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House Spider Facts
Family Theridiidae
CHARACTERISTICS
Size:
The body ranges up to 3/8-inch in length, with a spherical abdomen.
Color:
Typically brown or tan with various markings.
“House” spiders are those web-building spiders common in the corners and garages of most Homes, which is why they are also known as “cobweb spiders.”
Behavior:
House spiders are responsible for most of the cobwebs seen inside buildings. Cobwebs are actually old webs that have collected dirt such that they become easily visible. The spiderlings float, or “balloon,” on tiny strands of silk onto buildings from wooded areas or fields. Once on the building they construct webs outside or crawl inside to find a suitable web site. Flying insects make up most of their diet, so these spiders are most common around windows and doorways.
Habitat:
Any corner inside or outside is suitable for house spiders to construct their webs. These spiders are more common in garages, crawl spaces and basements as these areas are less disturbed and tend to harbor more insects.
Tips for Control
- Regular removal of spider webs is the best way to limit these spiders.
- Sealing up cracks around windows and doors helps prevent their entry.
- Switch exterior lights to the yellow “bug” light bulbs which attract fewer flying insects on which spiders feed.
- Treatments to exterior spider nesting sites can help reduce the numbers of spiders when combined with an overall pest management program.