There are thousands of spider species in the United States, and the vast majority are harmless to humans and pets. In fact, spiders play an important role in controlling other insect populations.
That said — most homeowners don’t want spiders living inside their homes.
Spiders prefer undisturbed, dark areas and often go unnoticed until webs begin to appear in corners, ceilings, basements, or garages. While most species are not dangerous, a few medically significant spiders do exist in certain regions.
At Avista Pest Control, we help you identify the species, reduce conducive conditions, and eliminate unwanted spider activity.
Common Household Spiders
Most spiders found indoors are nuisance species, including:
- Orb weavers
- Jumping spiders
- Wolf spiders
- Cellar spiders
- Common house spiders
These spiders are not aggressive and typically bite only if directly handled or threatened.
In the United States, the two spiders considered medically significant are:
- Brown recluse
- Black widow
Even these species are not aggressive and bite only when disturbed.
What Attracts Spider?
Spiders enter homes for two primary reasons: food and shelter.
Because spiders feed on insects, any home with other pest activity may also attract spiders.
Common attractants include:
- Insect populations (flies, ants, moths, etc.)
- Exterior lighting that draws insects near entry points
- Cluttered storage areas
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Firewood stacked against the home
- Gaps around doors, windows, and foundations
- Moisture and humidity
If insects are present, spiders will follow.
Spider Habitat
Spiders prefer quiet, undisturbed areas such as:
- Basements
- Attics
- Closets
- Behind furniture
- Garages
- Storage boxes
- Woodpiles
Some species build webs to capture prey, while others actively hunt without webs.
Active webs indicate current spider activity. Cobwebs are abandoned webs left behind after a spider relocates.
How to Identify a Harmful Spider
Most spiders in homes pose no medical risk. However, it’s helpful to recognize the two species of concern.
Brown Recluse
The brown recluse is most common in the Midwest and parts of the Southeast.
Characteristics:
- Light to dark brown coloring
- Distinct violin-shaped marking on the back
- Prefers dry, dark, undisturbed spaces
Brown recluse bites are uncommon and usually occur when the spider is pressed against the skin (for example, inside clothing or bedding). Symptoms may develop hours later and can include localized pain and, in rare cases, tissue damage.
Black Widow
Black widows are more commonly found in southern and western regions of the U.S.
Characteristics:
- Shiny black body
- Red or orange hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen
- Prefers woodpiles, sheds, garages, and cluttered areas
Black widow bites are rare but can cause muscle pain, cramping, and discomfort. They are not typically life-threatening but may require medical evaluation.
How to Get Rid of Spiders in Your Home
The most effective way to control spiders is to eliminate their food source — other insects.
Prevention strategies include:
- Sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows
- Reducing exterior lighting that attracts insects near entry points
- Keeping storage areas organized and clutter-free
- Storing firewood away from the structure
- Vacuuming webs regularly
- Addressing underlying pest issues
Spiders are typically secondary pests. When insect populations decrease, spider activity usually declines as well.
Professional Spider Control
If you’re seeing frequent spider activity, large webs, or suspect the presence of brown recluse or black widow spiders, professional identification is recommended.
At Avista Pest Control, we:
- Identify spider species
- Treat active harborages
- Reduce insect populations that attract spiders
- Provide exclusion recommendations to prevent re-entry
Whether you’re dealing with nuisance spiders or a species of concern, we can help restore comfort and confidence inside your home.
Contact Avista Pest Control today to schedule a professional inspection.
Proactive. Professional. Peace of Mind.