These spiders are common in Texas. Here’s what to know when you see one
It’s the kind of moment that makes you jump, spotting a spider and wondering if it’s dangerous.
Texas is home to hundreds of spider species, but wildlife experts say only a small number pose any real risk to humans.
The problem is, those few can be hard to recognize if you don’t know what you’re looking for, and in many cases, bites happen when people don’t realize a spider is there at all.
Knowing which ones actually matter and where you’re most likely to come across them can make that moment a little less stressful.
Here’s what to know.
What spiders should I watch out for in Texas?
Most spiders you’ll come across in Texas aren’t dangerous, but experts say black widows and brown recluses are the ones to watch out for.
“Black widows can bite humans. They’re shiny black, and they have a red hourglass marking on their backs,” PETA Director of Wildlife Advocacy Klayton Rutherford said.
Brown recluses have long, skinny legs and a violin-shaped marking on their head.
“They have a big reputation because other injuries are often misdiagnosed as brown recluse bites, like poison ivy or chemical burns,” Rutherford said. “90% of brown recluse bites cause mild to no symptoms at all.”
Black widows are usually found in quiet, undisturbed areas like garages, sheds and woodpiles, while brown recluses tend to hide in dark spaces like closets, attics and storage areas, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
While deaths from either are extremely rare, Rutherford said bites can still be serious, and anyone who thinks they’ve been bitten should seek medical attention.
People in North Texas are also likely to come across wolf spiders, garden spiders and even tarantulas, especially during the warmer months like July and August.
Wolf spiders, for example, are large and fast-moving and may show up around homes or inside from time to time.
Unlike many spiders, they don’t rely on webs to catch prey and instead hunt on their own, which is part of why they’re more noticeable.
“The vast majority of spider species are not medically significant. Many of them physically cannot bite humans because they’re not big enough, and when they do, most of them, their venom isn’t powerful enough to harm humans,” Rutherford said.
What should I do if I see a spider?
Rutherford said the vast majority of incidents happen when spiders feel cornered or get pressed up against someone, often when they’re on something a person is grabbing.
In those moments, he said it’s best to keep your distance.
“If you’re outside, the best thing you can do is give them their space. If they’re inside your house, you can take a glass with a sheet of paper and scoop them up and take them outside.”
Rutherford said spiders would rather live outside in their natural environment, but they sometimes come indoors in search of food.
“The best thing you can do is make sure that any gaps in your house are sealed and make sure you’ve got tight window screens. You can also use natural remedies like peppermint oil to discourage spiders from coming into your house,” he said.
Even when they show up where you don’t want them, Rutherford said spiders serve a purpose.
“They eat thousands of insects and other spiders every year, so anyone who finds a spider should consider themselves fortunate that they’re there and are playing an important part in our environment.”
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 5:20 PM.
