Michigan may not have hurricanes, sharks, or earthquakes, but it does have its fair share of poisonous and venomous critters slithering and crawling throughout the state. While the majority of the Mitten State's spider species aren't dangerous to humans, two pack a venomous punch: the Brown Recluse and the Northern Black Widow.

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Before you start panic-selling your house, let's take a look at where you might find them lurking in your home and what happens if you are bitten by either.

Brown Recluse: They Don't Them 'Recluse' For Nothing

A closeup of the Brown Recluse Spider is seen with an outline of the state of Michigan appearing next to the words BROWN RELCLUSE
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Forget the urban legends; according to the Michigan State University Extension Landscaping (the experts in putting their hands in dark places), Brown Recluses are rare in Michigan. Most 'recluse sightings' are harmless spiders unfairly accused of crimes they didn't commit. However, Brown Recluses have been found in Gennesee, Lenawee, and Washtenaw counties.

An outline of Michigan with THE DEADLY SEVEN: POISONOUS AND VENOMOUS MICHIGAN SPECIES written and pictures of a Black Widow, Brown Recluse, Hogsweed, Wild Parsnip, and a rattle snake, with KEEP SCROLLING also seen
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If you decide to look for a recluse in your home (Why?), consider dark and undisturbed areas, such as your basement, attic, and barely used storage closets. Tread lightly.

An image of a foot suffering from necrosis, the dying of human flesh, is seen with a pair of gloved hands holding the foot and measuring the area. A brown recluse spider, who is found in Michigan and whose bite can cause necrosis, is seen lurking under the foot.
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CBS News reports Brown Recluse bite can lead to necrosis (your flesh dying away), but most bites heal without drama. Symptoms include pain (duh!), redness, and, in rare cases, a pretty gnarly open wound.

Black Widows in Michigan

A closeup of a Northern Black Widow Spider and an outline of Michigan and the words NORTHERN BLACK WIDOW
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Unlike the Brown Recluse, Northern Black Widows actually belong here. You'll most likely find one crawling in woodpiles, garages, crawl spaces, and even under your patio furniture (yikes). They'll be hard to spot, though, because they hide when they see you coming.

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Griffin Pest Services states that peak Northern Black Widow season in Michigan runs from April to October, just in time to break out the life jackets or rake.

A closeup look at the fangs of a Northern Black Widow spider, found in Michigan.
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Black Widow venom attacks your nervous system, so if you're bit, expect muscle cramps, nausea, and sweating. Think of it like all the effects of running upstairs without any of the benefits. Severe cases may require medical attention, but bites are rarely fatal.

How to Not Get Bitten By Michigan's Venomous Spiders

Clockwise from top left: a pile of wood; a dark closet and door handle; a crawl space; a man looking into a boot with a magnifying glass. In the center of the four images is an outline of Michigan with a skull and crossbones warning symbol and a Black Widow and Brown Recluse spiders crawling on them both.
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Spiders love cozy, dark hideaways, so always shake out your shoes, gloves, and any stored clothing to avoid Michigan's creepy crawlers. Be careful around woodpiles, in sheds, and crawl spaces, and wear gloves if you have to reach into any dark crevices.

An outline of Michigan with THE DEADLY SEVEN: POISONOUS AND VENOMOUS MICHIGAN SPECIES written and pictures of a Black Widow, Brown Recluse, Hogsweed, Wild Parsnip, and a rattle snake, with KEEP SCROLLING also seen
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If you are bitten by what you think maybe a Brown Recluse or Black Widow, seek medical attention ASAP, don't just Google it. But, while it may not seem possible, remember: Michigan's spiders are more scared of you than you are of them...probably.

The Deadly 7: Michigan's Most Venomous and Poisonous Threats

In Michigan, we may not have hurricanes or gators, but we have bugs that carry fatal diseases, blister-causing plant life, and 3 deadly native Michigan species.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

False Widow Spiders

Spider Cave, a/k/a Burnt Bluff

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