Common House Spider: Essential Facts & Tips

Common house spiders are often found sharing our living spaces, providing benefits like pest control by feeding on smaller insects. These small arachnids are generally harmless to humans and can be identified by their yellowish-brown color, with body lengths of about 5-6 millimeters for females and 3.8-4.7 millimeters for males according to Penn State Extension. Their distinctive abdomen may feature gray chevrons and possibly a triangular black spot on top.

As a natural part of the ecosystem, house spiders play their role in keeping other pests in check. Although they may seem intimidating to some, knowing more about their habits and characteristics can help us appreciate their presence and understand how they contribute to a balanced environment. While they might be a nuisance for some homeowners, understanding and identifying common house spiders is key to ensuring that we can coexist peacefully in our shared spaces.

Identifying Common House Spiders

Physical Characteristics

The Common House Spider is a small creature, usually measuring around 5 to 6 millimeters for females, and 3.8 to 4.7 millimeters for males. These spiders are often found in various shades of brown, yellowish, tan, and gray, with distinct markings on their abdomens. Some examples of markings may include:

• Gray chevrons
• Streaks on the side
• V-shapes behind the abdomen
• Occasionally a triangular black spot or whitish patch on the abdomen

Their legs typically have dark rings at the end of each segment, and come in yellow-brown colors.

Behavior

Common House Spiders are known for their web-spinning habits, building cobwebs in undisturbed locations. These spider webs show a tangle-like appearance and serve as the spider’s primary method for catching prey. They feed on insects and other spiders and are generally harmless to humans.

Habitat

The Common House Spider can be found both indoors and outdoors, in habitats like:

• Homes (secluded areas like basements and crawl spaces)
• Gardens
• Sheds
• Garages

They are often seen entering houses during the fall season, looking for shelter from the cold. To minimize their presence indoors, it is recommended to seal any cracks around doors and windows, and reduce the availability of food by controlling other insects in the house.

Here is a comparison table of some common spider types found in homes:

Types of House Spiders

Black Widow Spiders

• Small to medium-sized, round black body
• Marked with a red hourglass on abdomen
• Infamous for venomous bite, which can be harmful to humans
• Prefer dark, undisturbed spaces like woodpiles and garages

Black widow spiders are easily recognized by their shiny black body and distinct red hourglass marking on the abdomen. While their venomous bites can cause pain and discomfort, they are rarely aggressive towards humans unless threatened.

Brown Recluse Spiders

• Brown or grayish-brown body with violin-shaped marking
• Venomous bites can lead to tissue damage
• Favors dark, secluded areas such as basements, closets, or attics
• Non-aggressive nature, but bites when disturbed or threatened

Brown recluse spiders have a violin-shaped marking on their back and deliver venomous bites that can cause tissue damage. They prefer dark and secluded spaces in homes and are typically not aggressive unless threatened.

Jumping Spiders

• Small, compact, and hairy body
• Excel at jumping and hunting prey
• Not venomous or harmful to humans
• Largely found in gardens, but may venture inside

Jumping spiders are characterized by their small, hairy bodies and extraordinary jumping abilities. These harmless spiders are typically found outside in gardens and are not venomous to humans.

Cellar Spiders

• Also known as Daddy Longlegs
• Long, slender legs and small body
• Harmless to humans with low venom level
• Commonly found in basements and cellars

Cellar spiders, or daddy longlegs, are easily identified by their long, slender legs and small body. They are harmless to humans and prefer to inhabit basements and cellars.

Wolf Spiders

• Brown, large, and hairy body
• Fast runners and active hunters
• Non-aggressive, yet may bite if threatened
• Frequently found in gardens, but can be found indoors

Wolf spiders are large and hairy with a brown body. They are fast runners and skilled hunters. While not aggressive, they may bite if threatened. They are often found outdoors in gardens but can also be found inside homes.

