The worst thing, is all the really bad spiders all look completely inoffensive and not the least bit intimidating. The rain spiders (Palystes) and baboon spiders are generally not bad, although they certainly have the fear-factor. I once poked a large horned baboon spider (about the size of a human hand) with a long piece of grass, which he did not like and he proceeded to rear on to his back legs, showing some fearsome fangs and if that was not scary enough, he actually hissed, which was most disconcerting! A lot of the spiders you see inside the home, especially 'flatties' (Selenopidae) are very common and beneficial in killing mozzies, flies, etc, but obviously some others are not as welcome in the home.

Hear in north central Texas...it is hard to go a day with out seeing a Brown Recluse Spider. They are very common. Bites...or at least bites that result in necrosis are rare in comparison...but..they do happen.