Most spiders in Michigan are not dangerous to cats or dogs. The two species to watch out for are the black widow and the brown recluse, both of which are not very common in southeast Michigan.
Pets run into spiders all the time. A moving spider may as well be a toy as far as most cats and dogs are concerned. The good news is that you generally don’t have to worry about pets encountering spiders.
Most common house spiders don’t do very much. Cellar spiders, common house spiders, orb weavers, jumping spiders, and wolf spiders all have fangs built for insects. It’s a tall order for fangs that are small to bite through fur. Even a direct bite on the nose or a paw pad is likely to only cause brief irritation. And if your pet eats a spider, they’re likely also fine.
There are two species worth watching out for: the black widow and the brown recluse. Both happen in Michigan, but they’re not common. Black widows are usually found in undisturbed places like woodpiles and under stones or timbers. Brown recluses are not even established in Michigan but sometimes show up as hitchhikers in shipping goods.
If a bite from either happens, it can cause pain, muscle tremors, restlessness, and vomiting. Brown recluse bites can cause a slow-healing lesion. Both warrant a visit to a vet, but the odds of this happening are low.
Still, you shouldn’t have to put up with spiders inside. If you find them, start by clearing clutter in garages and sheds to reduce the amount of hiding spaces they have. Store items in sealed bins off the floor. If you have cool-toned exterior lights, swap them out with warm-toned ones since they draw in fewer insects which spiders like to eat.
If spiders are a recurring problem around your home, Mosquito Squad of Metro Detroit can help. Mosquito Squad's home and yard coverage treats the foundation, storage areas, and entry points where spiders shelter. This will help you protect the spaces your pets use.
