A Guide To Common House Spiders

There’s a good reason many people are afraid of spiders. They’re creepy, they’re crawly, and they can be impossible to get rid of. Whether you find one spider in your home or are dealing with an infestation, there’s no reason you should have to share your space with pests. When you find yourself dealing with spiders or any other unwanted pests, the experts at Frontline Pest have you covered.

7 Types of Common House Spiders

Spiders are one of the most common household pests, and while they may be unsettling to some, they play a crucial role in controlling other insects in your home. However, it's important to know which spiders are harmless and which ones to avoid.

1. Black Widow Spiders

Black widow spiders are one of the most notorious spiders in Maryland and Virginia. They are easily identified by their shiny black body and the distinctive red hourglass shape on their abdomen. Black widows are known for their potent venom, which is used to immobilize their prey, including insects, other spiders, and even small animals. While their venom can be dangerous to humans, bites are relatively rare and only occur when the spider feels threatened or cornered. 

2. House Spiders

House spiders, also known as common house spiders, are a common sight in many homes. These spiders are small to medium-sized and typically have a brown or gray body with varying patterns. While they may look intimidating, house spiders are generally harmless to humans and actually play an important role in controlling other household pests like flies, mosquitoes, and moths. However, if their population becomes too large, they can become a nuisance, especially if they start building webs in high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens. 

3. Cellar Spiders

Cellar spiders, also known as daddy longlegs, are a common type of house spider. These spiders are characterized by their long, thin legs and small, oval-shaped bodies. They are typically pale yellow or light brown in color and can range from 2-10mm in length. Cellar spiders are often found in damp, dark areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and cellars, which is where they get their name. 

4. Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are a type of hunting spider. These spiders are typically brown or gray in color with various markings and can range in size from 0.5-2 inches in length. They are known for their speed and agility, as they are active hunters that chase down their prey rather than relying on webs to trap it. Wolf spiders are commonly found in gardens, fields, and woodlands, but can also enter homes through cracks and gaps in doors and windows.

5. Grass Spiders

Grass spiders are a type of spider commonly found in meadows, fields, and gardens. These spiders are known for their unique webbing patterns, which are funnel-shaped and can be found in grassy areas close to the ground. Grass spiders are typically brown or gray in color with stripes or markings on their bodies and can range in size from 1/4 to 1 inch in length. While they may occasionally enter homes, grass spiders are generally considered outdoor pests and do not pose a threat to humans.

6. Jumping Spiders

Once inside your home, jumping spiders can be found hunting around windows and doors in search of insects to snack on. They’re also commonly mistaken for black widows due to their black bodies and short legs. Their bodies range from 1/8 to 3/4 inches and can be black, tan, brown, or gray in color. They also may be covered in dense hair or scales. Jumping spiders get their name from their jumping ability, which is used to catch prey.

7. Yellow Sac Spiders

Active hunters who usually hunt for their prey instead of building a web, yellow sac spiders can be found throughout the United States. They spend most of their time in dark spaces where they feel safe and opt for a nocturnal schedule so they can guard their sacs during the day. Yellow sac spiders can be yellow or white with a dark stripe across their abdomens. These spiders are avid hunters and will not hesitate to bite when threatened.

What Attracts Spiders to My Home?

Spiders can be attracted to a home for a number of reasons. Understanding what attracts spiders can help you take steps to prevent infestations and keep your home spider-free. Some of the reasons why spiders may be attracted to a home include:

• Food sources: Spiders are often attracted to areas where they can find food, such as other insects and arthropods. If your home has a lot of bugs, spiders may be attracted to the area in search of a meal.
• Moisture: Some spider species prefer damp environments, so areas of your home that are prone to moisture, such as basements and crawl spaces, may be attractive to spiders.
• Clutter: Cluttered areas can provide hiding spots for spiders, so keeping your home tidy and free of clutter can help discourage spider activity.
• Warmth: Spiders are cold-blooded and may be attracted to warm areas of your home, such as around heating vents or in sunny spots.

Signs of a Spider Infestation

There are several signs that indicate a spider infestation in your home, including:

• Spider sightings: One of the most obvious signs of a spider infestation is spotting them crawling around your space.
• Webs: Finding webs in the corners of your garage, attic, basement, cellar, or shed are indicators that spiders have started making your home their own.
• Egg sacs: Look out for small, white web balls that contain eggs. These sacs can contain hundreds of baby spiders that, once hatched, will build their own webs in your home.
• Droppings: Spider droppings look like small, black paint splatters and can stain your baseboards or walls if left for too long.
• Shed skins: Spiders shed their skin as they grow, and finding these skins around your home can indicate an infestation.
• Increased insect activity: Spiders feed on insects, so an increase in insect activity in your home can be a sign of a spider infestation.

Prevent Spiders in Your Maryland and Virginia Home

One of the best spider prevention steps you can take is to seal cracks and crevices around your home including in attics, foundations, and around screen windows and doors. Use caulk to fill in gaps around faucets and electrical outlets as well as around wires and cables. If window screens are ripped or torn, replace them and fill in any gaps you find. Many spiders head indoors in search of food and shelter, so if you discover an infestation, there’s a good chance you have other pests in your home as well. Luckily, Frontline Pest Control offers a comprehensive general home pest control program to protect you from not only biting spiders, but other common household insects and rodents!

Schedule Spider Control Services With Frontline Pest Today

Spiders are creepy and crawly on their own and can create a nightmarish situation when you find them inside your home. Instead of checking over your shoulder with each step, call in the pest control experts at Frontline to take care of all your pest needs. Our team is experienced in treatment and prevention so you can get back to pest-free living. Give us a call or contact us online for an inspection of your Maryland or Virginia home.