Homeowners can find many types of spiders in their homes across the United States. While most people are familiar with the common black widow and brown recluse, there are other species that you should be aware of.
Some spiders are beneficial to have around because they help to control the population of other pests. Other spiders, however, can be a nuisance and should be removed from your home if possible. This blog post will discuss the most common house spiders and what homeowners can do to get rid of them!
Why Do Homeowners Want Spiders Out of Their Home?
If you’re like most people, the mention of spiders sends shivers up your spine. While some people like spiders, others want to get away from them. What should you do if you encounter spiders in your home? Unfortunately, you may discover more spiders in different areas of your home, including your basement, attic, bathroom, and everywhere else.
While these eight-legged creatures may seem creepy, most spiders are harmless to humans and help to keep the population of other pests under control. So why do homeowners want spiders out of their houses? Many homeowners are afraid of spiders. Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, is one of the most common phobias in the United States.
Another reason homeowners want to get rid of spiders is that some species can be dangerous; the two most commonly known hazardous spiders are the black widow and brown recluse. The black widow spider is found in all states except Alaska, and its bite can be fatal to humans. The brown recluse spider is not as well-known but just as dangerous – its venom can cause necrosis.
Most spiders are not dangerous to humans, but their bites can be painful. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to a spider bite, which can be life-threatening. If you are bitten by a spider and experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face or throat
- dizziness
- nausea
- cramping muscles
- paralysis
Types of Spiders That Are Common in Homes
While thousands of spider species exist in the United States, only several species are usually found in homes. The most common house spiders are the American house spider, black widow, brown recluse, daddy long-legs, yellow sac spider, hobo spider, orb weaver spiders, and wolf spider.
American House Spider
The American house spider is one of the most common spiders that you will find in your home. These spiders are tiny, only reaching a maximum size of a nickel, and are brown or gray. They build their webs in dark corners and are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and other areas. Messy webs often characterize them.
Black Widow
The black widow is one of the most feared spiders in the United States. These spiders are black with a red hourglass shape on their abdomen and are approximately one-half inch in size. Black widows are found in all states except Alaska and prefer to build their webs in the dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, closets, and garages. Unfortunately, they are quite poisonous and aggressive; there are approximately 2,200 bites reported each year, which will send you to the ER.
Brown Recluse
The brown recluse is a spider that is not as well-known as the black widow but is just as dangerous. These spiders are light brown or yellowish and have a dark brown violin shape on their back. They are an approximately one-half inch in size and can be found in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and Montana. They prefer to build their webs in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, basements, and attics. Brown recluse spiders are quite poisonous, and their bites can cause necrosis, which is tissue death.
Daddy-Long-Legs
The daddy long-legs spider is also known as the harvestman spider. These spiders are light brown or gray and have long, thin legs. They are an approximately one-quarter inch in size and can be found in all states except Alaska and Hawaii. They build their webs in the dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, closets, and attics; you can also find their nests in trees. Daddy long-leg spiders are not poisonous to humans and aren’t bothersome at all.
Yellow Sac Spider
The yellow sac spider is a tiny spider that is light yellow or green; they build a tent-like nest which they hide in during the day and hunt at night. They are approximately one-quarter inch in size and can be found in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. They build their webs in dark, undisturbed areas such as basements, closets, and attics. Yellow sac spiders are not poisonous to humans, but their bites can be painful and cause hospitalizations for people with compromised immune systems.
Hobo Spider
The hobo spider is brown, approximately one-half inch in size; they are tannish-brown, and the abdomen is mottled with darker. They can be found in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. These spiders build their webs outside and come indoors to hide in clothing, beds, and shoes. Hobo spiders are not poisonous to humans, but the bites can cause swelling.
Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weaver spiders are a type of spider that builds the classic, round web. These spiders can be found in all states except Alaska and Hawaii and come in various colors, such as black, brown, gray, and red. They build their webs in gardens, trees, bushes, decks, your home’s exterior, and other outdoor areas. Orb weaver spiders are not poisonous to humans but can cause irritation with their bites.
Wolf Spider
Wolf spiders are a type of spider that is brown or gray with dark markings. They are approximately one-half inch in size and can be found in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. These spiders don’t build webs to catch prey but hunt them down, often known as nomadic spiders. You can find them in basements, sheds, garages, or other debris outside where insects are hiding. Wolf spiders are not known to bite and often flee for protection.
Residential Pest Control For Those Spiders You Want to Eliminate
If you want to eliminate spiders in your home, the best way is residential pest control. Gecko Pest Control will develop a plan specific to your home and needs to get rid of those pesky spiders for good! While we will not disturb those species that aren’t harmful to humans, we will eliminate the spiders that are a danger to you and your family. So give us a call today for a free consultation!
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