Venomous vs. Non-Venomous Spiders in Winnipeg: Understanding the Differences

Spiders—those eight-legged wonders of nature—have a knack for showing up unannounced in your Winnipeg yard and occasionally your home. And when they do, they spark a range of emotions from fascination at their intricate handiwork to full-blown panic (depending on their size—and boy, the size of some of these things!).

But not all spiders are created equal.

Some are harmless pest controllers, while others carry a bit more…bite, literally, we’re afraid. In Winnipeg, understanding the difference between venomous and non-venomous spiders isn’t just about keeping your nerves intact; it’s also about keeping your yard safe.

Let’s crawl into the details and find out what separates the friendly from the fearsome!

Common Non-Venomous Spiders in Winnipeg

1. Common House Spider

This small, brownish spider is the one you’re most likely to spot hanging out in the corners of your room or near windows. Known for its chaotic and messy webs, the common house spider quietly keeps your home free of flies and mosquitoes. While it might seem like a nuisance, it’s actually quite the harmless little housekeeper who prefers the company of insects over humans.

2. Wolf Spider

With its larger, hairy body and quick movements, the wolf spider can easily catch you off-guard and cause a double take. These agile hunters don’t bother with webs and prefer to chase down their prey. Due to their misleading size, the first instinct is always to think they’re dangerous even though they’re completely harmless…to humans at least. These spiders are doing the hard job of keeping your yard free of pests without you knowing it. So next time you see one, give it a little wave, and thank you!

3. Cellar Spider (Daddy Long Legs)

Famous for its long, spindly legs and tiny body, the cellar spider loves hanging out in basements and garages. It builds cobwebs in quiet, undisturbed corners and patiently waits for its next meal. Despite myths suggesting it’s highly venomous with weak fangs, this spider is harmless. It’s more of a gentle recluse with a knack for catching smaller pests.

4. Orb-Weaver Spider

The orb-weaver is nature’s artist, creating intricate, circular webs in gardens, bushes, and outdoor spaces. With its vibrant colours and round abdomen, it’s as eye-catching as it is effective at catching bugs. It rarely ventures indoors, quite content in its domain, spinning masterpieces while helping to keep pest populations in check.

5. Jumping Spider

These tiny acrobats are known for their distinctive, compact bodies and curious behaviour. Jumping spiders are furry with striking markings, and come in various colours. They don’t spin webs to catch prey but rely on their impressive jumping skills to pounce on unsuspecting insects. With excellent vision and an almost fearless attitude, these spiders are just interested in hunting bugs.

Venomous Spiders: Should You Be Concerned in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg isn’t a hotbed for venomous spiders. In fact, venomous spiders are extremely rare in the region, and encounters are even rarer. So, most of your encounters will be with the non-threatening kind. But every now and then, a venomous guest might make an appearance.

These spiders usually get to Winnipeg after hitching a ride on goods transported from other regions. Black widows and brown recluse spiders are the most notable concerns, though both are uncommon. Thanks to Winnipeg’s colder climate, these spiders typically don’t thrive year-round either.

Venomous Spiders to Know About

1. Black Widow Spider

The black widow spider, while a rare visitor to Winnipeg, is one of the most recognizable venomous spiders in the world. Its glossy black body and distinctive red hourglass marking on its abdomen make it easy to identify.

These spiders typically inhabit dark, undisturbed spaces such as basements, garages, and storage areas, often where goods from warmer regions are stored or transported. Though their venom is potent, black widows are non-aggressive and bite only when threatened.

A bite can cause intense pain, muscle cramps, and nausea, but fatalities are exceedingly rare with proper medical treatment. Keeping your storage areas clutter-free and regularly inspected can help deter these unwelcome guests.

2. Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider is even less common in Winnipeg than the black widow and is not native to the area. However, it occasionally makes an appearance via shipments from regions where it thrives.

This small, tan to brown spider is known for the violin-shaped marking on its back. True to its name, the brown recluse prefers hiding in undisturbed places like attics, boxes, or behind furniture.

Its bite, though rare, can cause skin tissue damage, leading to ulcers if left untreated. Quick medical attention can prevent complications. If you suspect a brown recluse in your home, avoid handling it and get professional pest control help immediately.

What to Do If You Spot a Spider

Seeing a spider might trigger a shriek, but there’s no need to panic. Most spiders, even the creepy ones, are harmless and beneficial for controlling other pests. However, if you spot an unfamiliar spider, here’s how to handle it safely and effectively:

• Don’t Squash It Yet: Your first instinct might be to flatten the intruder but hold off. Many spiders are just passing through and don’t intend to stay. Observe its behaviour and appearance to determine if it’s a common species or something more concerning.
• Keep Your Distance: If the spider looks venomous (shiny black with a red hourglass marking or brown with a violin-shaped back), maintain a safe distance. Avoid trying to trap or touch it bare-handed.
• Identify It: Snap a picture and compare it with images online. We’re equipped to identify spiders and recommend the right course of action.
• Capture It Safely: For non-threatening spiders, use a glass and a stiff piece of paper to trap and relocate them outdoors. If relocation isn’t an option, vacuum it up and dispose of the bag outside.
• Call in the Experts: If you’re unsure about the spider’s identity or if it’s venomous, contact us. We’ll assess the situation and provide safe removal.

Planning Ahead or Playing Catch-Up

There are two ways you can go about handling your spider problem. Being reactive or proactive in your approach.

Found a web in the basement or spotted a spider scurrying across the floor before disappearing? You can vacuum webs, trap individual spiders, or call pest control to deal with an infestation. And while effective in the moment, this approach often leaves you playing catch-up as spiders can quickly return.

On the other hand, focusing on prevention nips the problem in the bud. Proactive spider control usually involves sealing cracks, installing door sweeps, and removing clutter where spiders love to hide. Regular pest control treatments, like our BuzzShield® Insect package, create an invisible barrier that keeps spiders out before they even think about moving in.

When it comes to spider control, the choice is simple: act now or wait until your eight-legged tenants start spinning webs in every corner.

Spin Your Web of Safety with Buzz Boss

While most Winnipeg spiders are harmless roommates, a little caution never hurts. Whether you’re dealing with venomous eight-legged squatters, a spider infestation, or just want to keep the webby chaos to a minimum, Buzz Boss has your back.

With our range of proactive BuzzShield® packages, we’ll help you identify, remove, and prevent spider infestations.

Get a free estimate today and enjoy a pest-free home in Winnipeg or any of our service areas, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, Okanagan, and Kelowna.

Because the only webs you need are on the internet!