, and neighborhoods — making South Carolina home to hundreds of spider species.

Spiders play an important role in reducing pest insects like mosquitoes and flies, but when they move indoors, they can become unwanted guests.

💡 Are All Spiders Venomous?

Yes — almost every spider species has venom, which they use to subdue prey.

However, only a few species in South Carolina have venom potent enough to cause medically significant reactions in people.

Medically Significant Spiders in South Carolina:

1. Southern Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) – The glossy black widow with a red hourglass marking.

2. Northern Black Widow (Latrodectus variolus) – Similar, but with a broken or dotted hourglass.

3. Brown Widow (Latrodectus geometricus) – Brown or tan with an orange hourglass and spiky egg sacs; invasive but less dangerous.

4. Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) – Rare in South Carolina, mostly in the northwest; violin marking and six eyes.

All other spiders in South Carolina are venomous but harmless to humans. Their fangs usually can’t pierce skin, and their venom is too mild to cause serious issues.

🕷️ Spider Identification Chart (South Carolina 2025)

Spider Name	Scientific Name	Medically Significant?	Size	Color / Markings	Habitat	Danger Level	Notes
Southern Black Widow	Latrodectus mactans	✅ Yes	½ in (♀)	Shiny black, red hourglass	Woodpiles, sheds	⚠️ Dangerous	Neurotoxic venom; found statewide
Northern Black Widow	Latrodectus variolus	✅ Yes	½ in (♀)	Black with broken hourglass	Forested and coastal areas	⚠️ Dangerous	Similar to Southern Widow
Brown Widow	Latrodectus geometricus	⚠️ Mild	½ in (♀)	Brown/tan, orange hourglass, spiky egg sacs	Coastal and urban areas	😐 Low risk	Invasive; spreading in SC
Brown Recluse	Loxosceles reclusa	✅ Yes (rare)	⅜ in	Brown with violin mark	NW counties, indoors	⚠️ Dangerous (rare)	Rare in SC; often misidentified
Carolina Wolf Spider	Hogna carolinensis	❌ No	1 in	Brown, hairy	Ground, leaf litter	😊 Harmless	SC’s official state spider
Southern House Spider	Kukulcania hibernalis	❌ No	½ in	Brown/gray	Indoors, corners	😊 Harmless	Common recluse look-alike
Orb Weaver (Garden Spider)	Araneidae family	❌ No	1 in	Yellow/black	Gardens, fences	😊 Harmless	Builds large circular webs
Jumping Spider (Bold Jumper)	Phidippus audax	❌ No	¼ in	Black with white/blue spots	Indoors & outdoors	😊 Harmless	Curious, active, and harmless
Yellow Garden Spider	Argiope aurantia	❌ No	1 in	Yellow, black, silver	Gardens	😊 Harmless	Known for zigzag “writing” web
Fishing Spider	Dolomedes tenebrosus	❌ No	1 in	Brown, striped	Near water	😐 Startling but harmless	Can walk on water
Cellar Spider (“Daddy Longlegs”)	Pholcus phalangioides	❌ No	¼ in	Pale gray, long legs	Basements	😊 Harmless	Eats other spiders
Grass Spider	Agelenopsis spp.	❌ No	½ in	Tan with stripes	Lawns, shrubs	😊 Harmless	Funnel-shaped webs
Jorō Spider (Invasive)	Trichonephila clavata	❌ No	~1 in body (♀)	Yellow, black, red	Trees, porches	😊 Harmless	Invasive from Asia; now common in SC

Verified using Clemson University Extension, SC DNR, and University of Georgia Extension data (2025).

🌟 Spotlight: The Invasive Jorō Spider

First spotted in Georgia in 2014, the Jorō Spider (Trichonephila clavata) is now established across much of South Carolina’s Upstate and Midlands.

Despite their size and bright color, Jorō spiders are harmless to humans and pets.They build large golden webs between trees, light poles, and porches, helping reduce insect pests like mosquitoes.

They’re more of a visual surprise than a threat — so no need to panic if you find one.

🧠 Dangerous vs. Harmless (Quick Guide)

Category	Examples	Effect on Humans
Medically Significant Spiders	Black Widows (Southern, Northern, Brown), Brown Recluse	May cause pain, cramps, or irritation; seek medical care if bitten
Harmless Spiders	Wolf Spider, House Spider, Orb Weaver, Jorō Spider	Beneficial for pest control; bites are extremely rare
Scary but Safe	Fishing Spider, Jumping Spider	Large or fast-moving, but harmless

🧹 How to Keep Spiders Out of Your Home

1. Seal cracks and gaps around windows, vents, and doors.

2. Trim shrubs and trees touching your home.

3. Reduce clutter in basements, attics, and garages.

4. Switch to yellow outdoor lights to attract fewer insects.

5. Regularly vacuum and remove webs.

6. Call a professional if you find widows or recluses near your home.

🕸️ When to Call Lamp’s Pest Solutions

If you see suspicious spiders or frequent indoor infestations, let a professional take a look.

At Lamp’s Pest Solutions, we use safe, effective spider and insect control tailored to South Carolina homes — protecting your family and keeping pests out for good.

🏠 About Lamp’s Pest Solutions

Lamp’s Pest Solutions

316 Corley Street

Lexington, SC 29072

📞 (803) 414-0588

🌐 www.lampspestsolutions.com

Locally owned and trusted across the Midlands, Lamp’s Pest Solutions provides customized pest management for spiders, ants, bed bugs, roaches, and more.