Facts About American House Spiders
The American spider, also known as the common house spider, is actually found all over the world, not just in the United States. Also, as its nickname suggests, these spiders are often found in homes, garages, sheds, and even in furniture. These spiders, as residents of homes all over the world, generally live in peace with humans unless they feel threatened.
American House Spider Bites
While American house spiders are not known to be dangerous to humans, they can still bite.
The most severe bite from one of these spiders may feel similar to a bee sting. Redness and some swelling may occur, but the symptoms should subside on their own. To reduce these, apply a cold pack.
If more severe symptoms like dizziness or nausea occur, immediately seek medical attention.
Life Cycle & Habitat
American house spiders are found during every season and will mate at any time.
Females produce brown egg sacs that measure between six to nine millimeters in diameter. They will deposit at least 12 of these sacs during their lifetimes. Each sac can contain up to 380 eggs.
This arachnid prefers dark, moist environments. They can be found in basements, crawlspaces, and attics.
You’ll notice that these spiders weave messy, billowy cobwebs that are imitated by Halloween decorations. These webs are what the spiders use to entrap their live prey, usually insects. The spider will then bite its unwitting victim and inject venom, making it easier to digest.
Types of American Spiders
American House Spider Identification
Female spiders of this species range in size from 3/16 to 5/16 of an inch and vary in color from dirty white to brown. Their legs are often yellow with dark rings.
Males are smaller, measuring 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch. American house spiders will have dark markings on their abdomens. Females have yellow legs while males have orange, both have dark bands on the legs.
American House Spiders in the House & the Garden
This spider randomly chooses a place to build its web. If that location isn’t ideal for capturing insect prey, the spider will abandon its web to build a new one somewhere else.
You will often find these spiders and their webs in the upper corners of rooms, in the corners of window frames, under furniture, basements, crawl spaces, garages, sheds, and closets.
Outside of the house, these spiders prefer to build their webs near windows or beneath the eaves.
The following tips can be used to get rid of these spiders in your house. Start by thoroughly cleaning any infested areas. Anything that is not often moved, such as storage bins, should be checked for spiders, eggs, and webbing. Vacuum and clean these areas with soap and water. Try to remove any hiding spots so spiders are discouraged from coming back. Contact a pest management professional if the problem continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are American House Spiders Poisonous?
These spiders do carry venom, but rarely inject it into a human when they bite. A bite with venom will result in nothing more than an itchy bump.
It is also possible to get rid of black widow spiders with insecticide. There are some products that are available to the public, while others can be used only by licensed professionals.
What are the Benefits of Professional American House Spider Pest Control?
A pest management professional has the education, equipment, and skills necessary to effectively address a spider infestation.
Finding and treating for American house spiders can be challenging, especially if they are spread throughout the home.
A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the American house spider infestation.
