House Spider

Category:

Actual Size: 1″ length, 2″ leg span

Characteristics: Gray to dark brown in color with two dark stripes down the head and thorax.

Legs: 8

Habitat: Tends to stay in low-traffic areas of the garden or man-made structures such as sheds.

Habits:

  • Are the most common spider in North America.
  • Can live up to seven years.
  • Abandons webs if they do not yield prey.


House Spiders in Memphis TN Metro Area

The domestic or common house spider holds the title of being the most frequently encountered spider in North America. It is predominantly found indoors, making it more of a nuisance due to its webs rather than the spider itself. The house spider’s web, often referred to as a cobweb, consists of numerous intersecting strands of adhesive silk. These cobwebs are commonly observed in room corners and ceilings. The house spider is highly proficient at trapping unsuspecting insects that mistakenly walk or fly into its sticky web. If their webs fail to capture prey, the spiders abandon them and select new locations to build anew.

House Spider Habitat

Common house spiders thrive in serene, undisturbed environments where there is ample moisture and a food supply. They are often discovered in gardens, backyards, basements, attics, barns, sheds, and various other human-made structures. Given uninterrupted conditions, female house spiders can inhabit the same web for up to seven years, particularly in locations such as attics, basements, and garages. In outdoor settings, the spiders perish in cold temperatures, and males typically have a lifespan of less than a year.

House Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Domestic house spiders are known for their swift movements, non-aggressive nature, and tendency to withdraw when confronted. If cornered without an avenue for escape, house spiders may resort to biting, although instances of documented bites from domestic spiders are exceedingly rare. If bitten, symptoms may include mild pain, swelling, and itching. House spiders do not cause any harm to property and, in fact, offer benefits by consuming other pests that can potentially cause damage, including termites, carpenter ants, moths, and stink bugs.

If you are dealing with a common house spider problem, always contact your local spider exterminators.