Common Spiders Found in Your Home
Spiders are not insects; they are arachnids. They come in various shapes and sizes, but each will have eight legs, two body segments, and no wings or antennae. Some common types of spiders include:
- Common House Spider
- Cellar Spider / Daddy Long Leg
- Wolf Spider
- Jumping Spider
- Black Widow Spider
- Brown Recluse Spider
House spiders are often yellowish-brown in color with a bulbous abdomen and varying markings. They are commonly found in garages, sheds, and closets. House spiders are nuisance pests and pose relatively little threat to humans, but they may bite when threatened.
Cellar spiders, commonly known as daddy longlegs or harvestmen, are pale yellow to light brown spiders with long, skinny legs and a small body. They are typically found in basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces. Cellar spiders are harmless and pose no threats to humans.
Wolf spiders are large, hairy spiders with dark brown coloring and lighter markings on their body and legs. Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders do not spin webs. Instead, they hunt down their prey using their fast-running ability. While wolf spiders can bite, it is extremely rare unless they are provoked or handled.
Jumping spiders are fast-moving spiders capable of jumping 25 times their own size. They usually have earth-tone colorations and are covered with dense hairs. These spiders frequently hunt inside structures around windows and doors. Jumping spiders may bite in defense, but their bite is not poisonous.
Black widows are black and shiny with a telltale red hourglass shape on the underside of their abdomen. They are very rarely found in Wisconsin. Black widows prefer dry and dark places, such as underneath decks or in firewood piles. These spiders are venomous and will bite in defense, especially when guarding eggs. Symptoms of a black widow bite include fever, increased blood pressure, sweating, and nausea. Fatalities are unlikely as long as proper medical treatment is sought in a timely manner.
The brown recluse spider is light to dark brown and has a characteristic dark brown violin marking on its back. These spiders are very rarely found in Wisconsin. They often live outdoors in debris and woodpiles. Similar to the black widow spider, the brown recluse spider bites in defense. Bites are usually not felt at first but can produce a stinging sensation followed by intense pain. Common symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include restlessness, fever, and difficulty sleeping. In serious cases, a bite can lead to an open, ulcerating sore that requires medical treatment.
What are the Signs of a Spider Infestation?
Spider infestations are quite common in Wisconsin, particularly during the winter. As the temperature drops, spiders seek shelter in warm, dark places, such as basements, HVAC ductwork, attics, bathrooms, and closets. They can enter homes through tears in window screens, poor weatherstripping under doors, and cracks in the foundation. While a few spiderwebs are common in most homes, seeing webs in every nook and cranny may indicate a more widespread issue. The presence of egg sacs in webs and crevices suggests that spiders are reproducing.
Professional Spider Control in Milwaukee, WI
Get rid of spiders with our professional pest control services! Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers spider control and extermination in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our certified pest exterminators provide reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate spiders from your home and business. Our seasonal spider treatments in fall and spring will ensure your property remains pest-free throughout the year!
How Can I Prevent Spiders?
The following prevention tips will help deter spiders from your property.
- Repair or replace torn window or door screens.
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes.
- Place weather stripping around windows and doors.
Are Spiders Dangerous?
Spiders are not fun pests to encounter. Some homeowners may have arachnophobia, an extreme fear of spiders, and their abandoned spiderwebs can be a nuisance for most homeowners. However, common house spiders are harmless and even beneficial because they eat other insects. While they can bite, house spider bites are rare and not fatal. Although most spiders pose little risk to people, some species are venomous. In Wisconsin, the brown recluse and northern widow spiders are the only two spiders considered to be poisonous. Both are secretive, non-aggressive spiders that are very rarely found in Wisconsin.
Spider FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What do spiders eat?
Spiders eat ants, flies, mosquitoes, wasps, beetles, moths, roaches, and other spiders. Some large spiders even eat birds, frogs, and lizards.
Are spiders insects?
Spiders are not insects; they are arachnids. While both are invertebrates with an exoskeleton, they have very different characteristics. Insects have six legs, two compound eyes, antennae, and normally have four wings. Spiders have eight legs, eight eyes, and no antennae or wings. Insects also have three distinct body parts compared to a spider's two.
Do spiders have a season?
Spiders can live inside our homes all year round, spending most of their time hidden from sight. Homeowners may notice an increase in spider activity during the fall and spring as these arachnids begin to venture indoors for the winter or during their mating cycles.
Are all spiders in my home dangerous?
Not all spiders in your home pose a threat. The majority of household spiders are harmless and even beneficial, helping control other pests. Some venomous spiders, like the black widow or brown recluse, can deliver harmful bites. If you're uncertain about a spider's identity, it's wise to avoid handling it and contact our pest control professionals.
Can spiders crawl into my bed at night?
Spiders may crawl into beds, but they generally prefer to stay in undisturbed areas. To minimize the risk, keep your bed away from walls, remove clutter, and regularly clean around your bed.
How many eggs do spiders lay?
The average female spider's egg sac holds about 100 eggs, but some spider species can produce sacs that hold 2,000 eggs.