House Spiders

What do house spiders look like?

Male and female house spiders look different from each other. These differences in appearance can help identify them more easily. Here’s how they compare:

Females: Because of their size, female house spiders are more noticeable than males. They measure between .59 and .75 inches in length and range in color from dark brown to black. Due to the fine hairs that cover their bodies and somewhat elongated abdomens, they have a velvety appearance.

Males: These are less noticeable, measuring .28 to .39 inches. They have slender bodies, lighter coloration, and longer legs than the females, but they share a matted, velvety appearance.

Because of their size, you’re more likely to notice the female spiders first. Look for them tucked in a corner somewhere. The males are more mobile, so you may see them wandering inside your home.   

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What do house spider webs look like?

Unlike some spiders, you won’t find house spiders in Arizona making intricate webs like the kind you see at Halloween. House spiders make tangled webs that look like a mass of cotton-like material. These webs' disorganized appearance distinguishes them from those made by orb-weavers and funnel-web weavers. 

Where do house spiders build webs?

House spiders aren’t particular about where they build webs. Any spot that provides some form of shelter and prey availability will do. Here are a few common areas to find house spider webs:

• In corners, near the ceiling or floor
• Behind or under furniture 
• In window and door frames
• Between windows and screens
• In attics
• Around interior and exterior light fixtures 
• Garages and storage areas

Since they prefer to create webs in undisturbed locations, cracks, crevices, and hiding places, you may not notice these spiders immediately.

What attracts house spiders?

These spiders have a short list of ideal conditions. They want to live where they can find the following:

• Undisturbed and protected spaces to establish their webs and create offspring
• Abundant food sources in the form of insects and other spiders
• Warm and humid zones where food is plentiful and conditions are perfect for habitation
• Cracks, crevices, and corners that offer ample web-building opportunities

When these spiders enter your yard, they’ll gravitate to shaded spaces, junk piles, damp conditions, and areas where insects hang out. Once they settle near your home, they or their offspring enter your house through gaps and cracks.

How do house spiders get inside?

A house spider will enter through any available gap or crack. Here are a few examples to consider:

• Gaps around poorly sealed exterior doors, particularly entryways that stay lit or that have a trash receptacle nearby
• Cracks above foundation slabs
• Structural cavities that provide access to wall voids
• Gaps around utility lines
• Unprotected vents or weep holes
• An open, screenless door or window 

Once inside, these spiders can stay permanently. House spiders can complete their life cycle indoors.

Are house spiders harmful?

House spiders are not considered harmful to people. They’re not aggressive. When disturbed, they prefer to retreat. Moreover, they rarely bite and do not have a medically important venom.

While not considered harmful, most people prefer to keep house spiders outdoors because they’re creepy.

How do I get rid of house spiders?

For relief from spider infestations, contact Termio Pest Control for assistance. Our team of pest control specialists offers ongoing home pest control services in the Phoenix area that eliminate spiders and the bugs that attract them. Reach out today! 

How can I prevent house spiders?

To keep house spiders out of your home, our local exterminators recommend the following spider prevention tips: 

• Seal your exterior
  Perform an inspection and catalog potential entry points, such as gaps around utility lines, poor weatherstripping, and structural cavities. Use materials like expanding foam and caulk to pest-proof your home.
• Reduce clutter
  Clutter can attract spiders in your yard, shed, garage, or storage closet because they hide in gaps, crevices, and interior voids. They’re even more attracted to organic clutter, so remember to clean up leaves, dead branches, logs, rocks, etc.
• Keep your home clean
  Many insects enter homes and grow a population in response to unsanitary conditions, such as dirty dishes stacked next to the sink, juice spills on floors and counters, or the apple a toddler left behind the couch. When insects are in your home, you can also expect spiders to live with you.
• Reduce exterior insect attractants
  Light, open trash cans, and moisture are just a few conditions that attract insects. Consider what attracts pests to your yard and manage them to reduce food sources for house spiders.
• Remove any webs you find
  Removing webs disturbs spiders and makes them less interested in making webs in the exact locations. They don’t like having their hard work destroyed. Removing webs can also reduce the number of spiders, as a web can contain many spider eggs.

Addressing attractants and sealing entry points will help reduce pest populations and deter spiders from living in your home. If you want greater control, contact your Termio Pest Control service team to learn about our year-round pest control service plans.