Although spiders play an important role in our ecosystem, most homeowners prefer to keep their spaces clear of these pests. Discouraging common spider invaders from entering your house starts with understanding both their food source and habits. If you are a homeowner, you have probably encountered at least one of the the spiders listed below.
Wolf Spiders
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Color: Brown with pale stripes or markings
Size: 3/8 – 1 3/8 inches (female) 1/4 – 3/4 inches (male)
As active night hunters, wolf spiders typically hide during the day. When they hunt, they move quickly, catching the attention of homeowners. Since they are drawn to homes by insects, they rarely bite humans.
Prevention Tips
To stop wolf spiders from entering your home, use screens on doors and windows. Also, seal any cracks on the outside of your home.
Common House Spiders
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Color: Yellowish brown with a white abdomen and dark stripes
Size: 3/16 – 5/16 inches (female) 1/8 – 3/16 inches (male)
Homeowners frequently find common house spiders and their many tangled webs. In fact, common house spiders move around a space building new webs to seek more prey. If a home is dry and lacks insects, they may be found in windows, exterior lights or outdoor structures. These spiders are not dangerous for humans.
Prevention Tips
Invasions of common house spiders can be mitigated by sealing cracks on the exterior of the home, in addition to using screens on doors and windows. A vacuum can help remove adults, egg sacs and webs.
Jumping Spiders
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Color: Black with pale markings
Size: 1/8 – 3/4 inches
Because they like sunshine and move during the day, jumping spiders are often seen by homeowners. Their web retreats are woven and saclike. Because their webs are used for hiding, They may be found under furniture, in drapery or in cracks. Their bite cannot hurt humans.
Prevention Tips
Removing outdoor harborages discourages jumping spiders from residing near a home. Also, screened doors and windows prevent them from entering. To remove jumping spiders, use a vacuum.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Region: Found in the Central Midwest and South of the U.S.
Color: Tan or dark brown
Size: 1/4 – 1/2 inches
Drawn to homes by insects, brown recluse spiders can be found in quiet areas such as clothing storage, under furniture, inside boxes or in crevices. Attics, closets, basements, utility boxes and woodpiles provide their ideal habitat. A brown recluse spider bite is dangerous to humans and requires prompt medical treatment.
Prevention Tips
Using mindful storage solutions, such as sealed containers, can discourage brown recluse spiders. Also, homeowners should use care in accessing storage areas to prevent a bite.
Black Widow Spiders
Region: Found throughout the U.S.
Color: Black with a red hourglass marking on back
Size: 1 1/2 – 1 3/8 inches
Preferring undisturbed storage areas, black widow spiders eat small insects. Typically, homeowners encounter them in basements, garages, firewood piles, in outdoor structures or under decks. A black widow bite is dangerous for humans and requires immediate medical attention.
Prevention Tips
When accessing a storage space, wear gloves and shoes to prevent a bite. Also, store firewood five feet off the ground and at least twenty feet from your house to discourage black widow spiders.
Common Spider Invaders
Preventing common spider invaders starts with an understanding of what draws them to your home. Most spiders will move to a new habitat when a home does not supply the necessary food source and environment. Over time, homeowners can discourage these common spiders through small changes like filling cracks, adding screens and sealing storage spaces. Also, if you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free inspection.
