The Most Common House Spiders

Spiders entering homes is an extremely common occurrence, but when exactly should you start to worry if one could harm you or your loved ones? While some spiders are harmless, others can be quite dangerous. In this guide, we will discuss the most common house spiders, which ones to be afraid of, and how to get rid of them.

Some Info About Indoor Spiders

First, they usually don’t cause any harm. The most common types of spiders found in homes are web-building spiders, such as the American house spider and the European house spider. These spiders build webs in dark, sheltered areas, such as closets, basements, and garages. They eliminate mosquitos and other pests, so they may actually be beneficial.

Other common indoor spiders include cellar spiders and jumping spiders. Cellar spiders are often found in the basement or crawlspace, while jumping spiders prefer to live near windows and doorways. Most spiders contain venom, but a lot of them are not harmful to humans. However, each venom contains chemical compounds which may be medically beneficial.

Spiders’ eating habits also help to control the spread of bacteria and germs. When you consider the illnesses that roaches, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies transmit, any reduction in these pests will aid in the prevention of disease transmission.

House spiders are not aggressive and do not inject venom in comparison to other types of spiders. Spiders are more likely to bite when they sense they are threatened, but they would rather run away from people than assault them.

Spider Anatomy

When identifying spiders, it’s helpful to understand a bit about their anatomy. Spiders have eight legs and two body parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen.

Cephalothorax

The cephalothorax is where you'll find the spider's eyes, mouthparts, and fangs.
The cephalothorax is composed of the head and middle body (the part where the legs attach to).
The fangs of a wolf spider are curved and sharply pointed, with venom ducts opening at their tips.
Another characteristic that may be used to identify spiders is the presence of leg-like structures between the jaws and the first pair of legs known as "pedipalps."

Abdomen

The presence of silk is one of the most common ways to identify spiders. These are generated by organs called spinnerets, which all spiders possess, that sit at the end of their abdomen. Although every spider has spinnerets, not every kind spins webs.

How to Identify Common House Spiders

The easiest way to tell which type of spider you’re dealing with is by looking at its body shape. Web-building spiders have a round abdomen, while cellar spiders and jumping spiders have a more elongated bodies.

You can also identify spiders by their markings. American house spiders are brown with white stripes on their abdomen, while European house spiders are all black. Cellar spiders may be light brown or yellowish-white, and jumping spiders are typically brightly colored.

Types of Spiders Without Poisonous Bites

House spiders are very beneficial to have in your home because they eat other pests, like flies and mosquitoes. There are only a few types of house spiders that have poisonous bites, and we’ll discuss those later. For now, let’s focus on the most common types of harmless spiders.

Here are the four types of spiders that are commonly found in homes without poisonous bites:

American house spider

These spiders are small, with a body length of about .25 inches. They’re light brown or tan in color and have long legs. American house spiders build their webs in corners and crevices.

European house spider

These spiders are also small, but they’re a little bit bigger than American house spiders, with a body length of about .50 inches. They’re light brown or gray in color and have long legs. European house spiders build their webs in corners and crevices.

Barn spider

Barn spiders are large, with a body length of about .75 inches. They’re dark brown or black in color and have long legs. Barn spiders build their webs in the corners of ceilings and walls.

Crab spider

Crab spiders are tiny, with a body length of about .25 inches. They’re light brown or tan in color and have short legs. Crab spiders do not build webs; instead, they hunt their prey.

Types of Spiders With Poisonous Bites

The seven most common types of spider with a poisonous bite:

Black widow - The venom of black widow spiders is neurotoxic, which means that it attacks the nervous system. Symptoms of a black widow spider bite include pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site, as well as muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. The Black widow spiders are large, with a body length of about .75 inches. They're black or dark brown in color and have long legs, and they build their webs in dark, secluded areas.
Brown recluse - These spiders are small, with a body length of about .50 inches. They're light brown or yellow in color and have long legs. Brown recluse spiders build their webs in dark, secluded areas. The venom of brown recluse spiders is necrotic, which means that it destroys tissue. Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site, as well as blisters that can form and turn black. If you think you've been bitten by a brown recluse spider, seek medical attention immediately.
Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa Blondi) - These are the largest spiders in the world, with a body length of about .75 inches. They're dark brown or black in color and have long legs. Goliath bird eaters do not build webs; instead, they hunt. The venom of goliath bird eaters is not known to be harmful to humans.
6-eyed sand spider - These spiders are small, with a body length of about .25 inches. They're light brown or yellow in color and have long legs. Six-eyed sand spiders build their webs in the corners of ceilings and walls. The venom of six-eyed sand spiders is neurotoxic, which means that it attacks the nervous system. Symptoms of a six-eyed sand spider bite include pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site, as well as muscle cramps.
Hobo spider - These spiders are large, with a body length of about .75 inches. They're light brown or tan in color and have long legs. Hobo spiders build their webs in dark, secluded areas. The venom of hobo spiders is necrotic, which means that it damages tissue.
Mouse spider - These spiders are small, with a body length of about .50 inches. They're light brown or yellow in color and have long legs. Mouse spiders build their webs in the corners of ceilings and walls. The venom of mouse spiders is not known to be harmful to humans.
Wolf spider – These are some of the largest and most easily identified spiders. They have long legs, dark brown fur, and a hairy abdomen. Wolf spiders are fast runners and typically live outdoors, but they can also enter homes in search of food.

How to Get Rid of Spiders

If you’re worried about spiders in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

Remove their webs

The best way to get rid of spiders in your basement is to remove their webs. You can either use a broom and dustpan or a vacuum cleaner.

Seal up any cracks or crevices in your home

Spiders can enter your home through small cracks and crevices, so sealing them up will help keep them out.

Use a spider repellent

There are a few different types of spider repellents available, including sprays, pellets, and traps.

Vacuum

To remove spiders, their webs, and egg sacs, you should also practice good sanitation to prevent spiders from being attracted to your home. Eliminate clutter and store boxes off the floor and away from the walls.

Call a professional pest control company

If you’re having a lot of trouble getting rid of spiders and you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. They’ll be able to get rid of pests for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the natural ways to kill spiders?

Peppermint oil, vinegar, and eucalyptus oil are a few natural deterrents that can be used to keep spiders out of the house.

Are all spiders poisonous?

The venom of most spiders is not harmful to humans. However, there are a few types of spiders whose venom can be dangerous, including the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider.

Can I kill spiders with insecticide?

Insecticides effectively kill spiders, but it’s important to read the label carefully and follow directions. It’s also essential to avoid using insecticides in areas where there are children or pets.

What should I do if a spider bites me?

If a spider bites you, it’s crucial to clean the bite site with soap and water and apply a cold compress. If you experience any symptoms that seem unusual or if the bite site becomes swollen, call your doctor.

What causes spiders to come into a house?

Spiders can enter a home in search of food or shelter. They may also be attracted to moisture and darkness, which is why they often live in secluded areas like the basement, attic, or crawlspace.

Spiders are a common pest that can be difficult to get rid of. There are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of spiders entering your home, including removing their webs, sealing up cracks and crevices, using a spider repellent, and vacuuming regularly. If you’re having trouble getting rid of spiders or you’re concerned about their presence, it’s best to call a professional pest control company. They’ll be able to take care of the problem for you.