Scorpions & Venomous Spiders in North Texas

Most spiders in North Texas are harmless and even helpful, but Burleson is home to three locals that genuinely bite or sting, and a fourth thing people ask about constantly: scorpions. Here is what to watch for around the house, and how to keep them out.

The striped bark scorpion

This is the scorpion nearly every North Texas homeowner eventually meets. Pale tan with two dark stripes, it hunts at night and hides during the day in garages, bathrooms, closets and the folds of towels or shoes. It squeezes through tiny gaps and is most active in the warm months. Its sting is painful, like a bad wasp sting, and while rarely dangerous to healthy adults, it is a real concern for kids and anyone with allergies. Shake out shoes and gloves, and keep firewood and clutter away from the house.

The brown recluse

The brown recluse is a shy spider with a violin-shaped mark behind its head. It hides in undisturbed spots, closets, boxes, behind furniture, inside stored clothing, and bites when trapped against skin. Most bites are minor, but some develop into a serious, slow-healing wound, so it is worth taking seriously. Reduce clutter, store items in sealed bins, and check inside boxes and clothing that have been sitting.

The black widow

The glossy black widow, with its red hourglass, nests in dark, sheltered spots: garages, sheds, woodpiles, meter boxes and under outdoor furniture. It is not aggressive but will bite if pressed, and its venom can cause painful cramping and illness. Wear gloves when reaching into stored or outdoor spaces, and keep woodpiles and clutter off the ground and away from the home.

How a local pro keeps them out

Scorpions and venomous spiders are hunters, so the fix is threefold: treat the cracks and clutter they hide in, seal the entry gaps they use, and knock down the insect populations they feed on. A local exterminator does all three, and can set up recurring service through the active season. If you are seeing scorpions or venomous spiders near living areas, especially a child's room, do not wait. For medical guidance on bites and stings, see the Texas Department of State Health Services, then call 817-318-9105 or read about our spider and scorpion control.