The American house spider is one of the most common types found inside homes. These spiders build large, irregular webs in dark corners of the house, such as attics, under furniture, or around windows. Their bodies are typically light brown or gray, with distinctive markings on their backs.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Cleaning the Webs: Vacuum the corners of your house, especially in dark, forgotten places, to remove webs and prevent the spiders from settling in.
- Use a Natural Repellent: Spiders dislike strong scents. A mixture of peppermint or lavender essential oil in water can be sprayed around affected areas.
2. Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)
The black widow spider is well-known for its potent venom and distinctive appearance. It has a shiny black body with a red hourglass-shaped mark on its abdomen. Though rarely aggressive, it can be found in dark, secluded places, such as basements, garages, and sheds.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Avoid Dark Spaces: Be cautious when handling items stored in dark spaces. Wear gloves to protect yourself from bites.
- Call a Professional: If you suspect the presence of black widows, it’s best to call a pest control professional, especially if you find a nest.
3. Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
The brown recluse spider is another venomous species that often goes unnoticed due to its brown color, which helps it blend into its surroundings. They prefer dry, dark areas such as attics, basements, or behind furniture. While bites are rare, they can cause serious reactions due to their venom.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Declutter and Clean: Avoid cluttered spaces where brown recluses can hide. Regularly vacuum to remove webs and eggs.
- Use Repellents: Mix peppermint oil with water and spray it into dark spaces where brown recluses might be hiding.
4. Cellar Spider (Tegenaria domestica)
The cellar spider is commonly found in damp and dark places like basements and crawl spaces. These spiders are typically long-legged and create irregular webs. They are harmless but can be alarming due to their appearance and large webs.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Clean and Declutter: Wipe down areas in basements or crawl spaces where spiders are likely to reside. Remove any cobwebs and vacuum the space regularly.
- Use Light: Cellar spiders prefer dark areas, so keeping spaces well-lit can discourage them from settling in.
5. Jumping Spider (Salticidae)
Jumping spiders are small but bold. Unlike other spiders, they do not spin webs to catch prey; instead, they actively hunt. They are often seen hopping around corners of rooms, on curtains, or carpets. These spiders can be easily identified by their large eyes.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Capture and Release: If you spot a jumping spider, capture it gently in a glass and release it outside.
- Use Castile Soap: Mix liquid Castile soap with water in a spray bottle and spray directly on the spider to kill it without harming your interior.
6. House Spider (Tegenaria gigantea)
The house spider is similar to the cellar spider and is commonly found in dark areas of the home, such as attics, basements, or behind furniture. It creates large, irregular webs and can grow to a considerable size. Although it is harmless, its large web and size can make it startling.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Avoid Hiding Places: Keep attics and basements organized and remove any clutter where spiders may find shelter.
- Use Traps: Sticky traps can be set in areas where you notice spider activity to catch them.
7. Garden Spider (Araneidae)
Garden spiders are large spiders commonly found outdoors, in gardens or balconies, but they may occasionally make their way indoors, especially during cooler months. They are known for their circular webs, which can be quite large and ornate.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Close Windows and Doors: Ensure that windows and doors are tightly sealed to prevent garden spiders from entering the house.
- Move Plants Away: Avoid placing plants near open windows, as they can attract garden spiders into your home.
8. Cross Orb-Weaver Spider (Araneus diadematus)
Cross orb-weaver spiders are known for their circular webs and distinctive markings on their abdomens, resembling a cross. These spiders are often found in gardens or around the exterior of houses. Occasionally, they may make their way indoors.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Outdoor Control: If you find one outside, it’s best to move the spider away from your property by gently relocating it with a glass and paper.
- Seal Cracks: Check for any cracks or openings around windows and doors where spiders may enter.
9. Crab Spider (Thomisidae)
Crab spiders are small, flat spiders often found on flowers or houseplants. They are stealth hunters and wait for prey to pass by, using their ability to move sideways like a crab. Their small size and fast movements can make them harder to spot.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Use Spider Traps: Place sticky traps near plants or windows where crab spiders are commonly found.
- Garden Maintenance: If they are in your houseplants, remove any affected plants and replace the soil to eliminate potential hiding spots.
10. House Tarantula (Aphonopelma)
While house tarantulas are rare, they are occasionally found in homes, particularly in warmer climates. They are large and may cause panic due to their size. They prefer dark and warm areas and are less aggressive but should still be avoided.
How to Get Rid of It:
- Seal Entrances: Ensure that your windows and doors are tightly sealed to prevent tarantulas from entering.
- Don’t Kill It: If you find one, it’s best to capture it in a container and release it outside rather than killing it.
In conclusion, while most house spiders are harmless, it’s essential to understand their behaviors and take preventive measures to keep them from invading your living space. Whether you choose natural methods, traps, or professional help, these techniques will allow you to maintain a spider-free home.
