House Spiders
Common, non-aggressive spiders that build webs in corners, basements, and other quiet indoor spaces. Generally not a health concern, though their webs are an unwelcome nuisance.
Spider Control & Prevention
Finding a spider indoors is unsettling enough — finding out where it came from is often the bigger concern. Here's what to know about identifying common household spiders, what draws them in, and how to keep them out.
Spider Quick Facts
Legs8
Body SectionsCephalothorax, abdomen
ClassificationArachnid, not an insect
ColorsBlack, brown, tan, patterned
Active SeasonYear-round; increased activity in fall
Common Hiding SpotsBasements, closets, wall voids, crawl spaces
Understanding Spiders
Understanding Spiders
Spiders are arachnids, not insects — a distinction that shows up in their anatomy. Instead of six legs and three body segments, spiders have eight legs and just two body segments: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Most species also have eight eyes, though vision plays a bigger role for some hunters than for others.
Spiders are natural predators, feeding primarily on insects like flies, mosquitoes, and ants. That's actually one reason spiders show up indoors in the first place — a spider following its food source into your home is often a sign there's an existing insect population nearby.
Key characteristics
Eight legs and two body segments (no antennae, no wings)
Typically eight eyes, arranged differently by species
Range widely in size, from tiny to several inches
Molt as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton
Prefer quiet, undisturbed areas — making early infestations easy to miss
How Spiders Get In & Why They Stay
Spiders are drawn indoors by two main things: shelter and food. A home with an existing insect population gives spiders a reliable food source, while cracks, gaps, and cluttered storage areas offer the undisturbed conditions they prefer for building webs and laying egg sacs.
Common attractants
- An existing population of flies, ants, or other insects
- High humidity or excess moisture in basements and crawl spaces
- Cluttered closets, garages, or storage boxes
- Firewood piles or outdoor furniture brought inside
- Small gaps around windows, foundations, and door thresholds
Signs of an infestation
- Frequent webs in corners, basements, or other quiet, undisturbed areas
- Small, white silk egg sacs attached to surfaces or tucked into crevices
- An uptick in spider sightings, especially at night when many species are most active
- A noticeable increase in other insects, which can attract and sustain spider activity
- Spiders appearing in previously untouched areas like attics, garages, or storage rooms
Because a single egg sac can hatch a large number of spiderlings at once, a minor sighting can turn into a noticeably larger presence in a short amount of time. A web here or there isn't unusual. Repeated webs, egg sacs, or regular sightings in the same areas typically point to an established population.
Common Types of Household Spiders
Wolf Spiders
Large, fast-moving hunters that don't spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they actively hunt on foot, which can bring them directly into living spaces.
Black Widow Spiders
Recognizable by a red hourglass marking on a shiny black body. Black widows are venomous and tend to stay hidden in quiet spots like woodpiles or garages; they are not aggressive unless threatened.
Brown Recluse Spiders
Known for a violin-shaped marking and reclusive habits, brown recluse spiders are venomous and typically found in dark, undisturbed areas.
Orb Weaver Spiders
Known for large, distinctive circular webs, often found outdoors around porches, eaves, and gardens.
Other spiders homeowners may encounter include cobweb spiders, funnel weaver spiders, ground spiders, and jumping spiders.
Because many spider species look similar and some require a more careful approach than others, accurate identification is an important first step in choosing the right treatment.
Good to Know
A Note on Venomous Spiders
Most household spiders are harmless and prefer to avoid contact with people. However, a small number of species — including black widow and brown recluse spiders — are venomous and warrant extra caution.
- Both species tend to stay hidden in quiet, undisturbed areas rather than seeking out contact.
- Bites are uncommon and typically occur only when a spider feels threatened or is accidentally pressed against skin.
- If you are bitten by a spider and are unsure of the species, or if you experience concerning symptoms, seek medical attention.
This information is educational only and is not medical advice.
Our Approach to Spider Control
Effective spider control starts with identifying which species are present and where they're most active, since treatment approaches can vary depending on the type of spider and the severity of activity.
Inspection
Checking hidden interior and exterior areas to identify nesting sites and confirm which species are present.
Web and egg sac removal
Clearing existing webs and egg sacs to interrupt breeding cycles.
Targeted treatment
Applying repellent dust or liquid barrier treatments to key harborage areas such as corners, eaves, garages, and entry points.
Monitoring
Using placement tools in high-traffic areas to track activity and confirm treatment effectiveness.
Exterior prevention
Sealing cracks, gaps, and entry points to help keep spiders from moving back indoors.
Prevention
Spider Prevention Tips
Simple habits that make a home less attractive to spiders:
Vacuum regularly, including corners, baseboards, and window sills
Remove webs and egg sacs as soon as they're noticed
Reduce clutter, and store boxes off the floor and sealed tightly
Keep firewood and outdoor debris away from the foundation
Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines
Address any existing insect activity, since spiders often follow their food source
Because spiders are drawn in by other pests, general pest prevention around the home also helps reduce the conditions that attract them in the first place.
FAQs
Most household spiders are harmless and prefer to avoid people entirely. A small number of species, such as black widows and brown recluses, are venomous and should be treated with extra caution, though bites are uncommon.
Spiders are primarily drawn indoors by an available food source — typically other insects — along with quiet, undisturbed areas for building webs. Moisture, clutter, and small entry points can also make a home more inviting.
No. While many spiders spin webs to catch prey, others — like wolf spiders — hunt on foot instead. Some species build tunnel-like burrows with a trap-door entrance rather than a traditional web.
Size, color, markings, and behavior all provide clues, but many species can look similar. A professional inspection offers the most reliable way to confirm which species is present, especially if venomous spiders are a concern.
DIY methods like vacuuming webs and reducing clutter can help temporarily, but they often don't reach hidden nesting sites in wall voids, attics, or crawl spaces. Professional treatment is typically more effective for lasting results.
Spiders can return if entry points and food sources aren't addressed, particularly if other insects remain present. Ongoing prevention and periodic treatment help maintain long-term protection.
Pest we treat
One barrier, dozens of pests handled
From tunneling and crawling to flying and squeezing through gaps you never noticed, we've seen it and kept it out. Explore how we handle each:
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Don't Let Spiders Settle In
A web in the corner or a spider in the basement is often a sign of something more. Reach out for an inspection and a treatment plan built around your home.
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