Spiders are a common sight in homes, and while most are harmless, their presence can cause discomfort or concern for homeowners. Understanding how to identify common house spiders and taking steps to control them can help maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.

Common House Spiders

  • American House Spider: Small and brown, often found in corners, basements, and closets. They build messy cobwebs and are generally harmless.
  • Wolf Spider: Larger, hairy spiders that are often seen on floors rather than in webs. While their bite can be painful, it is rarely dangerous.
  • Cellar Spider (Daddy Longlegs): Recognizable by their extremely long legs, these spiders build loose, irregular webs in dark, damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
  • Cobweb Spider: Often confused with the American house spider, these spiders build tangled, irregular webs in undisturbed areas of the home.

How to Control Spiders?

1. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Spiders are attracted to cluttered, undisturbed areas where they can build webs and hide. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and decluttering reduce hiding spots and discourage spider activity.

2. Seal Entry Points

Inspect doors, windows, and cracks in walls or foundations for gaps that may allow spiders to enter. Using caulk or weatherstripping helps prevent spiders from gaining access to your home.

3. Reduce Outdoor Attractants

Spiders often enter homes from the yard. Keep vegetation, woodpiles, and mulch away from the foundation, and ensure exterior lighting is minimized, as lights attract insects that serve as spider prey.

4. Use Natural Repellents

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree can help repel spiders. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply around baseboards, window sills, and entry points.

5. Call Professional Pest Control

For severe infestations or persistent spider problems, professional pest control services can provide targeted treatments and advice to keep your home spider-free. They can identify specific species and apply safe, effective control methods that reduce risk to your family and pets.

Final Thoughts

Identifying common house spiders and understanding their behavior is the first step in maintaining a safe, comfortable home. By combining cleanliness, preventive measures, natural repellents, and professional assistance when needed, homeowners can effectively manage spider populations and reduce the likelihood of infestations.

This post was written by a professional at Commando Pest Control & Trappers, serving the Central Florida area with reliable and affordable wildlife services & #1 Rodent Pest Control Orlando. Locally owned and operated, the team provides expert solutions for ants, armadillos, bees, fleas, mice, opossums, rats, rodents, silverfish, snakes, spiders, squirrels, wasps, yellow jackets, and more. Bilingual (Spanish) and committed to the community, Commando Pest Control & Trappers delivers trusted, top-quality service at a price you can afford.