With over 4,000 known species of spiders in the US, only a handful are common in home infestations. In this article, we’re going to go over some of these species and what you can expect from them when they enter the home.
The American house spider
The American house spider has a small body, with long, skinny legs, ranging in size from .16 to .24 of an inch. In terms of coloration, it has a yellowish-brown hue with some grey mixed in, and its elongated abdomen is also spotted. As the name suggests, this spider lives close to humans, and in the home, it is usually found in basements, under furniture, near the window frames, in high corners and in closets. It prefers dark, moist areas, where it will build webs which have the classic Halloween look. Its diet mainly consists of wasps, ants, mosquitoes and flies. It is not very aggressive, and its bite is mildly painful.
The wolf spider
The wolf spider refers to several different spider species that range in size from .4 to 1.38 inches, have hairy bodies, are usually brown, black or gray in coloration, and which do not weave webs. Instead, these spiders hunt down their prey directly. They also resemble smaller versions of tarantulas. They are not aggressive, but their bite can be painful.
The black widow spider
The black widow is a famous spider species, known for its black coloration and red hourglass markings on its abdomen. These spiders are very small, usually about .4 inches in length, and they have a very dangerous bite, which can land people in the hospital. However, they are very shy, and would rather avoid a confrontation with humans rather than go for a bite.
The brown recluse spider
The brown recluse is another dangerous spider species, and it can be identified by the violin-shaped marking on its abdomen. It is a small spider, reaching up to half an inch in length, with a dark-brown coloration and fine hairs on its body. Thankfully, it is notoriously shy like the black widow, and will only bite when its life is threatened.
If you notice spiders in your home, you might be dealing with a harmless species, or a species that can deliver a very painful bite, so you have to be careful before you try to remove them. If you need any help, we can help you out. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
