Spiders, often perceived as creepy crawlers, are more common housemates than we may realize.
While many of us may shudder at the thought of sharing our living spaces with these eight-legged creatures, most spiders are harmless and even beneficial, helping to keep insect populations in check.
It’s not surprising that a variety of spider species have found their way into our homes.
1. American House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
These spiders are often found in messy webs in corners, under furniture, or in garages and sheds. They have a round abdomen, usually brown or gray with darker markings.
While their webs may seem unsightly, American house spiders are generally harmless and even beneficial as they prey on insects. They are not aggressive and bites are rare, causing only mild local irritation if they do occur.
2. Wolf Spider (Lycosidae)
Wolf spiders are robust and hairy, often with dark brown or gray coloration. They are active hunters, chasing down prey rather than building webs.
Although their appearance can be intimidating, wolf spiders are not particularly aggressive and bites are usually no more severe than a bee sting.
3. Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)
The female black widow is well-known for its shiny black body and a red hourglass marking on the underside of its abdomen. Males are smaller and less conspicuous.
Black widow spiders are venomous and their bites can cause serious health problems. However, they are not aggressive and typically only bite when threatened or disturbed. It’s important to exercise caution around them, especially in areas where they are known to inhabit.
4. Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
The brown recluse is light to medium brown, with a distinctive violin-shaped marking on its back. They often hide in dark, secluded places like closets, under furniture, or in woodpiles.
Brown recluse spiders are venomous and their bites can cause significant tissue damage. It’s important to seek medical attention if bitten. While they are not aggressive, they may bite if they feel threatened or trapped.
5. Grass Spider (Agelenopsis spp.)
Grass spiders are brown or gray, with darker stripes running along their bodies. They build funnel-shaped webs in grassy areas or under logs and rocks.
Grass spiders are generally harmless to humans. While they may bite if provoked, their venom is not considered to be medically significant. They help to control insect populations in their habitat.
6. Hobo Spiders (Eratigena agrestis)
Medium-sized brown spiders with a chevron pattern on their abdomen. They build funnel-shaped webs in dark corners or crevices.
While they’ve had a reputation for having dangerous bites, recent studies suggest their venom is not as harmful as once thought. However, their bite can still cause localized pain and swelling. They are generally not aggressive and bites are rare, typically occurring when they feel trapped or threatened.
7. Jumping Spiders (Salticidae)
Small, compact spiders with excellent vision. They are active hunters that pounce on prey rather than building webs.
Jumping spiders are fascinating to watch due to their agility and hunting prowess. They are generally harmless to humans and their bites, though rare, usually cause only mild irritation.
8. Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae)
Delicate spiders with long, thin legs and a small body. They build messy, tangled webs in dark corners and basements.
Cellar spiders are often called “daddy longlegs” but are distinct from the arachnids that commonly go by that name. They are harmless and beneficial predators of insects, including other spiders.
9. Orb Weaver Spiders (Araneidae)
Orb weavers are a large family of spiders known for their intricate, circular webs. They come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Orb weavers are vital to the ecosystem, helping control insect populations. While they may bite if threatened, their venom is generally not a concern for humans. Their webs can be an annoyance, but they are also beautiful and fascinating structures.
10. Jorō Spiders (Trichonephila clavata)
Large, colorful spiders with a striking yellow and black pattern. They build large, three-dimensional webs.
Jorō spiders are native to East Asia but have been introduced to the southeastern United States. They are not aggressive and their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. Their large webs can be a nuisance, but they are also interesting creatures that help control insect populations.
Learning to identify these spiders and understanding their behavior can help us coexist peacefully with them. If you encounter a spider you’re unsure about, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid handling it directly.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.