The common house spider is ubiquitous in homes and offices throughout the U.S. Because of the many webs that it spins, this species is considered a nuisance. However, it also is worth noting that some people do have a severe allergic reaction after being bitten by a common house spider.
One of the reasons why common house spiders are such a widespread problem is their ability for massive reproduction. The female is capable of laying 250 eggs at once that are enclosed in a silken sac. With the potential for having more than one egg sac in a web and an average of just seven to ten days for those eggs to hatch, it is easy to see how an infestation can get out of hand.
An explosion in the population of common house spiders may indicate that there are other, potentially more destructive, pests on the property. Accordingly, it is wise for homeowners who see a large increase in the number of common house spiders on their property to contact a licensed pest control professional without delay.
WHAT THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER LOOKS LIKE
Like other spiders, common house spiders are arachnids with eight legs and no antennae. Females reach a maximum length of between five and eight millimeters. Males typically range from 3.8 millimeters to 4.7 millimeters. The genders also are distinguished by the shape of their abdomens. Females have a spherical abdomen while the male's abdomen is more elongated.
Common house spiders have an off-white colored abdomen that is adorned with several chevron stripes. Other characteristics include having eight eyes and serrated bristles on the final tarsal segment of the fourth pair of legs.
WHERE DOES THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER LIVE?
The common house spider is regularly spotted in homes, businesses, and outdoor areas. They prefer dark locations, but will spin webs in practically any location. Once a web is removed, a spider may spin a web in the same spot within a few days. Likewise, one spider will spin multiple webs throughout a structure.
WHAT DO COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS EAT?
The diet of the common house spider is primarily made of insects. House flies, moths, and other flying insects are commonly caught and kept in webs. The common house spider will also gladly feast on other spiders. This is particularly true after mating, when the female may choose to consume the male. Common house spiders may sometimes eat rodents, small reptiles, or scorpions if they are available.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS
This particular species of arachnid is not known as a destructive pest. However, even a single common house spider is capable of spinning many webs before finding a location that yields enough food. Abandoned webs remain in place, collecting dust, which makes their presence impossible to ignore. People often become frustrated by the constant need to clear away these webs.
It also is worth mentioning that some people harbor a deep and visceral fear of spiders. They do not appreciate sharing their living space with eight-legged invaders, and this can make it difficult for them to sleep or even relax until the problem is addressed.
WHERE DO COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS LIVE?
Common house spiders experiment with web placement until they find a spot that yields prey. This means that a spider will build a web, wait to see whether or not it traps any insects or arachnids and then move to another spot if no prey is captured.
Of course, common house spiders do not clean up after themselves, so it is likely that in a home where an infestation is underway, webs will be clinging to many corners, light fixtures and surfaces.
When common house spiders find their way inside homes and offices, they are most likely to build webs in the upper corners of rooms or beneath furniture. Closets, crawl spaces, basements and the upper corners of window frames all are likely places to find spider webs.
ARE COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS AGGRESSIVE?
Generally, this species prefers to avoid encounters with people. If a spider feels threatened by a person, they will bite. These bites can be quite irritating, particularly to people with a sensitivity.
DO COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS CARRY DISEASE?
While it is possible for spiders to bite a person and spread a bacterial infection, such cases are rare. Nonetheless, common house spiders do have venom in their fangs. Though only a small amount of venom is transmitted from the spider's fangs to a bite victim, this can cause a severe reaction in a small number of people.
Most people may develop a small red bump after a spider bite. Others with a sensitivity to spider venom may see symptoms such as a rash and hives. It may be advisable to seek medical attention if these symptoms arise after a probable spider bite.
HOW TO DETECT THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER
Based on these signs, it may be necessary to schedule an inspection by an exterminator:
• Several webs found around and inside the house • Seeing spiders in the corners of room, windows and door frames • The presence of other arachnids and insects on the property
HOW TO PREVENT COMMON HOUSE SPIDERS
It may be less likely for common house spiders to move in when these precautions are taken:
• Clear clutter from all around the house • Frequently dust and vacuum rooms, even those that are infrequently used • Keep windows and doors closed • Make certain that all open windows and doors are protected by screens • Do not allow tree limbs and plants to touch building exteriors • Routinely knock down spider webs found indoors and out • Pressure wash building exteriors at least once or twice each year • Schedule regular pest inspections and treatments to limit the food supply for spiders
HOW TO TREAT FOR THE COMMON HOUSE SPIDER
Proper spider treatment involves the detection and elimination of all webs. If this is not done, spiders are likely to re-infest the structure. Generally, spider infestations should be treated by a pest control professional with the equipment and experience to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc., we do not take your spider problems lightly. That is why we use a multifaceted process including the treatment of wall voids, attics, and cracks and crevices throughout the premise with gels, dusts, and other specialized products.
