What Are Common House Spiders to Look Out For in the US?
What Are Common House Spiders to Look Out For in the US?
There are many different bugs and insects that might try to share a home with you, but sooner or later you're going to encounter a spider. Spiders are one of the most intimidating bugs, to the point that nearly one-third of Americans have a fear or phobia of spiders.
Spiders shouldn't be an immediate cause for panic. Not only are most of them harmless, but spiders will feed off roaches, flies and other bugs common in American households. They're a natural predator that can help you keep your home pest-free!
However, some dangerous spiders can cause significant health issues if they bite you. While it's important to keep an eye out for these dangerous spiders, it can be difficult since in the United States, there are over 3,000 different types of spiders.
With our list, you can identify the most common and important American spiders. Learn from the pest experts here at MosquitoNix® and keep an eye out for these types of spiders:
Common Spiders That Like Daylight:
American House Spider
This is the most common spider in the United States and comprises about 230 different species of spiders. While they are the most common, they are also the most harmless. In general, these are the best spiders to leave alone since they pose no risk to humans, are only about the size of a nickel and will target other pests inside your home.
Jumping Spiders
These spiders are distinguished by their large front eyes and ability to jump as suggested by their name. Jumping spiders generally don't make webs but chase after bugs and other pests instead. Jumping spiders prefer to be outdoors and are most commonly found in the Eastern United States. While they will bite in self-defense, their bites only cause mild irritation. Leave these spiders alone if you find them outside, or toss them back outside if one happens to get inside your home.
Grass Spiders
Have you let your lawn grow out? Then you might have just made a home for grass spiders. Grass spiders love to hide in unmowed grass, especially during the spring and summer, and will also make a home in wooden foundations. While they can bite, their bite isn't irritating enough to lead to a medical emergency. Keeping your lawn cut will help keep these spiders away.
Common Spiders That Like Darkness:
Hobo Spiders
Hobo spiders look very similar to grass spiders, but their key difference is that their bite can be harmful. While their bite isn't fatal to most humans, it can be very irritating and lead to painful swelling that can last between 24 to 48 hours. Hobo spiders are most active in the fall, especially in the Northwest United States. They can't climb well, so double-check your shoes and clean your floor, especially your garage and basement.
Harvestmen/Daddy-Longlegs
One of the most infamous arachnids in America, you might be relieved to learn that their reputation has been greatly exaggerated. While daddy-longlegs do have venomous glands, their venom doesn't pose a threat to humans. They generally make their home in forestry areas and under wooden decks, so clean out around your house if you're dealing with these pests.
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders are close relatives to daddy-longlegs, but like them, they don't pose a threat to humans. They're generally only found in cellars, basements and other dark and damp underground spaces. Their fangs are too short to break skin, so unless you just hate having spiders around you don't need to worry about cellar spiders.
Common Dangerous Spiders:
Black Widow
This is the first spider on our list that can cause serious harm to humans. Black widows are one of the easiest to spot due to their dark bodies and red-hourglass-shaped markings. Black widows tend to lay their webs and nests on the ground and are very territorial. If you encounter one, avoid it as much as possible and try to eliminate it from a distance.
Their bite can cause intense pain, muscle stiffness and vomiting in humans. The good news is that while there are over 2,200 black widow bites per year, no one has died from a bite since 1983. If you've been bitten by a black widow, head to your local ER immediately for treatment.
Brown Recluse
Most commonly found in the Midwest and Southern United States, these spiders are dangerous because they like to nestle into shoes and clothing left on the ground. Once pressed against a person putting on their attire, they cause a necrotizing wound that is not only painful but can cause permanent tissue damage. See a doctor immediately if you've been bit, and make sure to shake your clothing and shoes before putting them on if you live in an area with brown recluse infestations.
How To Get Rid Of Spiders
Unlike other bugs and insects, spiders aren't as easily killed by chemical treatments and common pesticides. The best way to remove spiders, eggs and webs from your home is with physical force. This includes using brooms, vacuums, spider brushes and other tools to clear out and kill spiders.
Too nervous to clean out spiders yourself? Dealing with a large spider infestation or just can't figure out where a spider is making its nest? Then consider hiring a professional pest controller like MosquitoNix. We offer pest control services in over 500 different cities in the United States and across 9 different countries around the world.
When you hire our team, you can look forward to No More Pests. Period. Contact us today if you want to learn more about our pest control services, and we'll do our best to help you when you work with us at MosquitoNix.
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