Yellow Sac Spiders

• Pale yellow or beige color, small-to-medium size
• Nighttime hunters that bite when trapped or disturbed
• Bites can be painful, but not dangerous
• Indoor and outdoor dwellers

Yellow sac spiders are small-to-medium-sized spiders with a pale yellow or beige body. Their bites are painful but not generally dangerous. These nighttime hunters can be found both indoors and outdoors.

Comparison Table

Common House Spider Bites

Symptoms and Effects

Common house spiders, such as the American house spider, are usually not venomous to humans. However, some household spiders like the brown recluse or the hobo spider can be dangerous. Symptoms of venomous spider bites can include:

• Itching or rash
• Pain radiating from the site of the bite
• Muscle pain or cramping
• Reddish to purplish color or blister
• Increased sweating
• Nausea

In case of a venomous bite, panic and arachnophobia can worsen the situation.

Treatment and Prevention

For non-venomous spider bites, such as from a common house spider, treatment involves:

1. Cleaning the bite with soap and water
2. Applying a cold compress
3. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary

For venomous spider bites, like from a brown recluse or hobo spider, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

Comparison table of common, brown recluse, and hobo spiders:

To prevent spider infestations and bites, consider the following:

• Regularly clean and vacuum your home to discourage spiders from settling
• Remove webs and egg sacs whenever you find them
• Seal cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors
• Use insect repellents around the home’s perimeter

Keep in mind that most spiders, including common house spiders, are shy and will avoid humans. They can even help control other household pests, such as flies and mosquitoes.

House Spider Control and Management

Natural Predators

Some natural predators of common house spiders include:

• Mosquitoes: They feed on spider egg sacs and help control house spider populations.
• Daddy longlegs: Also known as cellar spiders, they prey on house spiders.
• Cavagrners: Carnivorous insects which feed on common house spiders and keep their numbers in check.

Home Prevention Tips

To prevent house spider infestations, consider the following:

• Cleanliness: Maintain a clean environment, especially in attics, basements, and storage areas where spiders are likely to hide.
• Sealing: Seal cracks and crevices in walls to eliminate entry points.
• Firewood: Store firewood away from the house to avoid attracting spiders.
• Declutter: Reduce clutter in storage areas and sheds, as spiders like to hide in these spaces.

Some examples of how to manage infestations are:

1. Capture and remove small numbers of spiders.
2. Employ glue traps or insecticides in strategic locations.

Pros and Cons of using traps and insecticides:

Professional Pest Control

In cases of severe spider infestations, it’s best to consult professional pest control services. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively eliminate house spiders and other pests. Be mindful of the potential costs and chemicals used by pest control professionals, as some methods may have unintended consequences for other beneficial species, such as barn spiders and funnel weaver spiders.

Benefits of Common House Spiders

The common house spider plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations. One of the main benefits of common house spiders is that they act as natural pest control. They help keep the population of insects and other small pests in check, reducing the need for harsh chemical insecticides.

• Scavengers: These spiders are efficient scavengers, preying on various household pests that can be harmful or bothersome. For example, they feed on flies, mosquitoes, and even cockroaches.
• Non-aggressive: Generally speaking, common house spiders are not aggressive creatures. They choose to retreat or hide rather than bite when encountering humans.

Here are some key features and characteristics of common house spiders:

• Legs: Their legs are usually yellow, with darker rings at the end of each segment. This gives them a distinct appearance, making them easy to identify¹.
• Beneficial: As mentioned before, having these spiders in your home is actually beneficial, as they control other pests.

Now, let’s have a look at some pros and cons of common house spiders:

Pros

• Natural pest controllers
• Non-aggressive towards humans
• Reduce the need for chemical insecticides

Cons

• Can trigger phobias for some individuals
• Produce cobwebs in corners and other areas

In summary, the common house spider is a beneficial presence in our homes. They act as natural pest controllers, keeping the population of insects and other pests in check. While they might scare some people, their advantages outweigh the negatives.