South Florida is home to numerous species of spiders. Each of these spiders is unique and easily identifiable. They include the Spinybacked Orbweaver, Orchard Spider, Spitting Spider and the Grass Spider. To get a detailed description go here
Spiders prefer to reside in areas that are not well manicured, such as parks and overgrown lawns. They also tend to live near one another in web clusters and spiders of the same species. They are also commonly found in and around trees, or in houses that do not use air conditioning. Spiders that live in the yard are seldom seen in the house because they will starve or die of thirst. When you see these spiders in the yard, don’t disturb them, work around them as much as possible and call a professional landscaper if you continue to have issues.
Florida is also home to fifty species of native snakes. Of these, six are venomous, with four that reside in South Florida. The venomous snakes are the Diamondback, the Pygmy Rattler, the Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin and the Coral Snake. To get a detailed description go here
Snakes both venomous and non venomous in South Florida tend to live in and around the hammock areas of the yard (areas that have a lot of shade), trees, leaf litter, swamps, marshes, lakes and ponds. When you see a snake, don’t try to kill it or capture it. Please call your landscaper or a professional or stand at a safe distance and spray it with a garden hose. Snakes hate that and will leave quickly. Don't kill nonvenomous snakes. Any given area can only support a fixed number of snakes. If you kill the nonvenomous snakes that leaves a food supply that could support a population of venomous snakes.
Scorpions look very intimidating but are primarily a nuisance. No Florida scorpion has a lethal sting but it can be painful. The most common Florida scorpion is the Hentz striped scorpion, which is orangish-brown and is found all over the state. The largest of Florida’s three scorpion species is the Florida Bark scorpion, also known as the Slender Brown scorpion. The third Florida species, the Guiana Striped scorpion, is yellowish-brown in color and is usually around 2 ½ inches long. It is only found around Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade counties (Florida Bugs.com).
Scorpions are typically found hiding outside under boards and logs, under firewood, around piled bricks, and under debris or other areas that offer shelter and protection. They are natural predators and hunt nocturnally. Although it’s not common, scorpions have been known to wander indoors. However, they do reduce pests in and around the home as they feed on insects, spiders, cockroaches, lizards, crickets, and similar small animals. Florida bark scorpions have been known to feed on termite grubs as well. When you see a scorpion outdoors away from your home, leave it alone. (Florida Bugs.com) If it is in your home you will probably attempt to kill it but make sure you act quickly because they are fast. Also, make sure it is dead before you get too close because they can flatten but not die.
Lastly, centipedes are found a good amount around south Florida homes. They produce venom with which to subdue their prey. However, centipede bites are typically more painful for humans than they are dangerous. Individuals with other insect allergies should observe their symptoms closely in the event of a centipede bite. Beyond the initial pain caused by an attack, possible side effects include severe swelling, chills, fever and weakness. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately.
To reduce or eliminate these creatures in and around your home, make sure to place debris piles on blocks away from the house. Keep firewood away from the house and keep it outside until it is ready for use. Prune your bushes and trees back and keep them from hanging over the home. Replace damaged screens, use caulk to seal cracks and use weather stripping to seal door openings. When in doubt, call your landscaper!
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